I loved making this one because every button felt like it carried a story with some from old coats, some from a sewing box I found in the attic.

As I glued them down, Santa’s face came to life piece by piece, like stitching together holiday memories.

The finished frame is more than decoration; it’s a little keepsake that combines craftiness, recycling, and holiday joy in one.

Materials Needed

• 1 wooden or glass frame (8”×10” works well)
• 30-40 red buttons in various sizes (1-2 cm)
• 30-40 white buttons in different shades and sizes (1-2 cm)
• 1 small piece of white yarn (about 12 inches)
• 1 small felt ball or pom-pom for nose (1 cm)
• 1 small black bead or sequin
• Faux fur strip or cotton for hat brim (about 5 inches long)
• 1 small bell or pine sprig
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Neutral background paper or fabric

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Remove the frame’s glass and replace the backing with fabric or paper that complements the Santa design.

Step 2: Outline Santa’s face shape lightly with pencil as a guide. Then mark where the hat, beard, and face will go.

Step 3: Glue red buttons in the top section to create Santa’s hat, overlapping them slightly for a fuller look.

Step 4: Use white buttons for Santa’s beard and mustache area. You need to fill gaps with smaller buttons to give it texture and roundness.

Step 5: Glue a felt ball in the center for the nose and add yarn strips to form his mustache.

Next, place a small black bead or sequin above the nose for eyes.

Step 6: Attach faux fur or cotton along the hat brim, then decorate with a pine sprig or jingle bell on one side.

Step 7: Let everything dry, reassemble the frame, and your Santa button art is ready to brighten someone’s Christmas wall.

Note:

If you’re gifting this, tuck a little handwritten note on the back saying, “Made with love and a jar of buttons.” It makes it even more heartfelt.