Upcycled Basura Bags Turn Trash into Totes! November 16 2017

Recycling can mean a whole lot more than just using your blue bin, and our Bazura Bag Collection is a testament to the wonders of upcycling!

Why Bazura Bags?

Bazura Bags are made by a Women's Co-operative in the Philippines. All products are made of used juice containers, recycled rice bags and discarded advertising banners!

These upcycled bags not only eliminate the need to use plastic shopping bags, but also make for less trash on the streets. Now THAT'S a win / win situation for sure :)

So Many Styles to Choose From!

Whether you're in need of a shopping bag, lunch bag, pencil case, purse, or even a luggage tag, Bazura has got the pouch for you. Take a peek at some of the different Bazura Bags below!

Read more »

Introducing The Super-Dooper, Multi-Purpose, Graphic Punch Cleaner! November 10 2017

Button maker maintenance is important to keep your hand press is good working condition. However, the graphic punch does a lot of work too, and every once in a while, also needs some TLC. We are now carrying a new tool to clean your graphic punch and avoid costly circle cutter repairs!

Thanks to the Graphic Punch Cleaner,  graphic punch repair has never been easier! Add this product to your button making toolbox so that you can fix your graphic punch on the spot.

Just slide the paper thin piece of metal in the slot where the paper is inserted, and slowly move it around to clear out small bits of paper, adhesive, and whatever else gets stuck in there! Seconds later, you'll have a graph punch that's like new again!

NEW! Check out this video to see just how this handy little tool works along with some other maintenance tips for your circle cutter.

Read more »

Making Metallic Silver & Gold Buttons with Dura-Lar April 26 2017

We're really excited about making metallic gold and silver buttons with Dura-Lar!!

Using Dura-Lar Film is the easiest way to make Do-It-Yourself buttons that look lavish and luxurious.

In this video, Dura-Lar is used with Gold and Silver Reversible Metallic Dura-Lar to make gorgeous, shiny, pinback buttons that are great for holidays and special occasions. Check it out!

The SILVER & GOLD DURA-LAR used in this video is reversible, with gold on one side and silver on the other. The Metallic Dura-Lar Foil is 2mm thick, comes in standard 8.5 x 11" sheets, and has an EXTREMELY reflective mirror-like finish. Doesn't that sound awesome for a button??!

**When making Dura-Lar Buttons, it is the Glossy or Matte Dura-Lar that goes through the printer, and NOT the metallic Dura-Lar! The metallic Dura-Lar foil goes behind the transparent Dura-Lar film. **

Curious to see some other examples of buttons made with Dura-Lar Film and reflective Metallic Dura-Lar Foil? Here are some older blog posts that feature buttons with special finishes! Which one do you like the best?

Get That New Year's Sparkle All Year Long With Holographic Foil
Buttons for Chinese New Year: Year of the Rooster
Feeling Lucky? It's St. Patrick's Day

Read more »

Great Ideas: Buttons for Your Wedding! March 06 2017

 Wedding planning season is here! We are always thrilled about the beautiful ideas that come through the shop at this time of year (like these beautiful buttons for the Wedding Co Show)

We always have questions about ideas for buttons as wedding favours but what about gifts for your wedding party too? Custom Bottle Openers and Pocket Mirrors as gifts for the loved ones supporting you on your special day can be personal and perfect!

Buttons, magnets, mirrors or bottle openers, make excellent wedding favours too! Some of our customers make personalized buttons with the name of each guest! One of our designers made illustrated "Bride" and "Groom" buttons for her wedding!

The possibilities are endless! You can design your own! Or if you have ideas but don't know exactly what you want email us and we can work with you to come up with something special!

Read more »

Video: How to Make DIY Button Bracelet Charms February 20 2017

In a recent post, we featured Magnetic Button Bracelets with 1" Flatback Button Charms.

There are plenty of Charm Collections available for all of our magnetic jewelry, but it's so fun and satisfying to make a collection of your own!

