With more machines and resources available in the market, people are increasingly attracted to crafting. The activities themselves are very enjoyable, and when done right, you can be rewarded with stunning products.
Many have started crafting as a hobby and ended up with a full-blown. My friend, for example, initially crafted leather a leather-bound journal out of interest. Now she owns an online store where she sells several handmade products.
Designing journals, bookmarks, bags, wallets, pockets, etc., often requires a button-making kit. This consists of essential equipment that all crafters should have. Our today’s article focuses on introducing these items to you. So take a minute to read and improvise your crafting journey!
Things Required For Button Making
Although buttons will probably be the tiniest part of your DIY project, they will require a lot of skill to be made. Here are some things that you need to be equipped with to successfully make buttons.
Designs
These days, many buttons will have intricate patterns drawn on them. Stitching on such buttons will increase your product’s appeal while making them stand out. However, a uniquely designed button can also manage to be your company’s trademark. Hence, you need to start your button-making process by getting your button’s designs ready.
Several photo editing software are available that you can utilize to create your own designs. Photoshop, Gimp, Illustrator, etc., are common examples. A little surfing might also help you get acquainted with editing software that is dedicated just to button designing.
Printer
You will need a good quality printer to get your designs on your buttons. Inkjet and laser printing technology are both commonly used, and they both have their perks.
Buttons require small yet detailed prints meaning that a high resolution is necessary. This often makes inkjet printers the ideal choice, but nowadays, many laser printers offer outstanding quality.
While inkjet printers can be brought at a very low price, remember that you will need to spend a lot on ink in the future. Laser printers emit this problem with their toners which will last you for about 6 months or more.
While purchasing a printer for button making, you need to make sure it supports “Presentation” paper. “Graphics papers can also be used as they pair well with buttons.
Circle Cutters
Circle cutters are extremely important in the button-making process. They assist crafters in cutting the graphics in perfect circles. Usually, they can be used to cut out circles that have diameters of 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2.5 inches, 3.5 inches, and 3.5 inches.
Some circle cutters look like regular punching machines. They will have an open mouth like scissors between which you can insert a page and punch by pulling the handles closer. Such circle cutters usually offer cuts in only one sized circle.
Other circle cutters will come with a hydraulic press. A tiny table will be available to place the graphics you wish to cut. To make circular punches through the page, you will need to grab the long handle and pull it down. Such circle cutters are mostly used for high-volume cutting. This means that instead of cutting one paper at once, you can cut through 20 to 30 sheets. This makes them ideal for business uses.
Another option you can opt to use is the rotary hole punch. These are shaped like scissors, except that a circular wheel is present on one end. These rotary wheels consist of cylindrical spikes of varying sizes. The other end has a flat surface where you can lay your graphics sheet and punch. Advantages of these circle cutters include the fact that you can punch out circles of various diameters.
Crafters who have a limited budget can also use scissors. However, this will take up more time and, thus, is not plausible for large businesses. In addition, the circles might not end up being perfect either.
Button Maker
As you could have probably guessed, you cannot manufacture buttons without a button maker. They are a very important part of the process and need to be brought after some good research. Most button makers have a metal body and handle which can be pressed down to form your buttons.
While buying a button maker, you need to think about what type of buttons you will make. For example, if you wish to stick to a certain sized button, you can only get a press that will work with one die. Therefore, buying these will save you some bucks.
Some button makers will let you manufacture buttons that come in a range of sizes. Depending on your project, these have changeable dies, which you can switch out. These are slightly expensive but will let you achieve very professional-looking work.
Parts
If you have all the necessary tools ready, you need to start shopping for the button’s parts. Usually, You will require a shell, a backing, and a mylar. Backings are made of metal, while shell materials differ. Plastic is regularly used, but there are several other candidates. You can use ones made of natural materials like shell, leather, nuts, wood, bamboo, etc. When looking for metal shells, copper buttons, zinc alloy buttons, stainless steel buttons, and copper buttons are some of the most popular choices.
Plastic shells come in two types – thermoplastic and thermosetting. Most thermoplastic shells will be made of nylon, ABS, or acrylic materials. On the other hand, Thermosetting is made of resin, epoxy, or urea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Make Buttons Without A Machine?
Regularly used buttons cannot be made by hand. They require button makers, designs, and raw materials. Pinback buttons, in contrast, have a different story. You can make them out of several scrap items like bottle caps, cardboard, fabric pieces, recycled paper, etc. Then, all you need to do towards the end is glue a safety pin to the back.
What Can You Make With A Button Maker?
Button makers can be used to make several types of buttons. For example, you can use them to make a button bade for special functions like memorial services, office anniversary events, or school programs. Appreciation buttons can also be made, which can be presented as gifts. Crafters can even make ornaments like bracelets, necklaces, or bags out of them. Brands can also gift buttons to customers for promotional activities.
How Do You Use A Button-Making Kit?
Firstly, use your favorite editing software to design your buttons and then print them out. Leave the ink to dry for a while, and then punch out the designs using a circle cutter. Once this is done, you can head to using your button maker. Arrange your button’s shell, graphic, backing, and mylars and place them one by one into the maker. Now all you need to do is press once or twice – depending on your machine, and there you have it! You just made a button using your button-making kit!