How to Make Mini Buttons
One-inch mini pin-back buttons are a fun and easy way to show some flair, promote your band or cause, or make a personalized gift for someone. Button-making machines are available at most craft stores along with the needed supplies. The button-making machine seals your button design into a plastic shell, providing durability to your project. Familiarize yourself with the three main parts of the button-making machine: the pickup die, the crimp die and the upper die.
Things You'll Need
- Button design
- Scissors
- Metal shell domes
- Button-making machine
- Mylar circles
- Metal collets
- Pin backs
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut out your button design using scissors. Make sure the edges are smooth and that the design is 1 inch in diameter. If you are making bigger buttons, your design should be the same size as the button you want to make.
-
2
Place a metal shell dome in the pickup die compartment of the button-making machine, dome side up. This compartment is shallow and attaches the main components of your button together.
-
-
3
Place your design, graphics facing up, on top of the shell dome and cover with a single Mylar circle. Rotate the pickup die so it is directly underneath the upper die. Pull down the handle on the machine to seal the button, then release. Your button is now held in the upper die.
-
4
Place a metal collet (ring) with the flat edge down in the crimp die compartment of the machine. Rotate the crimp die underneath the upper die and once again pull down the handle and release.
-
5
Remove your button from the machine and insert a pin back by hand into the back of the button to finish.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
For easier cutting of your design, use a rotary cutter or graphic punch, available at most craft stores.
Make sure only one Mylar circle is used at a time or the button won't seal properly.
References
- Photo Credit usa buttons image by pdesign from Fotolia.com