Make charms with your initials, pics of your pet, or just a pretty design that you doodled. There's no wrong way to DIY your own button charms, but there's definitely a correct way to make them!

This How-To Video will help you make awesome charms for use with Single Charm Magnetic Button Bracelets and 5 Bezel Magnetic Button Bracelets :)

 

 

If you like the idea of DIY 1" Flatback Button Charms but would rather have us make them for ya, that's no problem at all!

Just give us a call at (416) 204-1984 or email info@peoplepowerpress.org for a quote :)

 

  

Read more »

Beautiful Magnetic Button Bracelets! February 15 2017

These Beautiful Magnetic Button Charm Bracelets would look great on you!

These magnetic buttons bracelets use Button Charms made with 1" round flat back buttons. Super nifty :)

Flatback buttons can be custom made by us, or you can make them yourself with a 1" round button maker and a kit for EVERYTHING for Standard 1" Flatback Buttons.

Button Charms are held inside the casings with strong magnets built right into the bracelet. This allows the wearer to change up the button charms as often as they like! :) 

These beautiful button bracelets come in 2 different styles. Pictured above is the One Charm Magnetic Button Bracelet, that holds one charm at a time. The magnetic bracelet base is paired with a leatherette bracelet band, and comes with a collection of 5 flatback button charms so you can mix and match to your hearts content!

The second style is the Five Bezel Magnetic Button Charm Bracelet. This bracelet is able to hold up to 5 button charms at once, and each bracelet comes with a whole collection of flatback button charms right off the bat.

For more information about our magnetic button bracelets, custom flatback buttons, or any other products we carry, feel free to get in touch!

Email us info@peoplepowerpress.org or give us a call at (416) 204-1984.

Read more »

Sweet & Sassy Button Greeting Cards for Valentine's Day February 07 2017

The People Power Press Button Greeting Card Collection has some Sweet and Sassy new additions for Valentine's Day!

If you're not big into Valentine's Day let us break the news for you with the "Sorry Valentine, Love Stinks" card. For the traditionalist, we've got a good ole "Will You be my Valentine" card :) Each card comes with a sweet little button so your Valentine can wear a piece of the card and think of you all day long!

If the other card designs are too cheesy for ya, just add a piece of heart shaped pepperoni, because who doesn't love a slice of pizza and a hilarious pun? Take another little Pizza my Heart!

Each card measures 4 X 5.75" and is blank inside so you can write a personal message. They also come with an envelope, and of course a pinback button :)

Like what you see here? Take a look at all of our Valentine's Day Button Greeting Cards, or the entire People Power Press Button Greeting Card Collection!

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Read more »

Make Your Own Button Bottle Opener on a 2-1/4" Machine January 31 2017

There are lots of neat things that can be made on a Standard 2-1/4" Round Button Maker.

This How-To Video show you Step-By-Step How to Make Custom Button Bottle Openers on a Standard 2-1/4" Round Hand Press.

The instructions cover all types of bottle openers which include Metal Pocket Bottle Openers, Metal Keyring Bottle Openers, Black Pocket Bottle Openers, Black Keyring Bottle Openers, and Fridge Magnet Bottle Openers. Take a look!

To order parts for Button Bottle Openers, just go to the product page for Parts & Supplies for Standard 2-1/4" Button Makers. Click the dropdown menu entitled "what do you need?" and then pick your parts!

2-1/4" Button Bottle Opener Kits come with everything you need to make bottle openers (mylar, shell, bottle opener back, keyring, etc.) and are available in packs of 100, 500, and 1000 units.

We can make your Custom Button Bottle Openers too!

Get in touch with us at (416) 204-1984 or email us at info@peoplepowerpress.org for a quote!

Read more »

Product Feature: PPP Button Greeting Cards January 18 2017

Sending a greeting card to someone special? Let them know that they're the nearest and dearest with a People Power Press Button Greeting Card!

