Button Accents for Rustic Wrapping

Rustic wrapping has a charm that store-bought printed paper just doesn’t capture. It feels warm, textured, and a little bit handmade—the kind of wrap someone actually pauses to admire before opening. And buttons fit that mood.

Whether they’re wooden, metal, fabric-covered, or pulled from an old sewing kit, they add personality without much effort and pair well with kraft paper, jute twine, burlap, muslin—pretty much anything with a simple, natural look.

You also don’t need fancy tools or a long afternoon of crafting. Even one small button can make a plain wrap feel intentional. So, below are 14 easy, creative ways to use button accents on your next gift.

1. Add Button-Tied Gift Tags

A plain kraft tag becomes more interesting when you add a button. Thread twine through a button’s holes, then tie the tag onto your package so the button sits at the top like a small anchor. 

Alternatively, glue a cluster of two or three small buttons to one corner of the tag.

2. Use Buttons as Rustic Seals

Think of how a wax seal sits at the center of wrapped twine on old-fashioned packages. A single statement button can do the same job. 

Wrap your gift with twine, cross the strands on top, and place a large button right where they meet. Glue it down, or thread the twine through the buttonholes to secure it. It mimics that sealed-envelope look but with a cozy, craft-room feel instead of something formal.

3. Create Button Clusters That Look Like Flowers

Stack buttons of different sizes—larger at the bottom, smaller at the top—to create simple flower shapes. Three or four “blooms” grouped together make an effective accent. 

You could even add a sprig of dried eucalyptus, rosemary, or any greenery you have on hand for an even more elevated look!

4. Secure Burlap Ribbon with Oversized Buttons

When you wrap a gift with burlap or linen ribbon, large wooden buttons serve a dual purpose. They act as a decorative element and a functional closure. Start by wrapping the ribbon around the package, then overlap the ends on top, and thread a big button through both layers to hold everything in place. 

5. Replace Bows with Button Trails

Bows are classic, but they’re not the only option. Try arranging a line of buttons down the center of your package instead. 

You can coordinate colors for a cohesive look or mix mismatched buttons for something more eclectic. Either way, the effect is modern rustic—less fussy than a bow but still decorative.

6. Make Mini Button Ornaments for Holiday Gifts

For holiday wrapping, shape buttons into small ornaments. Stack three white buttons in decreasing sizes for a snowman. Arrange green buttons into a triangle to form a tree. Or form a circle with red or brown buttons for a wreath. Glue these directly onto the package or attach them with twine so the recipient can hang them later.

7. Pair Buttons with Dried Orange Slices or Cinnamon Sticks

Natural elements and buttons complement each other well. Bundle a dried orange slice, a cinnamon stick, and a few buttons together with twine, then tie the bundle onto your package. The combination creates a warm, seasonal look that works for autumn and winter gifts alike.

8. Add Fabric Scraps and Buttons for a Quilt-Inspired Look

Cut small pieces of cotton, flannel, or muslin and layer them on top of your wrapped gift. Then add buttons on top of the fabric. The layered effect mimics the look of a patchwork quilt—cozy and handmade without requiring any sewing skills!

9. Spell Out Monograms or Names with Buttons

For a personalized touch, arrange small buttons to form the recipient's initials or a short name directly on the wrapping. This works best on larger packages where you have room to space out the letters. Use a dab of glue for each button to keep everything in place.

10. Finish Twine Bows with Button Centers

If you do make a twine bow, give it a focal point by gluing a button over the knot. It hides any messiness in the center and adds visual interest. A single contrasting button—like a red one on natural twine—makes the whole bow look more polished.

11. Layer Buttons with Lace or Doilies

Rustic doesn’t have to mean rough. Combine textured buttons with softer elements like lace ribbon or paper doilies for contrast. Place a doily on top of kraft paper, add a button cluster in the center, and tie it all together with twine. 

12. Create Button-and-String Closures

For pouches, envelopes, or flat gifts, attach two flat buttons to the package—one on the flap and one on the body—then wrap twine around both in a figure-eight pattern to close. 

13. Scatter Button Confetti Across the Top

For a more playful approach, scatter tiny buttons across one section of the package. You can cluster them in a corner or spread them more randomly across the top. Glue each one down so they stay put. The scattered effect adds texture and whimsy without looking overdone.

14. Thread Buttons Before Attaching Them

Here’s a small detail that makes a difference: thread your buttons with jute or cotton string before you attach them to the gift. Let the string tails hang loose or tie them in small knots. 

Ultimately, pre-threaded buttons look more authentic, like they came straight from a sewing basket, and they enhance the overall rustic feel.

So, get creatine! And if you’re hunting for more gift packaging materials or ideas, explore Hammont’s premium gift packaging collection today.