DIY Avocado Pit Buttons: A Simple, Eco-Friendly Craft Project
I started this project out of three loves: sustainability, curiosity, and a passion for natural crafting. Avocado pits are often tossed in the trash or compost, but with just a few simple tools, they can be transformed into beautiful, durable handmade buttons. What surprised me most was how easy this DIY was and how great the buttons turned out!
Before
Materials You’ll Need
Avocado pits (I used the pits from hass avocados.)
Sharp knife
Sandpaper (various grits)
Toothpick (or something small) for button holes
Food-safe oil (I used the same oil I use on my wooden cutting boards and kitchen tools)
In progress
Step-by-Step: Making Avocado Pit Buttons
1. Prepare the pits
Let the avocado pits dry until the outer skin peels away.
2. Slice into discs
Use a sharp knife to cut the pits into discs. Keep them a little thicker, if you can. Thin or uneven slices are more likely to crack as they dry. I was able to get 4 good slices from each pit. The rounded ends I wound up not using.
3. Shape and smooth the buttons
You can leave the discs in their natural, organic form, or refine them with a knife and sandpaper for smoother, rounder edges. I tried making them each way and both approaches give beautiful results.
4. Create button holes
I used a toothpick to make the holes. Work it back and forth gently through the disc to make holes. While the buttons are drying, push the toothpick through occasionally to keep the holes open.
5. Finish with oil
Once dry, rub the buttons with food-safe oil. This brings out the natural grain and gives the buttons a warm, polished look. After some time allowing the oil to soak in, rub the buttons with a cloth to remove any excess oil on the surface.
After
Why Try Avocado Pit Buttons?
This sustainable craft is simple, eco-friendly, and rewarding. Turning kitchen scraps into functional, natural buttons is a reminder that creativity can come from unexpected places. If you’re looking for an easy upcycled project, give DIY avocado pit buttons a try! You might be surprised at how beautiful they turn out.