Skip to Content

Button Canvas Art: the Easiest You’ll Ever Make!

If you are looking for an original project for your wall that’s easy to make, this aqua button canvas art will do the trick. The special touch is the glitter heart.

Skills Required: Beginner. You’ll be painting a border on canvas, Mod Podging to seal, then adding your buttons. It’s a relatively easy project.

how to make button art on canvas

Most of you know I love buttons. So to celebrate “My Aqua Valentine,” I decided to do another button canvas – in none other than . . . turquoise.

Wouldn’t this button canvas art make some fun wall art or a mantel display? As you can see down in the lower left, there is a blingy little heart:

button art on canvas

If you are traditional Valentine’s Day person, you can do this in pink or red, but of course I encourage a shade of blue since that is the theme. Here’s how to make this canvas idea.

Button Canvas Wall Art

Gather These Supplies

Priming a canvas with white paint

Paint the canvas white. A canvas typically comes un-prepped, so you are preparing the surface by painting it. Let it dry.

Using a ruler and a pencil to mark a board around the canvas

I wanted a border around the edge of my canvas, so I used a ruler, pencil, and stencil tape to make one. The border was 1/4″ inside the rim of the canvas, and it was 1/4″ wide.

Use a pencil to mark where the tape should go, then tape just on the outside of the pencil marks. That way, when you paint, you cover the pencil marks.

Taping a 1:4 border around a canvas with stencil tape

I overlapped the tape at each intersection.

Taped off canvas with a 1:4 border on a tabletop

Then I used my craft knife to trim away the excess stencil tape. Be sure not to cut through the canvas.

Using a spouncer to paint the border

Use a spouncer or paint brush to paint your border. Give several coats and peel up the stencil tape while still wet. Then let the paint dry.

Sealing the canvas with a coat of Mod Podge using a paintbrush

Seal the canvas with a coat of Mod Podge. Let dry.

Buttons laid out in a circle wreath pattern on top of a canvas

Use buttons to lay out your wreath pattern. This takes some time, but it’s fun.

Using craft glue to glue down buttons to a canvas

Glue each button down separately. If you have shaky fingers like I do, then tweezers help you pick out the tiny buttons and then put them back in (with a dab of glue).

Painting a wooden heart with turquoise craft paint

Paint your wooden heart with a coat of Turquoise. Let it dry and then paint three coats of Extreme Glitter over the top. Glue your heart to a spot on the wreath.

how to make button art on canvas

Let everything dry before displaying your button canvas art. I’m loving all the aqua and turquoise in my life right now.

Yield: 1 canvas

Button Canvas Art

how to make button art on canvas

Learn how to make this button canvas art the easy way! Add a simple painted border and then make a circle of buttons. Such cute wall art.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Active Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $5

Materials

  • 10" x 10" blank canvas
  • Acrylic paint - white and turquoise
  • FolkArt Extreme Glitter - Aqua (optional)
  • Mod Podge Matte
  • Buttons - a variety
  • Wood heart piece (optional)
  • Craft glue
  • Stencil tape

Tools

  • Paintbrush and/or foam spouncer
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Craft knife

Instructions

  1. Paint or prime canvas white - or with the color of your choice. Let dry.
  2. Use a ruler, pencil, and stencil tape to make one. The border was 1/4" inside the rim of the canvas, and it was 1/4" wide.
  3. Use a pencil to mark where the tape should go, then tape just on the outside of the pencil marks. When you paint they will be covered.
  4. Use the craft knife to trim the stencil tape for the border, being sure not to puncture the canvas.
  5. Use a spouncer or paint brush to paint your border. Give several coats and peel up the stencil tape while still wet. Then let the paint dry.
  6. Seal the canvas with a coat of Mod Podge. Let dry.
  7. Use buttons to lay out a circular wreath pattern, then glue down with craft glue and let dry.
  8. If desired, paint a wooden heart with paint and let dry. Add Extreme Glitter to the heart and let dry, then glue to the canvas.

Did You Make This Project?

Please leave a rating or share a photo on Pinterest!


Did you enjoy this Valentine’s Day decor project? Here are some other ideas you might want to check out:

Carrie

Wednesday 8th of February 2023

Love this! I’m new to button art and wondered where you get all your buttons?

Amy

Thursday 9th of February 2023

Hi Carrie! I've collected them over time and the way I have done it is 1) through buying "lots" on eBay 2) button sales at Joanns etc and 3) Oriental Trading Company :)

janet

Monday 12th of March 2012

thats a lovely canvas,something different from flowers and faces...cool and easy to make

Our Pinteresting Family

Sunday 26th of February 2012

I've never used Mod Podge before but I think this might be a project I might not be too intimidated to handle. It's beautiful and I love your colors. I saw your blog on the tater tots and jello link party. I'm your newest follower. :) ~ Megan

creativejewishmom/sara

Friday 24th of February 2012

so cute and so you! I knew when I saw the little photo on the party list that it had to be yours! thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday! xoxoxoxo

Heather

Thursday 23rd of February 2012

Hi Amy! I love Mod-Podge too! I saw your link at the Somwhat Simple linky party and had to stop by to say hello and get a better look at your DIY! Luv it!! I am pinning this project on my DIY pinboard as a must do! So glad I found your blog - I am your newest follower. Please visit my blog and say hello. I love making new bloggy friends, comments and followers :) Have a wonderful day! Heather @ settingforfour.blogspot.com

Skip to Instructions