How to Create a Custom Button

Make a statement by creating your own custom buttons.

If you like to collect pin-back buttons, or you would like to use buttons to promote your business, you can create your own custom buttons by hand. Button machines cost anywhere from $18 to upwards of $200. If you are going to try to make buttons by hand, this will take longer than making them with machines. Either way, you will have the creative freedom of making your own buttons.

Things You'll Need

• Old pin-back button
• Knife
• Image
• Pen
• Scissors
• Ruler
• All-in-one clear glue-type sealer
• Clear contact paper
• Sponge brush

Instructions

1. Stick the point of a knife between the metal back of an old button you no longer want and the front that has the image and plastic cover on it. Pry the front and back apart gently until they separate. You will have four parts: the plastic cover, the old image, the front metal piece and the back piece with the pin on it. If its a smaller button, the pin might be detachable from the back piece.

2. Print out an image that you would like to use on the button, or cut it from a CD cover or a magazine. You can even use a piece of thin material with a design on it that you like. Lay the image down on a flat surface and place the front metal piece of the old button over the part of the image you want to have on the button.

3. Trace a circle with a pen all the way around the button, about an inch away from the edge. You will need this room on the paper or fabric to wrap around the edge of the button. Cut along the line you traced.

4. Place the circle you cut out on the front piece of the button and make sure it is centered. Bend the edges of the paper over the edge all the way around so the circle takes on a curved edge. Take the front piece away and cut flaps from the edges of the circle to about 3/4 of an inch in. Make the flaps about 1/2 inch wide (make a cut every 1/2 inch around the circle).

5. Attach the image to the front piece of the button. Apply a clear all-in-one glue-type sealer finish to the back of the image with a sponge brush and center it on the front piece. Smooth the surface of the paper gently with your fingers and wrap the flaps around the the back of the front piece. Do this all the way around and put it aside to dry completely, which will take 1 to 2 hours.

6. Apply a clear protective layer. Stick clear contact paper to the front of the pin and trim to to about 1 inch from the edge of the pin. Cut flaps all the way around like you did in Step 4 and wrap it around to the back of the pin. You can also brush the clear sealer on the surface with a sponge brush and wait for it to dry.

7. Attach the back of the button that has the pin on it. Lay the front piece face down. Place the pin back on it and make sure the pin is going from side-to-side instead of up and down, or the image on the pin will face the wrong way when you're wearing it. Press the two pieces together, which will take some force but the two pieces will pop back together. Your custom button is ready to be worn.

Tips & Warnings

• A popular all-in-one clear glue-type sealer is Mod Podge.

References

• Threadbanger: Band Pins
• Cut Out and Keep: Fashion Pins