One of my favourite things about junk journaling is finding creative ways to use materials I already have. Tiny scraps of paper, fabric, lace, book pages, and packaging often end up becoming some of the most interesting embellishments in a journal.

Recently I’ve been experimenting with decorative buttons, not necessarily functional buttons for sewing, but embellishments that can be added to journal cards, notebook covers, tags, clusters, and collages.

The best part is that you don’t need any special supplies. Most of these ideas can be created using scraps that are already sitting in your craft room.

1. Fabric Buttons

Fabric scraps make beautiful textured buttons.

Simply glue a piece of fabric onto cardstock using Mod Podge, PVA glue, or another paper adhesive. Once dry, punch or cut circles from the fabric-covered card.

You can leave them plain or add faux stitching around the edges with a fine pen.

2. Vintage Paper Buttons

Old book pages, sheet music, maps, and vintage-style printable papers work wonderfully.

Glue the paper onto cardstock, allow it to dry, then cut circles in a variety of sizes. Distress the edges with ink for an aged appearance.

These look particularly lovely on journal cards and notebook covers.

3. Layered Buttons

Try stacking different sized circles together.

For example:

• Large vintage paper circle
• Smaller music paper circle
• Tiny button or punched circle in the centre

Layering instantly creates depth and interest.

4. Lace and Textile Buttons

Small pieces of lace, crochet trims, and old textiles can be glued onto cardstock before cutting.

These create soft, tactile embellishments that work beautifully in vintage and shabby-style journals.

5. Faux Rusty Buttons

If you enjoy aged and vintage effects, try creating faux rusty buttons.

Start with brown paper or cardstock, then add touches of rust-coloured paint, distress ink, or texture paste. A little sanding can help create a worn appearance.

These look wonderful paired with vintage papers and antique-inspired projects.

6. Painted Buttons

Use acrylic paint, watercolour, or even leftover paint from another project.

Paint a sheet of paper first, then cut your button shapes once dry. This is a great way to create colours that perfectly match your journal pages.

Experiment with mark making, splatters, and layered colours for extra interest.

7. Mixed-Media Scrap Buttons

Perhaps the most fun option is to combine several materials.

Try layering:

• Paper
• Fabric
• Lace
• Stamping
• Handwritten text
• Paint

The results are often far more interesting than using a single material alone.

Using Decorative Buttons in Your Journal

Decorative buttons can be used in many different ways:

• Journal cards
• Tags
• Notebook covers
• Clusters
• Tuck spots
• Belly bands
• Hidden paper clips
• Mixed-media pages

They are also a wonderful way to use tiny scraps that might otherwise be discarded.

Creativity often comes from limitations, and sometimes the smallest pieces of paper or fabric become the most interesting part of a project.

I’d love to know what materials you would use to create your own decorative buttons. Have a look through your scraps and see what treasures you can find waiting to be transformed.