I used to work in a costume shop at a local theater company and after several fights with sewing machines, the costume designer finally said, “you do buttons.”

After much practice, I got very good at sewing buttons and decided to start using them as accessories, instead of just to fasten clothes.

My sister always keeps a box where she puts all of the buttons that come with new clothes that are rarely ever used, she refers to this as her button box. These extra buttons can be used for many different purposes. You can give your favorite top a fun, new twist by changing out the buttons to something new.

You can also add some flair to a plain white t-shirt by sewing buttons into eye-catching design. For example sew a button flower onto the bottom left hand side of a t-shirt and trim the collar to add some excitement to an otherwise boring shirt.

While I was working at the theatre, the hair designer told me that I needed to use something other than bobby pins in my hair because they were too plain. I took straight bobby pins and glued on one button, or sometimes, a whole row of them to add a splash of creativity to my hair.

I’ve recently seen a lot of button rings and as usual, I thought, I could do that.

To recreate this trend, all you will need is some elastic, a needle, thread, a hot glue gun and three buttons—one large, medium, and small button that can fit easily within one another. These items can be bought at a place like Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts.

This project is not only fun and creative but it is also very thrifty– I bought eight buttons and the elastic for less than $10. That’s four rings for less than $2.50 each- it doesn’t get much better than that!

When choosing buttons, use ones that have holes in them, not with hooks in the back. Also, be sure the holes in the buttons are not farther apart than the width of the elastic. I prefer two-hole buttons, but it’s up to you!

Start by plugging in the hot glue gun and placing it on some newspaper—it will take a while to warm up. Next, cut a piece of elastic just a little bit bigger than the size of whichever finger you would like the ring to be on.

Take the biggest button and sew it onto the middle of the elastic. To sew a button, take a piece of thread that’s about two feet long. Thread the needle and allow it to slide to the middle of the thread. Tie the ends of the thread into a knot so the needle will not slide off the thread.

Start from the bottom of the elastic and push the needle through one of the buttonholes. Pull tight until the knot in the end of the thread is caught under the elastic.

Put the needle down into the other buttonhole, pulling from underneath the elastic. Repeat going up through one buttonhole, and down through the other. After about 10 repetitions—or until you feel it is secure– and the needle is on the underside of the elastic, cut the thread and tie a knot so it won’t unravel.

Take the elastic and sew it together so it forms a ring, making it a little tighter so it will stay on your finger. Sew the elastic following the same directions as sewing a button, just without the button.

Once the hot glue gun is ready, put a small dab of glue on the large button that has been sewn onto the elastic. Place the medium button on top of the glue and let it dry. Repeat this process by placing the smallest button on the very top. After it cools, simply put it on and enjoy!

For a simpler look—or if you don’t have a hot glue gun—just sew one large, ornate button onto the elastic and make a one-button ring.

The possibilities are endless so even if you can’t sew, buttons can be used to spice up your wardrobe.

Never be afraid to try new things and use what you already have, even if it’s a box full of buttons.