DIY Button Blocks

Button blocks, similar to these, hit Pinterest like crazy a while ago and I thought they'd be adorable in the nursery. In my first ever (bare with me!) DIY post, I'll show you how I made them. You may have a different way or idea, but hopefully this will be a starting block!

Materials Used for Button Blocks:
- Plywood Blocks (I used 10 inch squares)
- Pieces of Fabric for Background (I used 12 inch squares)
- Pieces of Batting (I used 12 inch squares)
- Pieces of Fabric for Front (I used 13 inch squares)
- Ribbon, 12 inches long
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Staple Gun and Staples
- Buttons
- Fabric Paint




Directions:

1. Cover the back with fabric:


( I wanted to cover the back of the boards. You could decide to skip this step.) Cover by placing the block in the middle of the fabric and stapling the corners. (I placed the entire thing on top of another piece of plywood to provide more pressure and stability.) Staple the middle sections and then fold down the corner edges and staple them again.

2. Cover the front with fabric:


Layer the fabric and batting by placing the batting on the block and then the fabric on top of that. I stapled both at the same time, repeating step one.

3. Attach ribbon to hang the block:


Use a ruler to make 2 marks that are 3 inches from the side, and make 2 marks that are 2 inches from the top. Draw a cross where the 2 and 3 inch lines meet. Lay ribbon over the lines. (I left a pencil under the ribbon to give some slack for hanging. It was Brent's idea, I have to admit.) Staple the ribbon on the line, fold it over the staple (back towards the center) and staple it again. Trim excess ribbon.

4. Draw letters: 


Use a pencil to draw letters onto the block. Draw the letter free hand, or, use a computer to create and print letters to trace.

5. Buttons:


Attach buttons to fabric by painting the letter with tacky glue and placing the buttons on the fabric. I found it helpful to thickly coat the glue (and it dries clear.) Allow to dry over night.

6. Fabric Paint:


Use fabric paint to neatly outline the buttons. Allow to dry overnight again.

Read the fine print: I decided to use glue for the following reasons:


- It hangs on a wall far from where my child will be able to pluck off buttons and swallow them.
- It is for a nursery and will be on display only for a few years.




Had I wanted a sturdier or longer lasting piece I would shave sewn the buttons. This is a decision you can make on your own! 

Nursery: The Furniture

This will be a quick post just to update our nursery's status. Because I haven't posted any pictures since the painting was finished I've gotten lots of questions about what we're doing next...

We are so, so lucky. Our friend, Jessica, was done with her crib and glider and gave them to us. They are beautiful and took all the pressure to find them off us. 

The dresser is from my college apartment, refinished by Dad. We're going to get a changing pad to put on top so it will double as a changing table.

I like to call this the reading nook :) Our basket of books is full and I continue to buy and receive more. Maybe another day I"ll get on my "Importance of reading to your child" soap box, but for now I'll just say I love reading to my baby. (And yes, I already do.) 

And last here is the general color scheme. Green and pink, with a little yellow. Two weeks ago I started her artworks and will start posting pictures as soon as they're completed!


If you missed the first 'installment' of our nursery, check it out. Nursery: The Beginning 

Nursery: The Beginning

Finally! After designing 7 nursery pieces for others I'm finally designing for myself! 

Only, this time I get to create the entire nursery! Brent and I are expecting our first child this April, and plans are already underway...after all, I have about 6 pieces I want to complete before April 1!

The first step involved Brent's work more than mine. I did the fun part: the designing, but he (and Grandpa Nelson) had to do all the work. Luckily the dogs were around to assist as well.

Check back in later to see the projects progress. I'll be starting with some gender neutral plans!