Here, we will outline the steps needed to make a button. Before getting started, you should already have your art. We find that Google Drawings or, for advanced users, Photoshop (or similar software) can be useful. See our other tutorials to get started.
Note: Click on an image to expand it.
- In general, you should be able to fit up to six (6) buttons on one page for our 3-inch buttons.
2. As a full sheet, the page will not fit through the circle hole punch (a.k.a., circle die cutter) that we have. Cut the page in half, preferably with a paper cutter for straight lines.
If we would like, we can also trim some of the excess on the outer edges, but it is not needed.
3. Move on to the circle die cutter.
Slide the strip of paper between the plates of the punch. Line up your art work with the hole punch.
Note: Some white on the outside of the artwork is acceptable; just make sure that the artwork is centered in the punch. Otherwise, the artwork may become off-center when making the button.
4. Press firmly FORWARD and down on the red handle.
Note: there is no need to slam the handle. Not only is this a good way to hurt your hand, but you can damage the machine too.
5. Retrieve your artwork from the die cutter.
Tip: An easy way to do this is to stick a couple of fingers through the hole in the button of the die cutter. Then, pull out your artwork.
6. Move on to the button press.
Ensure that the flatter crimp die with the trench around the edge is on the left of the press. Then, place the smooth metal backer into the crimp die.
Note: The smooth side should be facing up and the edges on the opposite side should slot into the “trench” of the appropriate crimp die.
7. Place your image over the metal backer. Make sure to align the top of the image to the handle of the press.
8. Place clear mylar on top of the image.
Tip: Try to grab the mylar from the edge. This will prevent smudges from being viewed on your artwork. If there are smudges on the mylar, gently clean away with an alcohol wipe.
9. Spin the die to the right (swing it up). Make sure that the die is all the way over. Otherwise, you may damage the die.
10. Firmly press the lever to the left.
Tip: if you need both hands, have a friend hold the button press down. Additionally, do NOT slam the handle. You can injure yourself or damage the press. Just firmly press the handle down until you can go no further down.
11. Next, place the pin backer into the die with the hole in the center (it should already be where the flat die was from when we spun it earlier).
The side with the straight pin should be face down.
12. Rotate the pin backer slightly, so it is off-center (compared to the button press handle) by about 10-20 degrees.
13. Rotate the die all the way to the right (swing it down). Make sure it is all the way over.
Note: we should see the original flat die, without our artwork. Our artwork is being held by the button press to be pressed into the pin back.
14. Firmly press down on the button press lever.
15. Swing the die down. We should see a completed button.
Lift button out of the machine and pin it.
