You can make your own pin-back buttons with a button machine. These machines are available at most craft stores, as are the pin-back supplies. The button machine features three dies. Two are on the bottom tray and rotate around. The pickup die is shallow and is used first; the crimp die, which completes the button, is deeper. The lever on the handle holds the top die, which is what presses into the other two dies to make the button.
Cut out your graphics with scissors. They need to be the same diameter as the button shells.
2
Place a metal dome shell dome side up into the pickup die. This die is on the right for most button maker machines.
3
Place the graphic on top of the shell and cover with a sheet of mylar. Use only one sheet of mylar or it won't seal properly.
4
Rotate the pickup die back under the upper die. Make sure the handle is in the full upright position.
5
Pull the handle down all the way, then push it back up to the upright position. The button will be inside the upper die now.
6
Place the pin-back into the crimp die tray, pin side facing down. Make sure the pin-back is horizontal. Rotate the crimp tray under the top die and pull the handle down again.
7
Rotate the die tray and remove the finished button from the crimp die.
Tips & Warnings
Use a rotary cutter or a button punch to make it easier to cut out the graphics for your buttons.
Avoid heavy papers, they may cause the button not to crimp together properly.
