Bargain button bracelets

I have a huge collection of buttons. A collection verging on Pearly Queen proportions - and I am especially keen on the shiny, pearly little shell ones that catch the light. I really don't need any more, but a big bag of them for £1.50? Hard to pass up a charity shop button bargain. You could easily pay that for a small card of 6, and they don't take up much room..

So another few hundred to add to the tins (note plural) - a button for every occasion. And quite fun checking through the bag for any beauties.

I'll have to think of something special for the etched ones, and maybe the interesting cross shaped button might work on a choker?

My 5 year old picked out the ones she liked, and rather than put them away, I pinched a wristband idea from a friend that's perfect for showing off your best buttons. It's also good for using up small pieces of braid or lace.

We made some with a felt base and added colourful embroidered trim and our buttons. Lace on felt looks great too, and maybe a few beads or sequins for a little sparkle. I used gold thread to sew the bits onto the bracelets, and to finish off around the button holes.

OK, so I haven't made much of a dent in the pile - but I have been checking out some other use-up-your-massive-hoard-of-buttons ideas online, and there are loads. Do you have any favourites or top button tips? I'd love to hear them.

Found any secondhand lovelies lately?
Plenty of thrifty inspiration over at Liz's Magpie Monday 
and Lakota's Ta-dah! Tuesday