There’s something special about handmade Christmas ornaments, especially when they’re created from materials you already have at home. If you have a jar of mismatched buttons collecting dust, this adorable recycled button snowman ornament is the perfect project.
Made on a natural wood slice, this rustic ornament features a cheerful snowman crafted from recycled white buttons, a tiny fabric scarf, and a miniature top hat. It’s inexpensive, beginner-friendly, and makes a thoughtful handmade gift or family keepsake.
Whether you’re decorating a farmhouse Christmas tree, creating handmade gifts, or looking for a fun afternoon craft, this recycled button ornament is sure to become a favourite.
Supplies List
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- Wood Slice Ornament (Blank)
- Snow Tex
- White Buttons
- Hot Glue Gun
- Ribbon or Fabric Scrap (Scarf)
- Craft Felt (Black, red and orange)
- White Dot Paint
- Black Puff Paint
- Black Paint Pen or Sharpie Paint Effect Pen
- Embellishments – such as snowflakes, glitter, etc.
How to Make a Recycled Button Snowman Ornament
Step 1: Prepare the Wood Slice
Choose a clean, dry blank hanging wood slice with the bark still attached for a rustic appearance.
If desired, lightly sand the surface and apply a coat of clear matte sealer to protect the wood while maintaining its natural look.
The hanging style wood slices come with a twine string; if you have a wood slice that is not for hanging, drill a small hole for hanging.
Step 2: Add Snow
Using a palette knife, add the snow-tex to the bottom section of the button.
It helps to place the snowman button and mark with white chalk (if desired) where you’d like the snow.
Allow the snow text to dry before doing the next steps.
Step 3: Add Snowman Arms
With the buttons loosely in place, mark where you’d like the arms to go.
Remove the buttons.
Using a black paint pen or paint-effect Sharpie, draw the arms.
Allow the paint to dry.
Step 4: Create the Snowman
Arrange three white buttons vertically.
- Small button for the head
- Medium button for the body
- Large button for the bottom.
The large bottom snowman button should overlap the Snow-Tex to give the appearance that the snowman is sitting on the snow.
The center button should line up with the arms.
Once you’re happy with the spacing, glue each button securely to the wood slice.
Step 5: Add the Top Hat
Cut pieces:
- A rectangle for the top (black)
- A wider strip for the brim (black)
- A small strip for the band (red or desired colour)
Glue the pieces in place above the snowman’s head, overlapping the brim strip on the button.
Wrap a thin strip of buffalo plaid ribbon around the hat as a band.
Step 6: Add the Scarf
Cut two narrow strips of ribbon or fabric.
Wrap a short strip around the snowman’s neck and secure it with hot glue.
Add the second strip vertically, overlapping the neck piece. This should appear as though the scarf is tied around the snowman’s neck.
Step 7: Add the Face
Use a little snow tex to fill the bottom two button holes of the face.
Cut a tiny carrot nose from orange felt or craft foam and glue it into place.
Add a dot of black dimensional paint into the holes of the eyes. This step creates the look of coal by covering the wood background.
Cut the hat from black felt or craft foam.
Step 8: Decorate the Background
Using white dimensional paint, add small dots to resemble falling snow. This step can be done at any stage; just be sure to allow the snow to dry before continuing to build your snowman.
TIPS and FAQs
Why You’ll Love This Ornament
- Uses recycled buttons you already have.
- Great way to repurpose fabric scraps.
- Beginner-friendly.
- Budget-friendly craft.
- Makes wonderful handmade gifts.
- Each ornament is one of a kind.
Should I seal my Button Snowman Ornament?
If you plan to store and use it for years to come. Add a thin coat of UV sealant spray to prevent yellowing or loosening of the snow.
Storage Tip
When storing, wrap the ornament in tissue paper to prevent snow from being brushed off.
Tip for Gifting
When gifting homemade ornaments, make sure you autograph or add a special message. Adding your initials to the front of the ornament in a conspicuous location is a gentle reminder that the ornament was specially made for them.
Alternatively, a personal message can be added to the back of the ornament along with the artist’s name and year, for a lovely keepsake.
Alternatives to Snow Tex
Snow Tex can be hard to find. A good alternative is white texture paste. It is widely available at art supply stores and in many department store craft sections.
This recycled button snowman ornament proves that beautiful Christmas decorations don’t have to be expensive. With just a handful of old buttons, a wood slice, and a few simple embellishments, you can create a charming keepsake that will bring warmth to your holiday decorating for years to come.
Whether you make one for your own tree or several to give as handmade gifts, this delightful ornament is a wonderful way to recycle forgotten craft supplies while adding a touch of rustic Christmas charm to your home.
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).