Susan Borgen Design

💕 Vintage button bouquet tutorial! 💖 I love it when I discover vintage buttons collected in old tins or sewing baskets at the flea market, thrift shop or yard sale. They remind me of dresses once worn, coats once fastened and sewing notions carefully kept. I also love finding small pieces such as salt shakers, Shawnee Pottery minis, mid-century Japan toothpick holders and more. These petite vessels are the perfect backdrop in which to display handmade button bouquets. Today, I’m sharing how to make these blossoms composed of colorful stacked buttons wired together in graduated sizes. Placed inside their miniature holders, they become a whimsical accent on a bookshelf, mantel or windowsill — a tiny celebration of the unexpected beauty of familiar things.

🥰 I'm over the moon to be included (twice!) in issue No.71 (Oct-Nov-Dec 2026) of Janine Vangool​'s UPPERCASE Magazine! You'll find me in "From There to Here," an article where readers reflect on their creative paths. I wrote about my journey from graphic designer to tea room proprietress to Etsy shop owner. Plus, my studio is featured in the Subscriber Studios spread. Be sure to check out this inspiring magazine as well as Janine's delightful books for the creative and curious ➡️ uppercasemagazine.com

As promised, more pics of my newly found chimney cupboard... These tall, narrow pieces were designed to sit on either side of full-size Hoosiers. Some were made with hooks inside for brooms and mops; others, like mine, have shelves. To make room for it in my sweet little studio, I had to move my large oak cabinet over and relocate a few things (tablecloth ladder, Amsco TV snack cart, Dutch girl wall pocket). Then, I added vintage Royledge 🍒🌿🌸 paper shelf edging and filled it with Etsy items awaiting new homes. A wonderful find in remarkable condition, I ❤️❤️❤️ it❣️

😍 Here’s a quick peek at what I brought home from PA this morning… an authentic Hoosier chimney cupboard! Always in need of more storage, I somehow found a spot for it in my sweet little studio. I have now officially used every square inch of space. 🤭 More pics to come...

💛🧡🤎🖤 A fall color story in my Etsy shop ➡️ susanborgendesign.etsy.com

{ 🏡 sweet 🏡 }

🥰 Good morning❣️ I spent the weekend working on a project for Flea Market Décor magazine using some of my vintage buttons. I'm please to announce that I was one of nine finalists vying for a position as their 2027 Brand Ambassador. Update: I didn't make the cut going forward... still, so nice to be one of the top nine!

I 💛 using vintage pottery pieces to corral supplies in my studio. This yellow McCoy jardiniere is perfect for just that. It's the newest listing in my Etsy shop ➡️ susanborgendesign.etsy.com

One for me and four for you... Kitschy tin toy watering cans are extra sweet. The first one, shown in its new home in my studio, is a keeper. Four others (see third pic) will head to my Etsy shop. You might be wondering, why don’t I just keep them all? Because I like to share. 🥰

🌟🏠💙 Edgartown Light is featured in one of three vintage MV lighthouse postcards-turned-wall-art, now in my Etsy shop ➡️ susanborgendesign.etsy.com