We've got a whole bunch of card designs for graduations, baby showers, birthdays, weddings, retirements, and lots of other seasonal special occasions and holidays.

The entire People Power Press Button Greeting Card Collection can be found here! Our collection of Button Greeting Cards will be growing too, so check back and see what cards we have in the future.

Best part of all: even if the card makes its way to the recycling bin, the recipient will always have a button to wear, share, and remind them of how thoughtful you are :)

All greeting cards measure 4 X 5.75", are blank on the inside, come with a white envelope, and a stylish pinback button that's ready to wear.

Read more »

New Video: How to Make Magnetic Button Name Tags January 12 2017

We get lots of inquiries about how to make Magnetic Button Name Tags that you can wear without putting a hole through your clothing. They're a great pinback button alternative for formal events, work functions, or any situation where fancy clothes are required (because they don't put a hold through the fabric).

Here's a step-by-step video of how to make Magnetic Button Name Tags of your own using standard button parts and Rare Earth Magnets!

Below is a list of supplies you need to make a DIY Magnetic Name Tag of your own. You can make magnetic button name tags in any standard round button size ranging from 1" all the way up to 3-1/2".

What You Need to Make Magnetic Button Name Tags: - Button Hand Press (Standard Hand Press, Flex1000, Flex2000, or Flex3000 Machine) - Button Shell - Flat Back (instead of a pinned back) - 3mm Mylar - Button Artwork - Rare Earth Magnet

FLAT BACK BUTTON PARTS FOR MAGNETIC BUTTON NAME TAGS

Everything for Flat Back Buttons are available kits in the following standard round sizes: 1", 1-1/4", 1-1/2" 1-3/4", 2-1/4", 2-1/2", 3", and 3-1/2".

The "Everything for Flat Back Button" kit includes button shells, flat backs, and 3mm mylar. The Rare Earth Magnets are not included, but they are available here.

RARE EARTH MAGNETS FOR MAGNETIC BUTTON NAME TAGS

These Flat Back Buttons are easily turned into Magnetic Button Name Tags when paired with the strong but mighty Rare Earth Magnet :)

Rare Earth Magnets are available in four sizes: 1/4" Round, 1/2" Round, 3/4" Round, and 1" Round. All sizes of these Rare Earth Magnets measure 1/8" in depth.

*** PLEASE NOTE THAT RARE EARTH MAGNETS SHOULD NOT BE USED BY THOSE WHO USE A PACE MAKER. THEY ARE EXTREMELY STRONG ***

WE ALSO MAKE CUSTOM MAGNETIC BUTTON NAME TAGS

Don't have the time to make Magnetic Button Name Tags for your next event? Have us make them for you :)

If you would like to order Custom Magnetic Button Name Tags, please contact us a info@peoplepowerpress.org or give us a call at (416) 204-1984.

The Custom Magnets currently available on the site are Peel n' Stick Fridge Magnets, not Magnetic Button Name Tags, and CANNOT be worn on clothing.

Read more »

Great Ideas: The Resolution-O-Matic Button Vending Machine January 04 2017

Setting new year's resolutions can be super boring and stressful! Let us pick one for you! This month we decided to fill up the vending machine outside the shop with silly New Year's resolution that you can keep (like "Eat More Cake") or aspire to ("Become a Rockstar"), randomly selected for you!

Stop by our Toronto shop to grab your own!

Inspired? Resolve to make more buttons! Put your own button sales on automatic with Button Vending Machines in a variety of sizes! The one outside our shop is a Round Beaver model that fits 1" Buttons and is available as a kit with everything you need to sell buttons with it!

.

Read more »

Get That New Year's Sparkle All Year Long With Holographic Foil December 30 2016

All of the button artwork above were printed on Dura-Lar Film and this printed Dura-Lar was then placed right on top of the holographic foil to get this fabulously glittery finish.

