Craspedia, Billy Buttons, Whatever

Published on by Our Humble Abode

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?

17 thoughts on “Craspedia, Billy Buttons, Whatever”

    1. 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

      Reply

  4. 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!

    Reply

  6. 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!

    Reply

  9. 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!

    Reply

  10. 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.

    Reply

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