Customized buttons online or renting a button maker and doing it yourself? September 05 2013

You're thinking of getting some customized buttons made.  These maybe photo buttons with a text or buttons with your own design.  If you are looking to get 100 custom buttons and pins or even 250 custom made buttons it's not really worthwhile to rent. You might as well let someone else make the buttons for you. You can easily order custom buttons online with us at People Power Press or with Button-Designer from The Button Guy. 

But if you are thinking of making customized buttons, custom photo buttons or any custom buttons and pins in a quantity of maybe 500 or 1000 then renting a button maker could be a serious, easy custom button alternative.  This could save you a lot of $$$$.  Basically you supply the labor and the customized button design and we supply the machine and the button parts.  If you have lots of time, volunteers or workers with not enough to do renting a button maker could just be the way to get your custom pins buttons at a much better price. Here are some links:

Renting a Button Maker        Checkout pricing and details about renting!

Customized Buttons              Checkout customized buttons from People Power Press - We can customize for you!

Custom Photo Buttons          Checkout larger customized photo buttons and add text to your photo

Customized buttons online   Try the free online button designer and customize your own buttons and pins!

The great thing about buttons is the low cost of the button parts if you make them yourself.  If you are doing an event regularly every year then buy a button maker and you will find all kinds of occasions to get the button maker out.  With standard button parts at somewhere between 6 cents and 12 cents each you can have a lot of fun with a button maker for a very small amount of money!

Read more »

Do you do the Zombie Walk? I Hate Todd is looking for you... August 21 2013

I Hate Todd Fundraising Buttons with Custom Packaging.

Local Toronto Band I Hate Todd is filming their first music video for their soon to be released single "Zombie Love" and they need Zombies (and crew).  For more information or to be a part of their video check them out on Facebook.  Plus a $5 donation gets you an exclusive, limited “zombie” edition I Hate Todd fundraising button with the proceeds helping toward funding the video.

Sounds like a great cause for getting your Zombie on!!

Website: www.ihatetodd.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IHateToddmusic

Want to be in the "Zombie Love" video? : http://allevents.in/events/ZOMBIES-I-Hate-Todd-needs-YOU-for-a-music-video/463856917044462

Read more »

NEW! Make selling custom buttons Easy! Use a button vending machine. August 06 2013

Put your button sales on automatic!  Use a simple machine that safeguards your art and collects the cash for you.  Whilst your sleeping, in the bath, in the bar.  I mean it! Earn money while you sleep with your custom button designs.

 Custom Buttons in a Button Vending Machine - Simple but effective!

What a Great Idea!  Sell your own custom buttons in a Button Vending Machine.  Our shop is currently loaded up with everything to get you started: Let someone (or something) else do the selling whilst you are creating your art.  Stay in creative mode whilst the business side takes care of itself.  Use a simple button vending machine to sell your designs.

Remember those bubblegum machines when you were a kid?  Well this is the same but it's not for selling gum.  It's a machine for turning your designs into cash. A custom button vending machine for your art and designs - it's personal!

Checkout this link.  You can order just a machine or you can order a machine already filled with your designs in capsules ready to go. Put your custom button sales on automatic.

You choose the sale price: 25 cents to $2.  You choose button quantity 1 - 3.  You choose button, magnet, key-chain, but don't forget to include your business card and a special offer or two.  The silent salesman will still be working for you.

If you've got good designs, we've got good button vending machines to sell them.

We stock three different styles of Button Vending Machines and two different sized Capsules for your Custom Buttons. 

Please see website for more details!

Read more »

Rosette Buttons July 29 2013

Rosettes are used for many purposes; they are great for events or as reward buttons, award buttons and as tokens of appreciation.  These rosettes are hand-made in Canada and have a soft, full, plush feel and are of excellent quality.  And now you can make your own!!

Rosettes:  A button related specialty

Horse Show Buttons with Rosette

Employee Award Buttons with Rosette

Reward Buttons with Rosette

We stock both 3" and 4" diameter rosettes.  The 3" rosettes have ribbons that hang bellow.  Both sizes can accommodate up to a 2-1/4" sized button.  To make a rosette you need a button maker and prong back button parts: a shell, mylar, a prong back and a plastic back pin-back. In smaller sizes (1", 1-1/4" and 1-1/2") you use a centre hole back and stick the brad prong pin.  Don't worry, when you order rosettes the parts come complete.

 Rosette with Prong Back Button Parts: For 1-3/4", 2" and 2-1/4" Buttons

 Rosette with Center Hole Prong Back Button Parts: For 1", 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" Buttons

Read more »

Add Versatiltiy to 1" buttons with a Versaback July 17 2013

1" Button Versabacks

Convert 1" buttons into key chains or zipper pulls using a snap in versaback.  A versa back is a black plastic button part that snaps into the back of a 1" collet and replaces the lock pin.  Once the versa back is inserted it is a permanent and secure back with a 1/8" hole extending out from the back of the button.  Attach split rings, key chains or zipper pulls through the hole to add functionality to your 1" buttons.  

Split Ring Keyring with Plastic Tab Versaback. 
(Split Rings are too big for 1" button versabacks and require the use of a plastic tab).

Mini Split Ring and Zipper Pull Versabacks

Snap Hook and Chain Keychain Versabacks

** Versabacks are also available for 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" buttons - Happy Button Making!! Versabacks also known as versa-backs, versa backs and snap backs.   Can be available in black or white.

Read more »

Fluorescent Up Your Day June 27 2013

Fluorescent 7/8" Buttons

Fluorescent buttons stand out but as we all know, printing fluorescent color can be next to impossible.  I decided to experiment using fluorescent paper and print my artwork on clearacetate, which is available in both Matte or Gloss and in various thicknesses.  Acetate also eliminates the need for using mylar.  It is fun to experiment with printing different colors on the acetate and see how they appear when pressed on top of the fluorescent paper or other colored paper (see example below).

Read more »

Metal and Magnetic Bottle Openers June 20 2013

I just wanted to add that we supply both metal and magnetic bottle openers for 2-1/4" button making machines.  The benefit of using the black plastic bottle opener is that it has a magnet insert which allows you to store it on the fridge or other magnetic surfaces. Both the metal and plastic magnetic bottle openers can accommodate key rings.

Read more »

Get Your Bottles Open - Bottle Openers Just in Time For Summer!! June 06 2013

Bottle openers come in handy all year round but a bottle opener attached to your key chain is especially handy during the summertime.  It is simple to design and make your own custom bottle openers using button parts.  Here are a few examples using split rings, keyrings and keychains. 

  Split Ring Bottle Opener

  Mini Split Ring Bottle Opener

Chain Keychain with Split Ring Bottle Opener

Chain Keychain with Mini Split Ring Bottle Opener

 Pull-Apart Keyring Bottle Opener

Read more »

Matte Buttons Or Glossy! May 24 2013

I wanted to post a photo that Illustrates the difference between a matte and glossy finish for button-making.  The matte button examples are pictured on the left, and the glossy buttons are on the right.  Notice how the gloss finish is reflective and allows the colors to "pop" or appear brighter and the matte finish produces a more subdued feel with very little sheen.  Which one you choose will depend on the effect you wish to achieve.

Gloss buttons are created by using standard transparent, high-gloss mylar over top of your artwork and matte buttons are created using laminated artwork (see below) and do not require mylar.  Button-making mylar is currently only available in high-gloss but we and button makers alike are hoping that soon that won't be the case.  Bring on the matte!

Read more »

Summer Fun Custom Mirrors May 22 2013

 

 

Read more »

Making Metallic Buttons May 03 2013

Add Some Shine to your Buttons!

