This cardboard and button initial ornament is a quick and easy craft for kids of all ages to make. All you need is a piece of thin cardboard, some colourful buttons and glue. Children will strengthen their fine motor-skills making their ornament, and be delighted to see the first letter of their name hanging on the tree at Christmas.
See more of our Fine Motor Christmas Crafts here.
We have made a number of initial ornaments over the years here in my daycare because the first letter in a child’s name is usually the fist one that they learn to recognize.
Kids love the opportunity to turn that special letter into something great so my gang loves it when I present them with an initial craft.
With toddlers and preschoolers, we do very easy letter crafts like simple initial ornaments here and here.
With the older kids we do letter crafts that require more advanced fine motor skills and co-ordination like the yarn wrapped initials here and here.
Today’s button initial ornament falls somewhere in between. Basic fine-motor skills are required, but your child should be old enough to handle a low-heat glue gun. If they’re not, they can still have fun exploring and choosing the buttons for their ornament, and an older child or adult can do the gluing.
Instructions for Button Initial Ornaments:
Supplies:
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- thin cardboard (like a cereal box)
- pencil
- scissors
- paint
- paintbrush
- buttons
- glue gun
- fine cord or metallic thread for hanging
Time needed: 30 minutes
How to Make a Cardboard and Button Initial Ornament
- Draw and cut out letter
Draw your child’s initial on a piece of cardboard and cut it out.
- Paint cardboard
Have your child paint the cardboard letter in whatever colour(s) they like. You won’t see much of the paint colour when your ornament is finished, but it’s nice to see a bit of colour peeking through between the buttons.
- Select and plan placement of buttons
Have your child select the buttons they want for their ornament, and arrange them on their cardboard letter.
NOTE: Make sure the top button extends far enough above the cardboard that you can get your hanging thread through the holes. - Glue Buttons
Use a hot glue gun to attach the buttons to the cardboard, making sure to place the top button high enough that the holes are accessible for threading.
- Thread ornament
Thread a piece of fine cord or metallic thread through the holes of the top button, and knot to secure the ends.
NOTE: If you’ve forgotten to leave the button holes accessible, you may be able to wiggle your thread under the edges of your top button and tie it that way.
Hang your colourful button initial on the Christmas tree and enjoy!
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You may also like these letter crafts:
Painted Cardboard Initial Ornaments
Yarn-Wrapped Initial Ornaments
Styrofoam Initial Ornaments for Toddlers to Make
Easy Initial Ornaments for Preschoolers to Make
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Jackie is a mom, wife, home daycare provider, and the creative spirit behind Happy Hooligans. She specializes in kids’ crafts and activities, easy recipes, and parenting. She began blogging in 2011, and today, Happy Hooligans inspires more than 2 million parents, caregivers and Early Years Professionals all over the globe.
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