I’m sure you know those cute yellow flower balls I’m talking about. They’re everywhere lately, and for good reason. Except in the state of Montana. Seriously, I have yet to see these guys anywhere.
{photo via Flored Del Sol}
I’ve got plenty of cute vases. Though most, okay, all, are empty. While decorating the entertainment center for fall, I decided that had to change. A simple, modern shape and bright color would be perfect. Billy buttons, that’s what I needed. So I set out to make my own. I’ll let you judge how realistic/cute they are after the tutorial.
Using small foam balls (from Dollar Tree), green floral wire, paper clips (not pictured), and sunny yellow spray paint, I got to work.
First I skewered each ball with a straightened paper clip and stuck it in a piece of scrap foam. If you don’t have foam, you could stick these in a pile of small rocks or even hold at the end. Then I spritzed each sphere with the yellow paint and let it dry.
Once the balls dried, I cut pieces of floral wire to length and pushed the balls on. Voila, faux billy buttons.
Looking back at the thicker painted yellow paper clips, I might like that better. But I’m happy with my two dollar ‘flowers.’ Ben thinks they look like cheese balls stuck on wire.
{photo via}
Though if you ask me, I think cheese balls are more orange. I suppose if you have cheese balls in your pantry, you could give ’em a shot.
Rather than tucking these cuties on the shelf, I plopped them on the bar cart turned side table for a pop of color.
So, what’s the verdict? Cheap and cute? Or cheesy? Literally. Where do/have you found billy buttons?
ourhumbleabodeblog.com 
Does your Michaels/craft store have a faux floral section? They might have them. I think our kitten would demo these but I think they are adorable!
Hi Nora!
I’ve checked at Michael’s and Hobby Lobby with no success. 😦 I’m hoping they’ll get some in soon for fall/winter stuff.
Thanks!
Amanda
So that’s what those things are! I’m in MA and have not seen them here either.
Those are one of my favorite flowers – I had them put in my bouquet for my wedding 🙂
Hey Kristen,
Where did you get them from?
Thanks!
Amanda
I know there are places online that sell them dried and the cost isn’t crazy. Maybe try that? I, luckily, found some at the grocery store last year, so I bought them and dried them out and they’re still going strong! Love them!
You should try felting them! They look realistic, but still soft and cute. (And felting is SUPER easy!) I think I saw it first on http://www.gohausgo.com, but Dans le Townhouse has a pretty good tutorial. Check it out: http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2011/05/diy-felted-wool-billy-buttons.html
I live in MA and haven’t seen them for reals anywhere. I do however see them online all the time – starting first with MCM homes. Personally they scream, “Hey It’s 1973 in this photo! ” I just don’t really like them. But seriously, I’m in the minority. They are EVERYWHERE!
I couldn’t find them in New Jersey last year when I wanted them. I ended up ordering the dried ones from Hammelman’s. They weren’t too pricey, and they last a really long time. http://www.hammelmans.com/Wholesale-Dried-Preserved-Floral/Craspedia/flypage.tpl.html
I have never seen them before, but I like them! I think you should add more to the vase. I love the pop of color!!
Cute! Never would have guessed they’re fake! I have a little bud vase of craspedia from my wedding over a year and a half ago and they’re still going strong. I love them!
I think they came out super cute. I am not familiar with the flower, but I will be making myself familiar. They are darling. I would like to see mare in your vase as well. If I can’t find the real thing, I am going to try your method, and make a bunch to clump together like in your source picture.
I think they turned out cute. I love the pop of color, and how simple they are. Nice work. Save the cheese balls for eating 🙂
Those are super cute! I like how they turned out! 😉
Very creative…and I love the vase! Hx
Any florist can order them for you.
Hi Amanda,
Nice work! I loved your flowers. They looked real.I would like to order them for my friend’s wedding. Where can I find them?