I have a slight obsession with buttons. I buy or pick them up everywhere, and have since I was a kid. I've got quite the collection at this point. If you don't have a stash of buttons, you can buy them pretty inexpensively in bulk from craft stores, Amazon, etc. The key is to have a good range of size and color.
For this project, you will need 10-15 buttons of varying sizes and colors. I am using traditional Christmas colors, two brown for the 'trunk', and a gold star bead for the top.
You will need scissors some type of string thin enough to thread through the buttons. I am using embroidery floss because it's strong, thin, cheap and comes in a lot of colors. It is also super helpful to have a large eyed needle to help you thread the buttons.
Step 1: Arrange your buttons in the order you will want to thread them.
Step 2: Cut a piece of embroidery floss, approximately 18" long. Thread one end through the needle so that about an inch of floss is through. Tip: if you're finding it difficult, tape the end of the floss or use a needle threader.
Step 3: Starting at the bottom button, thread the floss through one hole on each button, all the way to the top.
Step 4: Remove the needle from the threaded side, and thread it on to the loose side of the floss. From the bottom up again, thread each opposite button hole. If you are using a bead like I am, you'll just use the same hole again at the top.
Step 5: Even out the pieces of floss at the top and tie a knot as close as you can to the top button. If you are using a bead like I am, you'll want to knot it several times to keep the bead secure. At the top (or however long you want the hanging loop) of the floss pieces, tie another knot to complete the hanging loop.
That's it! You're all done! Once you've got the hang of it, you can make all sorts of tree gradients. You can even make snowmen!
Watch me make one on YouTube!
Happy Making!
Rachelle