Button designs using holographic foil tend to be most successful when paired with simple clean digital artwork. Black and solid bold colours look great!

.

Read more »

New Video: Button Rocket Vending Machine December 08 2016

The Automatic Button Vending Machine is an ideal solution for button producers looking to have their products in stores and in the public eye. The sharp design of this simple to use and maintain button dispenser allows you to keep on producing buttons (or take a break) whilst your buttons are out there selling themselves!

STANDARD FEATURES OF THE AUTOMATIC BUTTON ROCKET VENDING MACHINE

- Tubular lock included on lid and cash box door
- Made of solid cast aluminum and zinc
- Takes 1" capsules which can hold up to four 1" Round Lockpin Buttons
- Coin mechanism with built in security measuring both width and size of a coin
- High security easy access money bag with 800 coin capacity
- Straight drop through product chute

HOW TO OPERATE THE BUTTON ROCKET VENDING MACHINE

Want to know the basics of the Button Rocket Vending Machine before you decide if it's the machine for you? Look no further :)

Here's a video from The Button Guy's YouTube Channel on How to Operate the Button Rocket Vending Machine! Check out the entire YouTube channel for a giant collection of How-To Videos and neat button making tips and tricks!

COIN MECHANISMS

The Button Rocket Vending Machine comes with one coin mechanism, but don't sweat it, if you decide you want to get another size:) Additional coin mechanisms for the The Button Rocket are available in the following sizes:

1 x 25 cents (1 quarter), 2 x 25 cents (2 quarters), 1 x $1 ($1 coin Canadian), 1 x $2 ($2 coin Canadian), Token Vend (1 x 0.984" token), Free Vend (Just turn handle - no coin).

CUSTOM BUTTONS READY FOR THE VENDING MACHINE

Love the idea of a button vending machine, but don't have the time to press all those buttons yourself? Not only do we make custom buttons, and other fun custom products, we also do custom buttons packed in capsules that are ready to vend! SO EASY :)

If you have any questions about button vending machines, or anything button-related for that matter, don't hesitate to get in touch :) Reach us at 416-204-1984.

Read more »

Tis' the Season with Button Greeting Cards November 30 2016

Receiving a holiday greeting card in the mail is a nice little pick-me-up, especially on a stormy winter day.

Be the best card-giver you can be this season with the People Power Press Holiday Button Greeting Card Collection! Let the holiday cheer stay with your friends, co-workers, and loved one long after they open the envelope :)

Holiday Button Greeting Cards are the cards that keep on giving. Each card comes with a super cute button that will get anyone into the holiday spirit!

We've got a whole range of Holiday Button Greeting Card designs too. There's something perfect for darling grandma, your bestie, or the acquaintance that you only sort-a know.

Pictured above are Merry Christmas Sweater, Happy Holidays Wreath, and Too Hip for the Holidays. There are a range of different button designs available with each card, so check out the product pages for all off the possibilities!

Too Hip for the Holidays Pin Packs

If you think the Too Hip for the Holidays Cards are as wonderful and silly as we do, we've got some good news: All of the button designs are available as single buttons AND as 5 button pin packs too :)

Swing by the shop at 3095 Dundas Street West, or shop online at peoplepowerpress.org for all of your holiday button needs!

Read more »

Guitar Pick Punches are back! November 04 2016

Guitar pick punches are back and better than ever :)

This easy to use DIY tool is an awesome addition to any music-lovers' collection, and is a great gift idea for a guitarist on the go!

To use, just round up some old gift cards, credit cards, or even sturdy plastic packaging and make a one-of-a-kind guitar pick with a single punch!

This heavy duty little machine is also great for band members who want to give out or sell personalized guitar picks at shows. 

If recycling old gift cards into picks isn't for you, you can also create custom guitar picks with your band name or album title for your next gig! Endless possibilities :)

Also great for music lovers, check out our Music Makes the World Go 'Round button packs in bright and neutral tones!