We've also been experimenting with making silver buttons.  The process is very simple: Print your artwork on acetate transparency or use Dura-Lar Film for printing and button making  in reverse, cut it out and press - and let the silver shine through.  Press the button with your artwork shiny side up as the printed image will scratch off. 

You print your image in reverse and put it ink side down when making the button.  This stops any chance of the ink scratching off the button once it's made.  The ink is inside and protected.

Put the acetate print side down on a naked button to get the silver effect.Simple.  Want to make gold buttons?  Lay a metallic gold paper under the acetate.  Fluorescent?  Yes you can use fluorescent or glow in the dark papers!

You can buy acetate or clear dura-lar on our website.  Also bright gold sheets!

Read more »

Copper Buttons with optional embossing April 30 2013

Hey Guys - Check out our latest discovery!!!  You can make creative buttons out of copper sheet metal.  Use the copper sheet metal as your artwork instead of paper and you do not require mylar and you get a really nice copper finish.  In the above example we embossed the copper with an old embossing machine.  It marks the soft copper and gives a kind of old fashioned typewriter effect.

This is just another example of different ways to make art buttons.  You can really get creative with your button machine!

Read more »

Gold and Silver Pin-Back Buttons – Button Making Ideas! April 20 2013

The problem is quite simple.  How do I make buttons that are fluorescent?  My printer cannot print fluorescent colours.  How do I make gold or silver buttons? My printer cannot print gold or silver.  Well the fact is very few printers can print fluorescent colours or gold.  Even bright pink is difficult to reproduce so this article explains how to get around the limitations of printing and put really bright colors on a button. So if you want bright pink buttons just use this idea and substitute the gold paper for fluorescent pink or whatever color you choose.

I will use the example of gold because no printer can print shiny reflective gold.

What do you need to make really shiny gold buttons:

• Gold foil paper
• Printable acetate transparencies
• Circle cutter, printer and button maker (Just like you need for any button making job)

Make your artwork just like you would for any button and then reverse it. Then simply print the reverse image on a transparency.  Lay the transparency over a sheet of the gold foil paper and cut out the gold sheet and acetate together. If you have trouble with the gold foil you can always cut it separately with scissors and put it under the acetate.  It only need show through where there is no colour printed on the acetate.  You don’t even need to cut very accurately.  Now put acetate with gold backing into the button maker and press as normal. Voila!

Another tip is to print the image NOT reversed and lay the acetate over the gold foil print side down.  This way the print side is protected.  Depending on your printer and acetate combo the ink may scratch off.  This way your print is protected.

A printed transparency with the image showing through the clear acetate. The printer printed on the reverse of this transparency to protect the print surface.

The printed sheet is placed over a gold foil sheet with printed side down but image showing correctly through the acetate. Note the photo here cannot reproduce the shiny gold as per the actual gold leaf. You need to see this button. It shines!

Here we cut the acetate and the gold leaf die simultaneously using a cutting die. If you are using a graphic punch to make your buttons then cut the acetate with your punch and cut the gold leaf with scissors.

Finished buttons with shiny gold showing through the acetate. A great way to make visually striking buttons. This photo here cannot reproduce the eye catching gold.
Make one yourself and see what I mean.

Syndicated blog from TheButtonGuy.net This article is reprinted with permission. http://TheButtonGuy.net/

Read more »

New product for 1″ Button Makers – Button Jewelery – Artclix Pendants and bracelets with 1″ button art! April 13 2013

A great way to utilize a 1″ button maker to make interchangeable jewelry with FLAT BACK Button parts (sold separately: click for Round or Square).

The Artclix metal pendants and bracelets have a rare earth magnet inside so you can change the design of your bracelet or pendant as often as you change your undies! Or more often, depending on how you roll : ) haha

Artclix jewelery for pendants and bracelets with your 1″ button maker.

You can find the bracelets here on People Power Press.  Pendants here.

Button bracelets available so you can have interchangeable sets of button designs on a magnetic bracelet button holder.

How do you spell Jewelry Jewellery Jewelery?  No idea!

Syndicated blog from TheButtonGuy.net
This article is reprinted with permission.
http://TheButtonGuy.net/

Read more »

Diamond Shaped Buttons March 28 2013

Put your own artwork on a Pin-back Button!  I chose to make a Diamond Pin-back Button based on a painting I'd done of diamond designs.  Diamond Pin-back Buttons are made using square pin-back button parts; the square pin-back (which is black plastic) comes with three holes which can be pinned straight across for square, or diagonally for diamond.  We carry four square sizes to suite your needs: 1", 1.5", 2" and 3" and have parts to make either pin-back buttons or magnets.  

We would be happy to make diamond or square buttons for you - click here for pricing or you can look at our selection of square button makers and make them yourself!  Happy Button Making!

Read more »

Turn your Favourite Instagram Pics into Button or Magnet Art March 13 2013

Make Buttons or Magnets from your Instagram Photos 

Step 1: Take a picture using Instagram

You can either use Instagram to take a photo or bring in outside photos from your camera roll to Instagram. 

.

When you have decided on a photo you may choose to apply a filter, a blur, add a border or adjust brightness and contrast.

Once published, the app will save a full size, high resolution image to your camera roll.  That feature is turned off by default but can be changed in the iphone's settings app. If you get stuck, you can always save the photo by right clicking it on your Instragram feed while using your computer, but the quality might not be as high.

Step 2: Place Your Order

We have four square sizes for you to choose from: 1", 1.5", 2" and 3". 

Click on the following link to be taken to our Instagram Button and Magnet order page:

 Step 3: Upload Your Artwork

Upload your Instagram picture using the link that is sent with your order confirmation 

OR

Email it to us :)

Step 4: Get Excited About Receiving Your Buttons/Magnets! :)

We endeavour to make and ship your custom orders within 24-48 hours of payment and artwork being received and can often get your buttons in the mail same day!

Read more »

pre-cut blank paper circles for button making March 12 2013

 If you are not ready to invest in your own graphic punch we are more than happy to provide you with pre-cut paper circles in any size and quantity for button making.  Having these around is a great addition to button making parties, especially when children are involved : )

Read more »

How to Make a Recipe Magnet February 28 2013

Recipe on a magnet - Fridge ready!

I often have the problem of forgetting where I found a great a great recipe.  I always plan to write it out, or print it from the internet but even then, where should one store it.  So the other day I had the idea to make one into a fridge magnet - what better spot for a recipe!!

Then I cut it out using a 3" square graphic punch and got my button parts assembled for a 3" square magnet.  You need a shell, mylar, unpinned back and a magnet. 

Then pressed my magnet with my 3" Square Button Maker and now I will never have to search all over the world again for this recipe. P.S. You should try it, it is delicious!

Read more »

Non-Profits, Not-for-Profits, Charities, Organizations – Why you need a button maker! February 15 2013

Non-Profits, Not-for-Profits, Charities, Organizations all need to raise funds for their causes.  There are many ways to do this.   Many of them get into the junkmail business, many canvas door to door or on street corners.  Many of the canvassers do not even care for the cause and are paid quite well for bugging people.  The large charities employ sub-contractors to knock on doors and if they make a sale of, say, a $10 monthly subscription the first 2 years or as much as $240 will go to the sub-contracting company and only the subscriptions in the third year and beyond benefit the charity.  I know I’m going to get angry emails from the large charities telling me “It’s only the first years subscription that goes to the sub-contractor” but whatever the deal is and I know they vary, I don’t think the generous subscriber new they were filling the coffers of the for-profit canvassing company. Full disclosure and real volunteers would be a better way to go, but I actually believe these charities harm their image when they call people on the phone during dinner or knock on doors when people are relaxing (or sleeping).  As for the junk mail?  That’s just got to stop.  Our household has given annualy to possibly 10 charities for years.  We probably get more than 1000 letters a year.  Yes averaging more than 3 unnecessary letters a day.  You could argue that’s a lot of trees but it’s also a lot of cash that should be going to saving whales, fighting climate change, or building women’s shelters.  It should be used for whatever the money was actually intended for. 

