Kid's Craft: Button Photo Ornaments

About this time of year, my kids get the itch to start making gifts for friends, teachers, and grandparents. I came up with a kid-friendly craft that will enable them to give a gift they’ll be proud of- and it’s a great way to share those wallet-size photos from school pictures!

I used a manual die-cutting machine for this (the Spellbinders Grand Calibur) because my kids, ages 6 and 10, know how to use it independently and frankly the results are great! But you can use hand punches if you like, instead.

Supplies:

Manual Die Cutting Machine and Nesting Dies (I used Scalloped Circles) OR
Hand Punches 1.5″ and 3″
Feltie Sheets (stiffened felt) OR Foamies
Elmer’s Craft Bond Glue OR Foamie Glue (you DO need special glue for foamies, FYI)
ButtonsÂ (I used Ocean Blue and Fancy Grab bag)
Ribbon for hanging
Angels Start-Ups
Permanent marker

First, have your kids cut large circles in 3 1/2″ or 4″ size for the bases. Then, cut the “wreath” portion by positioning the 3″ or the 3 1/2″ die and centering the 2″ die into the middle. Use a piece of painter’s tape to keep it from shifting around while you run it through the machine.

Save that area that is punched out- we’ll use it on the back!

Next, cut a piece of ribbon at least 6″ long and glue it to the base.

Take your wallet-size photos and position them so the face is centered in the middle. Cut away the excess with scissors. use a dab of glue to secure the photo to the wreath, then add more glue to the entire thing and glue it to the base.

Now to decorate! Use a little more ribbon to make a bow, and add a decorative button. Then glue little buttons around the wreath as ornaments.

While that’s setting up, write the child’s name and year on the Angel Start-up and glue it to that center from the first step. Lastly, glue that to the back of the ornament so that both sides are festive.