What can I make?
You can make 1”, 2.25”, and 3” buttons, as well as 1” magnets, using materials available
for purchase at the Circulation desk.
You can also make keychains, zipper pulls, ornaments, jewelry, and more if you bring
your own supplies – see “I’m making a lot of buttons.” below.
How much does it cost?
We charge 50¢ for a bag containing the materials to make one button, no matter the
size. When you are done, please leave your empty plastic bag in the container on the
table so that we can reuse it.
You can pay for materials at the Circulation desk using CatCash, regular cash, and
checks.
I’m making a lot of buttons. Is there a cheaper option?
You are welcome to purchase your own supplies and bring them in. The cost per button
will be significantly lower. Here’s where we recommend buying supplies for:
1" Button Maker Pinback buttons Everything Else
2.25" Button Maker Pinback buttons Everything Else
3" Button Maker Pinback buttons Everything Else
How big are the buttons?
The button makers in the Scholar Studio can make 1", 2.25", and 3" buttons. Your image
needs to be slightly larger than the finished button size. The necessary image diameters
are:
1" --------- 1.313"
2 1/4" ----- 2.625"
3" ---------- 3.451"
How do I make sure my image is the right size?
Use our Word templates! We have a 1” button template, a 2.0" button template, a 2.25” button template, and a 3” button template to help you size your graphic. To use a template, select any circle on the page,
switch to the Shape Format tab, and choose Shape Fill and then Picture. Please note that the edges of the circle won’t be visible in the finished button.
Both the 2.0" template and 2.25" template work with the 2.25" button maker.
What's a circle punch?
A circle punch is a cutting tool designed to let you efficiently cut out appropriately
sized circles for making into buttons/magnets.
Instructions
Pieces
In the bag:
- button shell (metal piece without a pin in it)
- mylar (circular piece of clear plastic -- feel for it in the bag as it may be hard
to see)
- [2 1/4" or 3"] pin-back (metal piece with a pin in it)
- [1"] collet (metal ring)
- [1"] pin (vaguely buckle shaped wire piece)
On the machine:
- lower dies (round metal dies that can rotate back and forth)
- pick up die (shallow, on the left)
- crimp die (deep, on the right)
- upper die (round metal die on the top)
- handle (the handle-shaped part)
Button Maker Steps
- The shallow die on the left side is the “pick up” die. First place a button shell
(sharp edges down) in the die, then place your image on top of that, and finally put
the mylar on top. Orient your image so the top matches up with the black mark on the
die, like in this image.
- The deeper die on the right side is the “crimp” die. Place your pin-back or collet (metal ring) in this die with the sharp edges up. If you’re using a pin-back, place the pin along an imaginary line between the two
black marks on the die. If you’re using a collet, the orientation doesn’t matter.
- Rotate the dies clockwise until they stop. The pick up die will be at the back of
the machine.
- Pull the handle down towards you as far as it will go, then lift it up to its vertical
position.
- Rotate the dies counter-clockwise until the crimp die is at the back of the machine.
- Bring the handle down and up again.
- Rotate the dies back to where they started and take out your button. If it’s a 2.25”
or 3” button, you’re done. If it’s a 1” button, either insert the magnet or wedge
the pin into the collet and rotate it until it is oriented correctly.
Tips
- Don't use cardstock, fabric, or other thick materials. Standard printer paper is best.
- Only insert one sheet at a time into the circle punch. Using multiple sheets at once can damage the cutter.
- If you're printing your button graphics, use the button size templates to ensure your image is the right size for your button. The paper circle needs to
be slightly larger than the button you're making.
- Trim your paper into a strip the width of the Circle Punch. If you arrange images
vertically, you can feed a strip of paper through the punch for more efficient cutting.
- Double check that you only have one of each button making part. The button shells
and the collets both like to nest together, and placing two into the button maker
at once can damage the machine.
- Be careful! The circle punches have sharp blades, and the button makers press down
with significant force.
- Please return your empty plastic bags to the Circulation desk so that we can reuse
them!
For more in-depth instructions, visit American Button Machine's Learning Center.
1. Slide your graphic between the top plates of the punch.
2. Make sure it's positioned the way you want it. Your image should fill the entire circle
in the top plate. (If there is a bit of a white border, that’s okay.)
3. Push the handle down as far as it will go. See the picture for the correct direction
– if it’s very hard to push down, you might be pushing in the wrong direction.
4. Reach under the machine and poke your beautiful new circle out from the bottom with
your finger. The 1" circle punch has a small metal piece that you push up instead,
since the hole is smaller.
5. Pull the handle back up and release it.
6. Slide the excess paper out or slide your strip down until your next image is lined
up.