Darfur, Sudan relief	Anti-poverty	Haiti relief
campaign button	fundraising button	fundraiser

Fundraising with buttons is extremely low cost, fun, attracts new subscribers and interested parties and does not bug anybody because people come to you

There are many ideas for using buttons to fundraise and I will layout a few ideas to show that instead of sending junk mail getting a button maker is a better investment.

1) Buttons are a low cost way to promote your organization.  Get your name logo out there.  It’s obvious but simple.

2) But what about a “Make your own buttons table” in front of your office, at street festivals, yard sales, schools, universities or any public events.  As well as your button maker you need blank circles, crayons, pens and markers. Get people to draw their designs and put it in a button for them right there and then. People will flock to your table and as they come they will bring more people (naturally, you don’t have to set up a robocall)  Make it for a donation for your cause and you will get $5, $10 for a button that costs 8 cents.  I once even got $50 for a single button because the donor believed in the cause.  You should also have your own designs available at the table for people who don’t want to draw.  Not just a button with your logo but a load of buttons that are relevant for your cause.  Make them funny, make them pertinent, make them serious. Make some radical and some gentle.  Have buttons that describe the full array of your cause with humour and with passion.  All the time people stand at your table, reading your button designs, more people will come. ( You won’t have to bludgeon anyone with your clipboard anymore, they will come to you.)

Do get a graphic designer to design your buttons!  Good design is the key!!!

3) Got something interesting on your website? Draw traffic to the page with a QR code.  What’s a QR code?

Pin-back buttons, pins, badges or whatever you call them are an ideal vehicle for promoting websites but what about a button that can be scanned on a cellphone and the image takes the cellphone user straight to your website.

QR codes don’t just need to go to a homepage, you can generate a QR code to lead a browser to any web address, to a special offer page, to a secret page or a surprise page.  Follow a QR code button on your smart phone and see where you end up!

4) Use your button maker as a tool to leverage volunteers.  If you have a large number of volunteers coming in to help then that’s great but you need a way to utilise that people power.  You also need a way to give those that do volunteer a sense of satisfaction, the sense that there voluntary labour was put to good use.  I used to be involved in an organization that had lots of walk-in volunteers. I found that if I invested time in explaing tasks to them I would sometimes be dissapointed as they could loose interest and drift away.  On asking I found they often thought the volunteer jobs pointless.  But explaining to a new volunteer how to make buttons takes literally a minute or two.  They work away at making buttons and as the finished buttons pile up they get a sense of achievement. You can use the button maker to judge staying power in your new volunteer.  Once they have proved themselves making buttons for your next event, you can invest some time and take them to the next level, they have earnt it.

5) A printing press in your office.  Once you get good at making buttons you can publish a new button even daily, it takes minutes. As and when a new campaign slogan comes up, a reaction to a press release or a new idea formulates; put it on a button.  Have new designs on the website with a pile of freebies at the front desk for drop ins, for a donation or otherwise. Those buttons will go forward and spread the word. Let your supporters spread the word for you.

• Buttons are inexpensive
• Buttons are excellent low cost fundaisers (Do the math!)
• Buttons draw people to your organisation
• Buttons draw traffic to your website
• Buttons can be used to leverage volunteer power
• A button maker is like your own printing press in the office

Syndicated blog from TheButtonGuy.net
This article is reprinted with permission.
http://TheButtonGuy.net/

Read more »

Stronger Ceramic Magnets now available from various sources February 13 2013

I am pleased to see that stronger magnets are now available so that there’s a bit of a snap to the magnet button when it goes on the fridge.  Of course you can use rare earth magnets but ouch!  They are expensive.  But ceramic magnets seem to be available at about the same price as the peel n’ stick magnets.  Ceramic just looks way better as well as being stronger!

Ceramic magnets are stronger and can also improve the look of the back of the button.

I see the new ceramic magnets available for 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″ and 1-3/4″ are now available from some distributors.

Checkout your favourite distributor and make your magnet buttons even better!

The Button Guy

Syndicated blog from TheButtonGuy.net
The following article is reprinted with
permission.
http://TheButtonGuy.net/

Read more »

Bring Pin-back Buttons to Clothing February 06 2013

Making your own Custom Buttons for Jackets, Accessories and Furniture

It is certainly confusing when writing about buttons.  At People Power Press we call pin-back buttons "buttons" and we think of them as buttons but more commonly the word "buttons" refer to what do up your shirt.  This is the kind of button that I am about to write about (and yes, you can make them using pin-back button supplies and a button maker).

Using pin-back button supplies and a button maker you can make your own buttons for clothing, accessories and furniture.  

Once pressed sew thread through the metal loop of the welded up eye onto your desired surface.  This is a great way to customize your jacket, pillows or couch, and other accessories.  

Read more »

Are you an artist? Button painting is the new thing! February 02 2013

Making Canvas Buttons - Button painting

Making canvas buttons is a great way to put your art on a button - and a refreshing artist material to work with.  Making a canvas button is very similar to regular pin-back button making except that you use canvas instead of paper and mylar.  You will also require a shell and preferred back.  In the following example, I chose to make magnets and therefore used a flat back.  In terms of fabric, I found that a light-weight, tight weave 100% cotton unbleached canvas works best for button making.  You can experiment with different thicknesses of canvas but I found that heavier canvases did not press properly.  Also pay attention to the weave - look for tightly woven canvas as it will produce less fraying when cutting and pressing, and helps to add to the opacity of the finished, pressed button.

Put your art on buttons

   

To begin with you need to decide what size of button you wish to make and then cut out appropriate sized circles. I prefer to use an adjustable rotary circle cutter which is great for cutting fabric and is more accurate and faster than using scissors but of course using scissors will work too.  The adjustable rotary circle cutter cuts in pre-set stops for five popular button sizes: 1", 1-1/2", 2-1/4", 3", 3-1/2" with easy and fast adjustment between sizes. If you use this cutter there is no need to trace a circle on your fabric beforehand.  Just place the cutter on your blank sheet of canvas and cut away.  If you are using another cutting method, like scissors you will need to trace the appropriate diameter cut line onto your canvas.  For a list of diameter cut lines for popular button sizes you can view them on our website or you can simply trace a piece of mylar appropriate to the size of the button you wish to make.  

  Paint your own buttons.

I thought it would be cute to paint cats on my buttons so I drew the black lines with a permanent marker (Staedtler or Sharpies work well) and then painted them with artist's grade acrylic paint.  Artist's acrylic paint isn't the same as fabric paint but I find it works just as well, is flexible when dry and the colours will be more vibrant and will not fade.  I chose to create my artwork on the canvas prior to pressing the button as it becomes more difficult to draw on the convex shape once in pressed state.  But that is up to you!  Also, I intentionally drew my art work right to the edge of the canvas surface, so that the image will wrap around the edge of the button and tuck in when finished.

Ironing your canvas

Once dry, the application of paint will have warped your fabric which makes it harder to seat in the crimp die of the button maker.  To combat this iron flat before pressing.

Pressing a Canvas Button

Place your artwork on top of a shell in the pickup die of the button maker and proceed as though you were making a button.  Make sure to wipe the upper die of your button maker with a cloth before pressing with canvas as grease/dirt may have collected from previous use.  If making a button, make sure that your artwork is seated in the right direction in relation to the pinback, but in the case of magnet backs/flat backs, it doesn't matter. 

Cut off or use tweezers to hide any stray threads that may have resulted during the button-making process.

