Thank God for creative people with time on their hands because these fabric-covered thumb tacks are the cutest little buggers I've seen in awhile. Jessica Jones, crafter extrodinaire, from the blog How About Orange came up with this DIY tutorial (below), proving to us laypeople that it does in fact take a special talent to turn 1/4" of space into a work of art. Thanks Jessica! You tiny-fingered genius you!
Start with a pack of "Wedding Gown Size" (size 20, 1/2") metal buttons to cover (available at fabric stores for about $1.50). Pull the loops off all the button backing pieces with a pliers or wire cutter. Cut your fabric scraps into circles slightly larger than a quarter, or use the circle template printed on the back of your button package. (Since the edges get tucked in under the metal backing, you don't have to be a careful cutter.)
Following the package directions, use the "pusher" tool that came in the pack to cover your buttons with fabric. This step is easy and the most fun! Then use a generous amount of hot glue to attach a tack to the back of your button. A standard tack should fit perfectly. Your cork board will thank you.
POST SCRIPT: You can buy buttons to cover that have flat backs so you don't have to yank off the wire loops! Get some here at J Caroline Creative. I did NOT know this when I made mine. Shoot. Could have saved myself some work.
You can check out Jessica's FANTASTIC blog here!
A really cute idea and it would be a fun thing for a child's bulletin board or a display case where you needed pretty tacks.
Posted by: RecycleCindy | July 25, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Thanks Cindy! I think so too - I can't wait to get started on my own though!
Posted by: Veronica | July 28, 2008 at 11:07 AM