Here's a good way to use the extra buttons...a collage project.  Buttons are colorful and can come in great shapes and sizes that seem to interest kids.  Have your kids to pick out some buttons and ask them to think about what they might look like?  What would the holes be?  What if you could draw a scene around the button--then what would it be?  Let them think about where the button might live or what might be around it, and then create this scene by gluing it onto paper and using crayons, markers, even sequins or other found objects to add to the possibilities.  Maybe a red button will turn into a ladybug.  Maybe four buttons become wheels of a car.  Two holes on a button might make perfect eyes on a face...who knows?  Let your kids decide for themsleves and have fun building their button collage.

Check out this great button collage by artists Lisa Kokin.  Ask your kids to make a self-portrait using buttons and sequins or other materials.  Let them think about how these materials can fit together to make the features of their face.