Create Your Own Button Monogram~

I was looking for something to put up in the Princess' bedroom when I happened upon a nursery in my blog wanderings that gave me a great idea.  A button monogram.

I figured it would be simple to create because it reminded me of this button wreath that I created a few years back.  You can find the instructions on how to make this cute wreath here. 

And here's my version of the Button Monogram.

The monogram was a snap to make, and although it looks time consuming, it actually only took about an hour.  Here's what I did.

You will need:

A pre-primed canvas (mine is a 16x20 which I purchased at Hobby Lobby using a 50% off coupon)
A hot glue gun and hot glue
Pencil
Ruler
Buttons of varying sizes (I purchased mine at Walmart - same kind as they carry in the craft stores - much less expensive)

Now I'm going to apologize for the photos of my process - the light was low, and they're super grainy, but you get the idea, right?

1. Draw your letter on your canvas using a pencil.  I was working with the letter E, so I simply created my own with a ruler.  It was very simple.  If you're using a curvy letter, I would suggest printing one out on your computer and using it as a template to trace onto your canvas.  NOTE:  Make sure that the letter you draw is only about an inch and a half thick otherwise you will be using a crazy amount of buttons.

2. Begin by gluing the larger buttons on your letter.  (yes, I started out gluing them on - it will look just as good - or better - than trying to arrange them first.)

3.  Then continue filling in the base layer using smaller buttons.  Try to get as close to the edges of your letter as you can without going over them.  This will create a clean "line" when you are finished.

4.  Continue layering the buttons on top of one another to eliminate any white spaces from showing between them.  Finish with the smallest sized buttons on top. 

5. Display!

I love the finished project, and the Princess is over the moon about it!  Let me know if you try this project...I'd love to see the finished results.

Have a wonderful day!

Big News & January Monthly Recap~

Helly Lovelies!

January was a good time here at The Shabby Nest!  Here's a little recap of everything that happened.

The year started off perfectly with an exciting trip to New York City so that I could film a segment for the NATE BERKUS SHOW!!  Yep!  I've been busting at the seams to tell you guys about this amazing experience... at this point, the show is scheduled to air in May, and I'm on pins and needles waiting to share more, but for now we'll all have to wait together! 

I shared a couple of fun around-the-house projects this month including how to make an upholstered headboard.

And a great alternative to a bookcase for my boys' room...acrylic bookshelves.

I showed you all some of the fabric I have designed at Spoonflower.com (which if you didn't catch yesterday's post, should be available for purchase at the Spoonflower site by the end of the week.)

My tips on decorating with the color white were featured over at the Country Living site.

And as an official decor blogger for Apartment Guide, I shared my favorite places to shop when decorating on a budget.

And I shared a few ways to make a big impact in a room without spending a lot of money.

And of course, if you missed any of the Frugal Goodness that is Frugal Friday, you can find January's editions here, here, here and here.

So the new year got off to a great start, and February's looking pretty great too.  The Princess' bedroom just needs some final tweaks before it will be ready for the "big reveal" and I'm hoping to finish off our loft/play area this month as well.  Then of course there's Valentine's Day  - I just love Valentine's Day - so I'll be sharing some fun projects one of my favorite holidays as well!  Hope you'll all join me!