Thursday, March 18, 2010

fugly buttons re-done


I bought this jacket 2 yrs ago and have only worn it once.
I hate the brown fake wood buttons.
(I'm hoping I haven't insulted anyone that might have the very same jacket!)



so what do do?
alter the buttons of course!





(click on image to enlarge)

I used old book text first;
applied a thin layer of gesso;
then decoupage medium and a flower patterned paper napkin;
then cut out words edged with gesso;
then more more gesso along the edge of the buttons;
then more decoupage medium.

Only problem is I don't think they're washable.
I suppose I could have dipped the buttons in a polyurethane as a final coat.
In the meantime I will try not to spill anything on this Bright White jacket (ha!)

If you have the same jacket as me - are you going to fix those buttons too?
(giggle)

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hahaha! :) That's fantastic.
A coat of resin, available at Michaels Craft Stores would make it high gloss and permanent. (but don't know if that's washable either. I'd make a charm bracelet out of all those neat buttons you made. :)

BadPenny said...

these are great Kimmie makes all the difference.
I've been scrolling back over posts & comments - thank you so much for yours - they mean a lot to me xx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Now this is what I call CLEVER!! What a super altered art and recycling project rolled into one.

heather noye said...

Beautiful!!! and what a great idea! I've had clothing items like that, which i get and then decide i'm not digging the buttons. Next time i'll take your lead and alter them :)

Terri Kahrs said...

You are SO clever, Kimmie! What a GRrrr-eat idea! Those yummy buttons make all the difference in the world, and they make an awesome artistic statement too. Thanks for the idea - I've got a black sweater with two large buttons, and I've hated them because they're so boring! Hugs, Terri xoxo

S. Etole said...

conversational buttons ... what a great idea ...

ooglebloops said...

Beautiful buttons!!! I guess you'll be taking them off and re-sewing them each time you wash!!! :>)

ELK said...

wow this is an incredible re do kimmie

Carola Zajdman said...

This is so wonderful, great idea !!!! love them all !!

*jean* said...

ooo you are brilliant!!! i bet you could coat these with outdoor, water proof modge podge or ice resin...both are waterproof...i bet martha stewart would know...anyway....love this idea miss kimmie!!!

Rosie said...

Oh what a CLEVER idea! You've definitely inspired me to alter some buttons now.

PS I love Garrison Keillor too - I can always hear that flat voice of his when I'm reading ....

ale said...

dear kimmie!!!! yes l will do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!lovely adorable idea!!!!!!!!!you are ...one word...GENIA!!!!!! kimmie have a beautifull weekend full of calm and love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!muchisimos besos!!!

~*~Patty Szymkowicz said...

you had me at "fugly" *ggg* that word always makes me laugh

brilliant approach and altering of those wooden buttons dear Kimmie!

I'm with you, if it holds still
Alter It!
Happy Weekend to you and yours!
oxo

Mollye said...

Ha ha luv ya girl and heart your buttons! I thought I was the only one who said "fugly". Sometimes no other word will fit. What a great yah hoo idea. Can't wait to make some, but then what about the fugly outfits they're sewn on?????
I know alter them too! Yay. XXMollye

Elizabeth said...

I don't have this jacket but I wish I did. You are so darn clever!

Caterina Giglio said...

Brilliant!
oh are you gluten free? I just noticed the blogs!!

Odd Chick said...

I like it a hundred times better! Great idea!

Linda Vincent said...

I think you may have started a whole new craze!!! They are lovely.....

Dianne said...

Very clever and sooo cool...

Joanna said...

Wow, you've now got such a unique jacket! Beautiful buttons. Thank you for welcoming me to Blogland! Jo xx

HeARTworks said...

Wow! What a great idea! I am impressed!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Kimmie,

Wish I'd read the book I'm reviewing tomorrow before you posted your project. However, I like what you did better than the one in the book. I have provided this link for people to see your project because the book's photos are sorely lacking. The author recommends adding acrylic varnish. You may enjoy my tomorrow's post (Mar 26).