After you have created your button graphics in accordance with the template, and have printed them out, it is time to make your buttons!
Step 1: Gather your supplies
In the Makerspace, we have button machines and circle cutters for both 2.25″ and 1.25″ buttons. We also have an inkjet printer you can use to print out your graphics, as well as other crafting supplies for general use. However, due to high demand and high cost of button materials (shells, mylar and pinbacks), we are unable to provide those for free. However, you can purchase them from us in sets of 10, or order them directly from the source. Information on purchasing button supplies can be found here.
Note: be sure to grab the button machine and the circle cutter which corresponds to the size of your buttons.
Step 2: Cut your designs
- Cut your button graphic into squares. Slide the square into the cutter so you can see your image in the center of the hole.
- Punch the paper in the cutter one at a time by pushing the red bar down until you hear a clink.
- You can remove the cut paper easily by pushing your finger from beneath
Tip! If you are struggling to get the square into the cutter, first check to make sure the lever arm is in the upright position (like in the photo above). If that still doesn’t work, there may be paper stuck in there, which can slide out if you tip the machine towards you.
Step 3: Load your buttons
- Place the shell in the “top” side of the button maker
2. Layer the cut image then the mylar plastic sheet on top of the shell. This makes up the Front of your button
3. Put the button back in the other slot (the “bottom” side) with the edges facing up like a dish, the center convex, and the pin opening underneath. This makes the Back of your button.
Tip! To make it so that the pin is oriented correctly, with the pin back at the top of the pin, and not off to the side or at the bottom, align the Front and Back of the pin at 180 degrees from one another. See the picture below:
Step 4: Putting it all together
1 . Turn the “top” side of the button maker underneath the press, then pull the handle forward firmly (but not forcefully) all the way down.
2. the lever up, rotate so the “bottom” of the button us now underneath the press and pull the handle firmly down again
3. Remove your button and enjoy!
We have this information on a laminated card in the makerspace, however you can also view the card here if you would ever like to print it: