Everyone is born with creativity. But those people who appear to be super creative have a secret. They know that creativity has to be developed and exercised to come easily. I am on a quest to immerse myself in creativity of all kinds. I hope you will join me!

 I love these big 2" wood buttons from Blumenthal Lansing. And, you know me. If it is big enough to decorate, then I am doing it. These days, buttons come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, so you can almost always find the perfect button for your project. But, just in case you need to personalize further, here are three ideas.


 1. Fill the center with Dimensional Magic or craft glue.


 Sprinkle seed beads into the wet glue.

 2. Choose a fabric.


 Decoupage it to cover the front of the button. After the fabric is dry, re-open the button holes with something sharp or pointy. I used a small nail to start the holes and widened them with the handle end of a small paintbrush.


3. Just paint. This is Folk Art Poppy, Yellow Lime, and Licorice.


Use any of these on your craft projects. They will not wash very well, but you can use them on clothing. Stitch through the buttonholes with thread. Don't attach them to anything, just put thread in the holes. Knot it so it will stay. Then attach it to the garment with these pins. When you wash the garment, just un-pin them. Make a different set of buttons for a sweater or jacket for each holiday......


I hope this has sparked your Vitamin C and you have more ideas for designing your own buttons.


Use your Vitamin C!

 How great is a project that turns out this cute and didn't cost a penny? I had all of the pieces in my stash, except for the main piece that I trash picked at Wendy's.  I admit it.


Here is what you need to make one:

• large french fry pocket 
• fabric or paper (or both) large enough to cover the pocket
• Mod Podge (I used gloss, but choose what you like)
• 1" wide grosgrain ribbon (about 9")
• a silk flower head
• 4 strong magnets
• flat paintbrush, scissors, hot glue gun and glue

 Oh yeah, sea salt!

 How I did it:

1. I opened the two side seams, they were just lightly glued.

 2. I wanted a bright color on the inside, so I decoupaged a piece of cardstock there. My paper was not long enough, so I pieced a smaller section of paper at the bottom. No problem, it is the inside.  Attach the paper with a coat of Mod Podge.  Let it dry, brush on another coat. Trim around the edges. Make sure to let it dry completely before moving on.

 3. I had a scrap of black and white polka dot fabric. Love it, so I decoupaged it to the outside.
TIP: Don't use light colored fabric, the color of the package will show through.

 5. Fold the flaps up.  Hot glue them together, re-assembling the pocket.

 6. Glue ribbon around pocket.  Glue flower head to right side.  Glue magnets to the back of pocket.

Mine is on my black fridge.  I love it there, holding some scissors and markers that I can never find.

• You could place it on your metal filing cabinet. 
• You could skip the magnets and pin it to a bulletin board.
• Kids can make these and they would be a great teacher gift.
• I am going back to the craft room to make more so I can have a row across the front of the fridge.