Make a magnet

I chose to make magnets out of my canvas button fronts.  With this type of magnet, peel and stick the magnet onto the centre of the flat back of the button.  You could choose to make other items such as key-chains, mirrors, bottle openers or pin-back buttons.  To view our selection of button parts please visit our website.

Make your buttons unique and original!

Happy button painting!

For ideas and useful information on making buttons checkout The Button Guy Blog or take a look at the Video Page.

Read more »

Key Chain Buttons with a Feline edge January 16 2013

Yes you can make key chains with your button maker.  It is just like making a pinback button except that you use a slotted back which you then insert a snap-in tab and attach a keyring.  I used these 1-3/4" button parts but keychains are available for most sizes of buttons.

Read more »

What printer and what ink would you use for business level quality graphics? January 14 2013

Syndicated blog from TheButtonGuy.net
The following article is reprinted with
permission.
http://TheButtonGuy.net/

• What kind of printer do I need to start a custom button making business?
  
• What paper is best for making custom buttons?
  
• What is the cost of printing custom button?
  
• How can I lower the cost of making buttons

Original question:   In your experience with button making what type of printer and ink would you   use for a business level quality graphics? I know that over time ink can sun   bleach and paper can break down, so for a good quality product for my   customers any ideas? I have not started my button side of my business yet but   looking to soon. Love your site btw and thank you for your time. Have a great   day.

Paper choices for Button Makers and Button Making.

Button makers are mostly designed for standard 20lb (75gsm) to 32 lb (120 gsm)paper.  There are some special photo button machines designed for thicker photo paper but in the digital age photo paper is a bit obsolete so the special machines are quite rare and not really necessary.   I think the key to good buttons is that you choose a super white paper, the look and the way it prints being more important than the weight.  That way when you print black (or any other color) on white you have the maximum contrast. I have also found that papers with a gloss finish print well.

When purchasing paper I have always found better prices and quality from commercial print shop suppliers rather than retailers like Staples.  A standard pure white glossy commercial printer paper will do it.  No problem.

Printer choices for Button Makers and Button Making.

Your choice is basically Ink Jet or Laser.  Inkjet will give you better quality for photos and artwork especially if you get a high end Epson but you will pay dearly for the ink. Inkjet or bubble jet have higher resolution than laser. Laser printers are not as good quality but are generally reasonable quality and are much cheaper per page.  I have tried many but I have not found a good quality entry level laser printer (Up to $800) that can compete with the big machines installed in copy shops.  A good copy shop can give you really high quality results but don’t just go in and accept what you’re given. All print jobs need a little tweaking.  Colours can be enhanced, saturation improved.  Find a printer that cares and then give them lots of business.  Remember the quality of the printing can make or break your custom button business.  Once you’ve established your business it becomes time to consider the big expensive photocopier on a 5 year lease with a click charge per 18″ x 12″ print.

If you decide to print from your home or office with a $300 printer that can work too.  Make sure you’re maximizing the page and remember you do not have to print right up to the cut-line.  Save ink and take out any unnecessary color on your artwork that does not show – the buttons are not affected.  See the example below.  These are 1” buttons and 42 buttons fit on each letter size page.  The cut size for 1” buttons is 1.313” but we cut the color short – the white does not show on the button.

Also speaking of saving ink, I personally have had no luck with refilling my ink cartridges.  The colors coming out of my printers have always suffered.  I am not supporting Canon, Xerox and the rest for overcharging for their cartridges and I have saved money by refilling cartridges locally but quality always declined. If color is not crucial it’s a good way to go.

Some companies, like Xerox have solid ink printers. These printers are not ideal for button making if you are making custom buttons for clients because the colors are way off and that can be a problem.  Solid ink printers may be good (or not so bad) for the environment but people are often fussy about their corporate logos and business colors and that can lead to problems if your printer cannot match colors on the monitor.

Issues with bleaching and paper deterioration.

I have never found bleaching or  paper deterioration to be a problem.  I have a few buttons that are maybe 20 years old.  Yes the paper changes color but that even adds to the effect for an old button.  You could try using acid free paper but I don’t think it’s necessary, buttons are pretty durable.  I had a store with a south facing window that got direct sunlight all day.  I filled the window with a mosaic of buttons and yes after a year buttons began to fade and after 18 months it was necessary to change them, but that is exceptional exposure for a simple button.

Cost of button printing.

The cost of printing buttons varies tremendously.  I calculated that some photo buttons using a cheap Canon printer ($400) with a 4 colour cartridge system ($440 for 4) were costing $1.30 for a full sheet.  Ouch!   But that was the luxury of doing it at home and not going to a printer and that meant printing costs of 3 cents for a 1” button (42 up) and 8 cents for a 2-1/4” button (9 up).  These days I have an 18” x 12” Xerox @ 8 cents a sheet.   That means the 2-1/4” button print costs 8 cents per 18 buttons as opposed to 8 cents each. The difference in the cost of printing buttons can be huge!  But if you’re selling a custom button service print quality is key.

Read more »

Ponytail holders – Make Hair Elastics with your button maker December 08 2012

Syndicated blog from TheButtonGuy.net
The following article is reprinted with
permission.
http://TheButtonGuy.net/

The great thing about a button maker is that it takes you as far as your imagination goes.  There’s so much you can do with a button maker and this article explains how to make ponytail elastics.

Most people make pin-backs with their button makers but center hole button parts are widely available.  You need centre hole backs and then you need welded up eyes.

Welded up eye – Use with center hole backs to make ponytail elastics.

Once you’ve put your design on a centre hole button with a welded up eye poking out you can loop your hair elastic through the loop of the welded up eye. Bingo!

Where can I buy ponytail elastics – Best bet is your local dollar store.

Where can I buy centre hole backs and welded up eyes?  In the US   In Canada

Where can I get further info on how to make stuff with my button maker?  Video’s

Read more »

How to make personalized gifts for Christmas with your Button Maker – Button Making Ideas! December 08 2012

Syndicated blog from TheButtonGuy.net
The following article is reprinted with
permission.
http://TheButtonGuy.net/

Personalized gifts for Christmas?  What about hanging family photos in a mirror back button on the tree.  Wow.  Shiny!

It’s amazing what you can do with a bit of ribbon or elastic and a button maker.  As always with buttons you need a good design – regardless what you’re making the design is key.  Most of your effort and energy should go into improving your design but once you have a good design, you can easily make ……..in this case Christmas decorations that can hang on your Christmas Tree.

Firstly I chose to make mirror buttons with a Santa on the front.  You could just use pin-backs or flat backs, they too will reflect the lights of the tree but I decided to use mirrors.  To make mirror buttons you need a 2-1/4″ button maker or larger. 2-1/2″, 3″, 3-1/2″ all have mirror buttons as do 2″x 3″ and 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ buttons.  Also oval buttons make great mirrors.

To make mirrors you need:

Here’s a video explaining how to make mirrors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXgRjUbir8k&feature=share&list=ULtXgRjUbir8k

Once you know how to make the mirror, you need to add the elastic or ribbon to let it hang in the tree.  Here’s a few picks.

In the above example I made a hole in the shim and fed the elastic through. I had some issues with the metal shim cutting the elastic.  I just made the hole with a pointed awl. But a lot of effort and not the best way.

Even though in the above 2 images the mirror works and hangs on the tree well, the ribbon or elastic does not need to be super strong.  But as you see in the 2 images above it does not look great, if you’re selling these you can see the elastic is not allowing the button to really crimp properly.

By using thin ribbon it works well, carries the weight and crimps the button properly.  I also tried simply taping the ribbon to the back of the image.  That worked well too.

As I said above the ribbon worked best producing a great mirror button for the Christmas tree.

If you’re selling these this is a great product to sell in sets.  Any product that needs not just a single decoration but a hole set is great and if you have a tree full of these mirrors it’s going to be shiny!

