Button! Button!

Whether they're candy-colored plastic or retro-chic, buttons seem to go everywhere these days: delightfully decorating jewelry, embellishing home décor, and more. And anyone who knows how to use glue and do basic stitching and stringing can complete these 50 stylish, versatile projects with no problem at all. "Button up" a simple lampshade so that the light creates a fabulous graphic pattern of silhouettes. Craft a boutique-worthy brooch out of tiny vintage Bakelite bird buttons embroidered on felt ovals and set it in a sterling silver pre-made pin. The clean, contemporary photography that showcases the projects will appeal to today's crafter—and amusing tidbits focus on such fun topics as button museums, the self-proclaimed Button King, and button lingo.