Scrapbook enthusiasts have discovered buttons! As the leading wholesaler in the novelty button industry, this is exciting news for us. Memory and Scrapbook store owners gathered at our booth at recent trade shows and oohed and aaahed over the many designs. In talking with them, we learned more about the trend to used mixed media and dimensional items in scrapbooking and the many themes that are popular. I wanted to share with you some of the ways these creative artists are using JHB buttons…they may give you some ideas or inspire you to share your "button embellished" pages with us.

THEME BUTTONS are perfect additions to the vacation, zoo and special event pages you are creating. Most people seem to prefer the "flat" buttons on pages, so the book does not become too thick. You need not limit yourself to the 2-hole and 4-hole variety, as most button shanks can easily be snipped off with a pair of wire cutters. Smooth the back with a metal file and glue the button to the page. Button materials do vary, so test your favorite adhesive on the button and the paper before proceeding.


SCRAPBOOK COVERS can be highlighted with decorative buttons to create a unique look. A decorative cover is a must to house the pages of cherished memories you have spent so much time creating. Make your own cover by using cardboard and fabric, or embellish a purchased album cover by gluing on letters, die-cuts and buttons.

 

 
 
GREETING CARDS embellished with buttons are fun and irresistible. A flower or ladybug button placed as an accent is sure to attract attention. Buttons are best used on the outside of the card so the card will close properly. We have been adding buttons to purchased cards for years, and the recipient always notices the special touch.


BUTTON STAMPS can give your creation a unique look…and crafters world-wide are discovering the beautiful designs that can be achieved when using buttons as miniature stamps! Choose a button with a surface design and glue it to a cork "handle" (like the kind you get out of a wine bottle). Use an ink pad, or paint on the button as you would with other stamps, and away you go. The best image is created when you cushion your paper with a layer of foam or several paper towels before stamping on it.


We challenge you to try buttons on your next memory project and see what fun it is! The pages and covers shown are just a few of the ways that buttons can be used. E-mail us an image of your creation at sales@buttons.com or mail a picture to Customer Service o JHB International, Inc. 1955 S. Quince Street Denver, CO 80231. We'll post those selected by our design department on our website at www.buttons.com in a future update.