But if you want to get professional you could also use tabs and slot back buttons. These are usually used for pendents or key-chain buttons.  Slot back buttons are available for 1-1/2″, 1-3/4″, 2-1/4″, 2-1/2″ and 3″ sizes.  You can even get 2-3/8″ slot backs for badge-a-minit button makers.

This is what slot back buttons with tabs look like:

You can use the above to make professional looking Christmas Decorations and holiday season ornaments for the tree.  Thread ribbon or elastic through the ring.

Happy crafting!

Read more »

Putting QR Codes on buttons or magnets – Why? How? December 08 2012

Syndicated blog from TheButtonGuy.net
The following article is reprinted with
permission.
http://TheButtonGuy.net/

QR Codes or Quick Response codes and buttons are a marriage made in heaven.

Pin-back buttons, pins, badges or whatever you call them are an ideal vehicle for promoting websites but what about a button that can be scanned on a cellphone and the image takes the cellphone user straight to your website.

QR codes don’t just need to go to a homepage, you can generate a QR code to lead a browser to any web address, to a special offer page, to a secret page or a surprise page.  Follow a QR code button and see where you end up!

How to generate your QR code artwork for a button.  There are dozens of free code generators online.  Try this one  or just search for one online.

What are QR codes

QR-Code in a Newspaper

“QR-Codes are two dimensional barcode (datamatrix) that is designed to have its contents decoded at a high speed.” source

With the technology of mobile phones constantly advancing, especially within mobile internet, QR-Codes are the perfect solution to quickly and efficiently bring mobile phone users onto the mobile web. QR-Codes can be used to store all kinds of data including web addresses. QR codes can also be used on:

How QR-codes Work?

Take a mobile phone such as an iPhone, android or blackberry or any phone with a digital camera. Take a photo (or scan) the QR code to capture a picture of the QR-Code.  The in built QR-Code software decoder will then transform the data into an action by the mobile phone, such as:

This is done in a millisecond making the transformation from a users mobile phone to the mobile web instantaneous.

How to put a QR-code on a button

Putting a QR-code on a button is not really different from putting anything on a button.  You need a good quality artwork and you need a reasonable printer. Artwork can be generated online.  Just decide on the url you want to link to, fill out a simple online form and most sites email you back a .png file instantly.

Try this free online QR-code generator

Layout your sheet as you would normally.  Of course a square button is great, especially if you have a square button maker or if you are getting your buttons custom made by a pro, they will have a square button machine, but a round button will also work fine.

Add some text for the visual:  What about “Scan me”,  “Follow me” or “special offer”

You can use colour – they do not have to be black – but whatever you do TEST your qr-code before you make a bunch of buttons.  Make sure your code works!!

Enjoy!

Read more »

Me and my friend have been looking into buying a previously established button making business we then realized it was more practical to start are own due to various reason such as shipping etc. We are first year University students........ November 29 2012

Syndicated blog from TheButtonGuy.net
The following article is reprinted with
permission.
http://TheButtonGuy.net/

Hi Liam

I would say there is no doubt that you can make money with a custom button business.

• You have the artwork skills, that is key.
• Do you have marketing skills?
• Do you have general common sense?

If you answered yes to the above 3 then you are well on the way to success.

Buying the button business is another discussion, it would depend on equipment and if you are still considering this you could call to get advice on the value of that equipment and the value of the business. A key here is to buy good and not obsolete button making equipment.

Also you mention you are on campus. University is a great place for selling buttons!!

Let me know if you want to discuss further.

Cheers,  The Button Guy

Read more »

How to make christmas decorations with your button maker. November 10 2012

Personalized gifts for Christmas?  What about hanging family photos in a mirror back button on the tree.  Wow.  Shiny!

It’s amazing what you can do with a bit of ribbon or elastic and a button maker.  As always with buttons you need a good design - regardless what you’re making the design is key.  Most of your effort and energy should go into improving your design but once you have a good design, you can easily make ……..in this case Christmas decorations that can hang on your Christmas Tree.

Firstly I chose to make mirror buttons with a Santa on the front.  You could just use pin-backs or flat backs, they too will reflect the lights of the tree but I decided to use mirrors.  To make mirror buttons you need a 2-1/4” button maker or larger. 2-1/2”, 3”, 3-1/2” all have mirror buttons as do 2”x 3” and 2-1/2” x 3-1/2” buttons.  Also oval buttons make great mirrors.

To make mirrors you need:

Here’s a video explaining how to make mirrors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXgRjUbir8k&feature=share&list=ULtXgRjUbir8k

Once you know how to make the mirror, you need to add the elastic or ribbon to let it hang in the tree.  Here’s a few picks.

In the above example I made a hole in the shim and fed the elastic through. I had some issues with the metal shim cutting the elastic.  I just made the hole with a pointed bradle. But a lot of effort and not the best way.

Even though in the above 2 images the mirror works and hangs on the tree well, the ribbon or elastic does not need to be super strong.  But as you see in the 2 images above it does not look great, if you’re selling these you can see the elastic is not allowing the button to really crimp properly.

By using thin ribbon it works well, carries the weight and crimps the button properly.  I also tried simply taping the ribbon to the back of the image.  That worked well too.

As I said above the ribbon worked best producing a great mirror button for the Christmas tree.

If you’re selling these this is a great product to sell in sets.  Any product that needs not just a single decoration but a hole set is great and if you have a tree full of these mirrors it’s going to be shiny!

But if you want to get professional you could also use tabs and slot back buttons. These are usually used for pendents or key-chain buttons.  Slot back buttons are available for 1-1/2”, 1-3/4”, 2-1/4”, 2-1/2” and 3” sizes.  You can even get 2-3/8” slot backs for badge-a-minit button makers.

This is what slot back buttons with tabs look like:

You can use the above to make professional looking Christmas Decorations and holiday season ornaments for the tree.  Thread ribbon or elastic through the ring.

Happy crafting!

Read more »

Ponytail holders - Make Hair Elastics with your button maker November 09 2012

The great thing about a button maker is that it takes you as far as your imagination goes.  There’s so much you can do with a button maker and this article explains how to make ponytail elastics.

Most people make pin-backs with their button makers but center hole button parts are widely available.  You need centre hole backs and then you need welded up eyes.

Welded up eye - Use with center hole backs to make ponytail elastics.

Once you’ve put your design on a centre hole button with a welded up eye poking out you can loop your hair elastic through the loop of the welded up eye. Bingo!

Where can I buy ponytail elastics - Best bet is your local dollar store.

Where can I buy centre hole backs and welded up eyes?  In the US   In Canada

Where can I get further info on how to make stuff with my button maker?  Video’s

Read more »

How do I get people or businesses interested in getting buttons made or using buttons for fundraisers? November 05 2012

Syndicated blog from TheButtonGuy.net
The following article is reprinted with
permission.
http://TheButtonGuy.net/

Faisal asked

“I’m interested in button making and I design fanart too. How do I get people or businesses interested in getting buttons made or using buttons for fundraisers?”

Thanks for the question Faisal, it’s a big question and I will try to answer it here in short form and at the end I will link to other related articles that I have written.  Cheers!

How do I start my custom button making business?  How do I market my buttons? How do I start a button making business?

1. Create your tools.

2. Identify your market.

3. Create your marketing plan for your launch.

4. Consider timely or seasonal and ongoing strategies.

1. Create your tools:

Your tools are what you need when you walk in the door the first time to meet a potential customer.

