Loryn: I had some vintage green corduroy that I wanted to make into an ornament, so I made up the tree before deciding how to decorate it. I’ve collected buttons since we inherited my great-grandmother’s button box when I was six, so buttons seemed like a natural fit. Quilting or embroidery would look great, too!

To get started, I drew out a couple tree shapes onto my corduroy, then decided which one I liked best.

Then I stitched the tree, leaving an opening to turn and stuff it.

Then I cut out the tree. It’s much easier to sew an irregular shape if you wait and cut it out afterwards.

Then I turned the tree right side out.

Then pick out what embellishments you want to use. I picked out buttons for each side of the tree.

Lightly stuff the tree with batting and stitch the opening closed.

To sew the buttons on, add one at the front and one at the back and stitch both on at the same time. When finished sewing through both button shanks or holes twice, make a quick knot underneath the button, and run the needle through the middle of the ornament to the next button location, without cutting the thread.

Make a hanging loop at the top after you’ve sewn on the “stars” and your tree is ready to hang!

— Loryn