Samples and Business Cards.  Keep samples handy, that way when you see your friends, family or meet new people, you can give them one. They’ll probably compliment the design, at which point you can say “Thank you! I made it myself. If you ever need buttons for an event or business, let me know”. They might not need them right away, but they’ll have you in mind for when they (or someone they know) do. Better yet, make your samples double as your business card: put your contact info on a button and voila! You’ve got a button business card. It can be round, square, or whatever shape and size you want. If you make them as magnets instead of pinbacks, you have the added benefit of the free publicity you’ll get when they put it on their fridge, locker, etc. The 1-3/4” x 2-3/4” rectangular button maker makes great business card sized magnet or pin-back buttons. BUT REMEMBER: if that’s your card, people may ask for the same shape and size, so be ready to buy that machine – or limit your business cards to the size of the button maker you own.

You need a price list.  That means an easy to read, single piece of paper with your prices.   Give price breaks for larger quantities, but don’t go too cheap.  No point making 100,000,000 buttons if you’re going to lose money (and time) on every single one!

You need a website. This can be a free site (such as WordPress). To start, make sure you have 2 pages: one that says who you are and what you do and the other with your contact information so potential customers can get in touch to place an order. Having a website with your address, phone, etc. increases trust while publishing prices online assures customers they are getting a fair deal.

2.   Identify your market:

You have, in your question, identified fundraisers as a potential market.  Who raises funds?  Community groups, Non-profits, church groups and activist organisations. Start with a list of local groups that you wish to contact.  Send them samples (5 buttons or magnets, or a mix of both, is more than enough) and a pricelist.  If you see an excellent potential client, make them a personalized button and go and meet with them face to face (perhaps at one of their events!).

If you want to sell CUSTOM buttons (meaning, you use or create designs specifically for your customer):

Any local business is a potential customer, canvas your local business area or drop a business card button through the door whilst taking the dog for a walk.  Local small businesses are your best bet when starting out, as big chain stores often buy at head office and not at branch level.

Don’t forget your friends: they are your biggest supporters, probably your first customers, and will be the happiest to tell other people that their friend is in the button making business. Create a personalized button for each of your friends (if they like Godzilla, give them a Godzilla button with their name on it). They will wear it, go forth and spread the word.

If you want to sell YOUR buttons (meaning, you want to sell your own art in button form):

Set up a booth at local farmers’ markets, flea markets, or one-of-a-kind shows.

Create an online store on etsy, ebay, or other online shop.

Do a “crowdfunding” campaign. Rockethub is a great company to help you with this and can give you more information. Simply put, you set a goal for the amount of money you want to raise (which can go towards establishing your button business: maybe you don’t have a machine yet, maybe you want to get another one) and then you promise your donors a product in return for their donation (which you give to them once your campaign is complete). This is a great way to a) get the funds you need to purchase your gear and, b) start establishing a word-of-mouth client base before your business even begins!

Identify potential resellers. Look for stores in your area that could resell for you and take it a step further: ask the local bicycle store if they want to sell bicycle buttons, ask the computer store if they want to sell nerd buttons, ask the pet store if they want to sell animal buttons / fluffy animal buttons / animal rights buttons.  Then use your creative genius to design a set of buttons for them to sell.  Either they buy a box of buttons from you or you negotiate a cut of consignment sales. Talk to them, get their ideas. For example, you could create 5-30 designs for them, laid out on a clean, professional looking board (or in a counter top box or jar) in the store and split the sale 50/50 with the store owner.  You may have to settle with a consignment deal – meaning, you get paid when they sell (so you’ll have to keep an inventory and check in from time to time).  But if the store owner allows a small add on the board that says “I Make Custom Buttons” and contact info, then it could be the beginning of something good.

NOTE: Match the buttons you create to your personality and the personality of the store (and owner) you choose to work with.  If you’re an avid cyclist do cycle stores.  If you’re a tech wiz do computer stores.  YOU WON’T CREATE GOOD PRODUCTS IF YOU’RE NOT INTERESTED!   Example: If you’re allergic to anything furry and hate animals it will be harder for you to identify with animal lovers, likely your buttons won’t be so good.  If you’re an animal rights activist and want to make anti-cruelty buttons (and I’m 100% with you), there is still no point going to the local pet store that sells Chihuahua’s with pink bows if the store owner isn’t an activist.  Put a Chihuahua with a pink bow on a button and you will win that customer.  (Disclaimer:  Here I apologize to all animal activists that have Chihuahuas with pink bows – I have a Pitbull that behaves like a Chihuahua and wears pink bows sometimes.)

3.   Create your marketing plan:

A marketing plan for a new business usually means a $0 budget but there are still free online notice boards, free classifieds, crowd funding possibilities, trade/swop ideas and tabling event possibilities. Follow this simple list, add your own ideas and work through the list. That’s a plan!

Free classifieds: There are many local online noticeboards such as Craigslist and Kijiji. Just go in, use the free option and place some ads. Search for free classifieds online. Some newspapers allow free classifieds but keep it local to start. You can get into shipping, returns, credit card payments etc. later. This may bring an order or two but it’s a good place to start, you begin to formulate in your own mind why you are better, why people should use your service and primarily that will be because you are “local”. People like to deal with neighbours. Don’t just be cheap! Underselling products is a key reason for small business failures.

Tabling, Festivals, Street Parties, Yard Sales:  Tap into your local community, what’s coming up? Setup a table at your neighbours’ yard sale. What about the Christmas fundraiser at the church. Does your local business community run a festival? Talk to the Business Improvement Association. Even if you go there and stand all day and sell just $50, next time your neighbour talks to someone they may just say, “I know someone who makes buttons.”  Do not underestimate how much money you can make at a school or college lunchtime break if you can setup a table. What about a “Make your own button table.” Basically any public event is a potential button marketing event.

Birthday party events for kids:   What about doing birthday party events for kids with your button maker?  It’s simple to organize coloured pens, markers and pre-cut circles for kids to draw on.  Don’t forget to take a few magazines or comics so the kids can cut out the stuff they’re into. Create a craigslist (or other) post specifically about your birthday party services and see what happens!

Trade / Swop: You’re starting out, you have no cash – what if the local church wants $30 for a table – offer them custom buttons instead.  If a local business is willing to trade products or advertising in exchange for buttons, that could be a good way to get the ball rolling and lower your start up costs.

4.   Consider timely / seasonal and ongoing strategies.

Whether it’s for the launch of your business or for ongoing business you’ve got to be timely and seasonal.  As I write, Christmas is looming. So why not offer to put family pictures on a button for people to give out as Christmas gifts or include with their yearly Christmas cards?  In the Spring you want to be thinking about Summer events/festivals and planning ahead.

Here’s a simple framework – I know it’s not rocket science – for how a button maker should be thinking and preparing:

Spring:     Summer events, street festivals, beer gardens, yard sales

Summer:  Back to school

Autumn / Fall: Halloween, Harvest Festival, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah,

Winter:   Christmas, Holiday Season, New Year, New Year Resolutions, Valentines

All year round:  Birthdays, Marriages, Funerals, Graduations, Births.  Also new movies, trends (QR codes), comic books (any new Marvel release) and then the humdinger of them all: ELECTIONS at every level: local school or National Presidential elections all need buttons!

Some final words for reflection and advice:

Starting ANY business takes a lot of legwork to get it up and running.  The most effective advertising is ALWAYS word of mouth.  Do a good job for each customer and they will become your ‘sales representatives’.  It may go wrong occasionally (don’t ignore it!), do what it takes to win that customer back (but remember that once in a while you’ll run into a client that can never be pleased. Don’t take it personally).  Go a step further for your customers: Under promise and over deliver. Establish your customer base and as long as your service and product is good (and fills a need) it will grow naturally without expensive advertising.  Be creative. Don’t try to get too big too quick, steady as she goes and I wish you luck with your new button business! 

Read more »

A button maker for Christmas - A creative gift for your kid! October 20 2012

Have you considered giving a button maker as a gift this year?  Christmas, graduation, birthday, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or whatever the occasion, a button making kit will be the gift that inspires!

Button makers are ideal gifts for kids, teens and young adults because, unlike most fads and toys, they will last for years and keep their appeal through the ages and stages of your child’s development. The button designs may change, the button machine just keeps on pressing buttons.

 Children are fascinated by the idea of designing their own buttons.  What better than a creative gift?  Their first button making experience was often at a children’s party or school event but that’s not the same as owning your own button press. Once they see their artwork transformed into a wearable pin or stickable magnet, they’re hooked and can’t get enough. Making buttons encourages young children to be creative and to hone their design and aesthetic senses.

Older children love the idea of being able to wear a message they have designed. It gives them a way to tell the world who they are and what they like. As teens move through the school and university system, button makers move with them. Having the ability to produce ‘campaign’ materials for a variety of projects is a bonus during those stages when being included is so important. Button makers become part of social events that encourage teamwork, creativity and collaboration.

 To top it all off, button makers are not expensive relative to their value: a good quality, solid metal machine and circle cutter costs less than $500 and comes with a starter kit with usually more than 500 buttons. After that, button parts are relatively cheap (less than 10 cents a button) and you never need to buy batteries! If given a minimum of care, the machines will last for years and produce thousands of buttons.

There are cheaper options, I have seen kits for $189 like this one on Button Giant: $189 button maker kit  This kit works well but this is a hobby kit, if you can stretch to $300 you can get a metal machine that will work in elementary school and then still keep on pressing when your kids in University. $500 gets you the full enchilada.

There are few toys that match button makers for sturdy construction, ease of use, educational and social value, and affordability. Think about getting your kids into button making this year!  A memorable Christmas gift, graduation gift, birthday present or holiday surprise. Whether for Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, a Bar or Bat
Mitzvah, birthday, Christmas or New Year,  button maker is the perfect creative gift.

Read more »

Putting QR Codes on buttons or magnets - Why? How? October 07 2012

QR Codes or Quick Response codes and buttons are a marriage made in heaven.

Pin-back buttons, pins, badges or whatever you call them are an ideal vehicle for promoting websites but what about a button that can be scanned on a cellphone and the image takes the cellphone user straight to your website.

QR codes don’t just need to go to a homepage, you can generate a QR code to lead a browser to any web address, to a special offer page, to a secret page or a surprise page.  Follow a QR code button and see where you end up!

How to generate your QR code artwork for a button.  There are dozens of free code generators online.  Try this one  or just search for one online.

What are QR codes

QR-Code in a Newspaper

“QR-Codes are two dimensional barcode (datamatrix) that is designed to have its contents decoded at a high speed.” source

With the technology of mobile phones constantly advancing, especially within mobile internet, QR-Codes are the perfect solution to quickly and efficiently bring mobile phone users onto the mobile web. QR-Codes can be used to store all kinds of data including web addresses. QR codes can also be used on:

How QR-codes Work?

Take a mobile phone such as an iPhone, android or blackberry or any phone with a digital camera. Take a photo (or scan) the QR code to capture a picture of the QR-Code.  The in built QR-Code software decoder will then transform the data into an action by the mobile phone, such as:

This is done in a millisecond making the transformation from a users mobile phone to the mobile web instantaneous.

How to put a QR-code on a button

Putting a QR-code on a button is not really different from putting anything on a button.  You need a good quality artwork and you need a reasonable printer. Artwork can be generated online.  Just decide on the url you want to link to, fill out a simple online form and most sites email you back a .png file instantly.

Try this free online QR-code generator

Layout your sheet as you would normally.  Of course a square button is great, especially if you have a square button maker or if you are getting your buttons custom made by a pro, they will have a square button machine, but a round button will also work fine.

Add some text for the visual:  What about “Scan me”,  “Follow me” or “special offer”

You can use colour - they do not have to be black - but whatever you do TEST your qr-code before you make a bunch of buttons.  Make sure your code works!!

Enjoy!

Read more »

Flat Button edges - Third Press Operation - How to flatten button edges. July 27 2012

Flattening Button Edges is only possible with the 1”, 2” and 6” sizes only.

Why would you want to flatten the edge of the back of a button.  Well for the 6” it makes the clocks look better.  For the 2” it is particularly popular with people that make rosettes and also medallions (pendents and game pieces).  With the 1” too medallions look better and are easier to stick.  You can make a hole using a “Key-chain Punch” and put them on a chain or keyring. You can also use a sticky pad, double sided tape or glue.  These are also used widely for game pieces.

This is not the same process as flattening the front of a button as is done with 3-1/2” coaster buttons.

When using the Third Press Operation have a rare earth magnet (or strong magnet) to get the button out of the die.  It really helps.

Technical details - Medallion Back Buttons - Third Pressing Operation

When a button is made with a plastic flat back such as those used for medallions, the rim of the button is crimped at approximately a 45 degree angle. This leaves a flange extended inward and away from the flat back as shown in the lower left picture.

The Third Press Operation is unique to the red & black button makers. This process allows the 45 degree flange to be pressed down onto the flat back so a more secure and flat crimp is obtained. This is shown in the lower right picture. The Third Press Operation is currently available for 1”, 2”, and 6” button sizes.

Flat back buttons can be mounted directly onto plaques, trophies, and other applications with a two-sided peel and stick foam disks. “

            

See the difference?

1. Assemble a button without a pin installed in the back. There is no room in the button assembler for pins during the Third Press Operation. Adhesive pins can be attached after the button is complete.
2. Return the button face-up into the pick-up die cavity of the button assembly machine (where the shell, graphic and mylar were first placed when the button was made).
3. Pull the press handle to the lower limit of its stroke to flatten the edges of your button. If you are using a manual machine the third press will require more force than the previous strokes of the handle.
4. Attach an adhesive pin to the button or use a peel & stick foam disk to mount the button on a trophy, plaque or medallion. 

Read more »

How to create the 3d look for your button artwork. March 25 2012

I found an article online that explains how to create buttons using Photoshop.  This is not how to create button artwork, not how to complete a template to create buttons - BUT IT IS HOW TO CREATE great 3D button images for advertising your buttons in your online store.  They have to have a great 3d feel.  They must look like you can pick them up.  Here is a method using photoshop to do that.  

Don't use this artwork tutorial to make buttons but use it to advertise buttons on your blog or website. Note the 3d feel in the buttons below.

Actual artwork that you print out to cut and put in a button would look like this:

   The outer line is the cutline.  Some of the outer area will be lost as it folds around the back of the button.  The final button will be this size:

Some of the area outside the black line will be visible on the finished button.  The gloss and shine on a finished button comes from the mylar or plastic that covers and holds the button together, making it waterproof.  The curve of the finished button helps the shine and is of course actually 3d.

This tutorial will illustrate you how to create some little Buttons in Photoshop using a couple of layers and one interchangeable image layer. You can also download the needed the sample PSD at the bottom of this tutorial.

This is a simple task designed mainly for the beginners. So they could finish this task in only 30 minutes. So let’s jump into this awesome tutorial and get benefited!

Here's the link!

If you have found any useful resources or methods that have made your buttons better or have tips on graphic design, button design or button making then tell the Button Guy.  He can then pass it on!!

Read more »

Starting your own business - Button making - low start up costs, great margin. November 23 2011

If you walked into the offices of one of those Wall Street bankers, you know the ones, fancy suit, insincere smile and the habit of licking his lips each time your hand goes anywhere near your wallet.  Yep you know the guy, that crook that the Occupy movement is talking about......  Anyway you walk in and say I have a business where you invest 530, lets say million, in capital equipment including an 80 million investment in stock.  Sales in the first quarter will be 2000 million or two billion and you then have the choice to sell off the equipment as an asset for a further say 300 million or you invest back 81 million of the handsome profit and this time reap the full benefit of the additional 2 billion sales without the capital expense.  The Wall Street Banker would say it's not possible.  There is no such easy investment - but there is - the scenario I have described is that of someone starting their own button making business.   

Ok the millions and billions are exaggerated but do the math:

Button Maker, Circle Cutter and all the pieces for 1000 buttons.   $530
Sale of Buttons: 1000 @ $2 = $2000
Resale value of a used button maker after 1000 buttons = Easily $300, probably more!
Better still: Cost of buying a further 1000 complete button parts = $81

Total revenue on 2000 buttons @ $2 each = $4000   Cost = $611   It's profitable, It's fun and unlike the bankers job, it's honest!

There are few pieces of equipment with such low start up cost that give this kind of return even if I have not included a few photocopies or your own home computer and printer that you may well already own.

So where do you sell your buttons...... ideas!

• Schools, Universities, Colleges.  Take the button maker and make buttons on the spot!
• Setup a table at conferences. Make buttons related to the conference.
• Flea Market - Photo buttons or just make your own!
• Sports clubs, team buttons, football / hockey / soccer buttons.
• Fundraising and awareness for non-profits
• Advertising and promotional buttons - almost every local business is a potential client
• Festivals, Trade Shows and exhibitions.
• Music and band buttons - every school band is a potential client and so is U2!
• Weddings, birthdays, funeral memorials and parties.
• And speaking of parties and birthdays: Yes Kids birthday parties are huge and lucrative.

And what else can you do with buttons...... more ideas!

Remember you can do more than design buttons using graphics programs like Photoshop, Illustrator or Corel Draw. What about:

• Fabric Buttons
• Artists buttons - Draw your own.
• Collector buttons from comic strips and cartoons
• Modern Art buttons using contemporary magazines
• Collage buttons from newspapers and printed materials
• Photo buttons we already mentioned and they are very popular
• And last but not least paper, markers, crayons and a bunch of kids.

Whether you are thinking part-time or full-time button making is a great addition to a small business or a good platform to start a business.  It's good for people who like people. It's fun, artistic, lucrative and low investment.

If you want to discuss opening your own button making business you need to talk to The Button Guy!

Read about button making workshops for school kids and daycare 

Fundraising with buttons

Read more »

Fundraising with buttons - Wanna get involved? August 27 2011

 The number of wars, natural disasters, man-made disasters and catastrophies seem to be accelerating.  Sometimes watching a strangers agony or the agony of a nation or a people becomes too much and we decide to help. 

Right now, as I write, one could be fundraising for the famine in Somalia, the earthquake, Tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan. Or Haiti, Chechnya, Iraq, Afghanistan.  What about the Arab Spring?  One could be fundraising for support in Syria, Egypt or Tunisia.  Nearer to home there are first nations issues, health issues, water issues. Cancer , multiple schlerosis, disabilities, social justice...... and the list goes on.

How can buttons help!

I have stood at events and demonstrations rattling a tin, asking for cash and it works a little.  People will put their spare change in a tin, after all if they are at the event they support the issue.  But rattling the tin can be frustrating - I only ever did it once.  The next time I made buttons, lots of them, with different slogans.  I tried to make them funny, radical and in your face, then I had some mild one's.  In other words I had buttons for a wide range of people. A few of us walked around with boards of buttons at a rally, yes rattling the tin but with buttons.  Some people took 5 buttons and dropped in a buck, some people took a single button and dropped in $20.  A few hours later we were counting up $750 that we sent to the International Red Cross.  The receipt came back 2 weeks later and I stuck it on the wall.  I got involved and it felt good.  Gone was the hopeless frustration you feel watching the news everyday with no ability to help.

When you design buttons think of longevity

People will always wear your button at the event.  But after your event, the next day, the next week you want your message out there.  If you make great big buttons people will wear it on the day and remove it before they even get on the bus to go home.  Consider that a smaller button is worn for a longer time.  Make your message bold and clear!  In campaigning for awareness around the genocide in Darfur the most successful button just said "DARFUR" big and bold.  I wore this button every day on the subway, on the street, in the store and so many people asked me, " What's Darfur." - and I had my in and I could tell them about it.  It worked.

Tips for good buttons.

A good button is a good design.  Spend time and energy making it simple and striking.  Use high resolution artwork don't just take stuff from the internet, it will be pixelated and impersonal.

Have a range of designs, appeal to different points of view, within the full spectrum of your campaign.

Think about size and shape.  Don't just take your rectangular logo and stick it in a round button.  It probably won't work well.  Redesign your logo in a round design or make rectangular buttons.  There are round, oval and rectangular buttons in 23 sizes.

A good button is recognisable across a room or a subway car. Instant recognition is valuable.  If you see a pink ribbon you know what it represents, the bearer of the ribbon has remiinded you from across the room.

When a person wears your button they become your emissary, your advocate.  Their friends, family, neighbours and community may or may not agree or care but the first step in changing minds is getting them to notice.

Where can I go from here?

You have identified your cause, checkout our premade campaign buttons and see if we have a fit.  Grab a bag and get out there.  That's a good way to try it.  And once you have tried fundraising with buttons you will be back for your own button maker - it works.

You can also GET YOUR URL on one of our fundraising button packs.  If you have chosen a button you would like to use you can place an order for the buttons and then add $15 or 15 minutes of artwork time and we will send you your buttons with your website on it.

Get designing!!  Download a template here and we can make your custom buttons.

Template Page      Custom Button Prices and Ordering

Read more »

Button Making Workshops - Using button makers to entertain and to educate. July 10 2011

Using button makers in the classroom or day care centre.

by The Button Guy - He's the expert!

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR A WORKSHOP

 Button making workshops are great for kids not just because kids love drawing and colouring.  Kids also get the idea of messages and then love making buttons themselves.  Button making is like your own printing press or publishing house! 

 Of course kids always want their favourite pop star or football team but you can encourage them to think beyond these limitations.  At my workshops they have to make a "Save the Planet" button and their second button can be anything they want.

 You can't get a lot of information on a button.  In fact designing good buttons is a great way to learn how to be concise and how to focus ideas.  You only have a small space so you have to get to the point and if you do it with humour and even a little word play these are the most effective messages.

An easy example with a sexual innuendo but gets noticed and makes people laugh.

Sometimes you can make a big point with a little suggestion.

Word play is very effective!

So whether it's for a classroom, summer camp or day care center button making rocks as far as kids are concerned and it helps them with art, language and critical thinking.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED & SUPPLIES NEEDED

You will need a button maker similar to the one shown below.  You will also need the circle cutter but this is optional.  If you go without the circle cutter you will need a load of paper scissors to cut out your circles or a quantity of pre-cut paper for button making.  You will need button making supplies which usually include the shell (front) pin-back (back) and a clear plastic circle called mylar.  These 3 items you get in equal quantity when you order button making supplies.  You need lots of coloured pens and markers and you could get little stickers (cheap at the dollar store) with smiley faces etc.

Get it all together get the kids together and you're away.  Use a mylar sheet as a guide to cut out circles if you're using scissors.  When you give kids a circle to colour and draw give them a shell too.  Remember part of the paper will bend around the back of the button.  They need to keep their designs away from the edges.  A shell (or front) is ideal, that is the size of the final button.

A standard button maker with the optional circle cutter,  Shows a few button making parts left.

You can replace the circle cutter with scissors or pre-cut circles if you don/t have one.  When you rent a button maker it should come with the matching circle cutter.

Image shows a 4 part set of complete button parts.  Many types of button parts have only 3 parts where the spring pin and collet are combined into a pin-back.

These will vary slightly according to your button maker but fundamentally they are the same.

If you've got questions related to this article or on button making in general: 

Ask The Button Guy - He's the expert!

Read more »