Read more »

Spooky Face Dry Erase Buttons for Silly Halloween Fun! October 17 2016

Halloween is almost here, and we are oh-so ready to play some tricks, eat some treats, and have some fun with with Spooky Face Dry Erase Buttons!

These halloween buttons feature classic Halloween favorites with a twist: you can customize them yourself whenever the mood strikes! The only thing you need is a dry erase marker and a little imagination...

Simply draw a face and then erase! Repeat as many times as you like!

If you come up with the the BEST FACE EVER you can make the design more permanent by using wet-erase or permanent markers too.

Spooky Face Dry Erase Buttons come in lots of fun and colourful designs: witch, cat, pumpkin, mask, and Frank! All are available as single buttons, or you can collect the entire Spooky Face Button family.

You can even get have a custom collection or button designed for you by our team! The possibilities are endless. Just give us a call!

Read more »

New! Spooky Reflect-O and Glow-In-The-Dark BOOtons from People Power Press October 05 2016

Just in time for Halloween! Light up the night and stay safe and bright with our new collections of Glow-In-The Dark and Reflect-O Safety Buttons!

Glow-in-the-Dark buttons charge in the light and then glow bright, making them a GREAT spooky accessory for any costume or festive Halloween outfit!

In the daytime they look like a regular button, but when the sun goes down their magical glow is revealed. Glow-In-The-Dark buttons also make it really easy to keep an eye on little ones or stay with a group while trick-or-treating. Just follow the glowing pumpkin!

Reflect-O Safety Buttons reflect light from streetlights, flashlights, and oncoming cars just like bike reflectors. Such a festive way to keep your little ghosts and goblins visible and safe while out on a Halloween adventure.

Both Glow-In-The-Dark and Reflect-O BOOtons are available in an assortment of designs. If you're going for a spook-tacular look, the creepy-crawley spider is an awesome accessory! If creepy-crawly isn't for you, the black cat and pumpkin designs are cute as a BOOton!

Glow-in-the-Dark and Reflect-O Buttons are now available in packs of three 1-3/4" buttons. Each pack contains three random Halloween designs in a reflective or glow finish.

Read more »

Sneaker Buttons in Action: Railpath Run September 22 2016

You've read all about our Sneaker Buttons! If you're in Toronto you can see them in action or sport your own this weekend at the 2016 Railpath Run! 

Read more »

Cool for School (And Lots More!): Zipper Pulls from People Power Press September 13 2016

Want to teach your button machine something versatile? Try Versaback Zipper Pulls! Zipper pulls are perfect for backpacks, pencil cases, suitcases and gym bags! But they don't just pull zippers! They also make great keychains, ID tags, decorations, luggage tags, and even gift tags!

Zipper pulls work best with Versaback inserts which are compatible with standard 1", 1.25" and 1.5" parts for Tecre and Flex machines. If you're already rocking Versabacks in your machine you can find "Just the Pulls" here.

Ready to try making your own? Check out our Video Tutorial:

Read more »

Buttons for Bands and Stickers Too! Button and Label Combos from People Power Press August 25 2016

What's that!? You can now order custom printed stickers to match your buttons! Check out this slick combo for Toronto-based band NLP!

Would your button order look awesome on a sticker too? You can add stickers to any custom button order. What a great way to promote your band or business!

Read more »

Gift Idea: BijouClic Magnetic Button Necklaces and Charm Collections August 09 2016

Introducing BijouClic Button Jewelry! The perfect statement piece for anyone who loves buttons, or funky necklaces.

What makes BijouClic Jewelry unique is in the magnetic pendant which holds the button charms in place. The magnet is strong enough to ensure sure your charm stays in place but also makes it easy to swap out the charms whenever the mood strikes!

BijouClic Charm Collections

BijouClic charms are made with standard 1" button parts. The charms are available in pre-made 5-charm collections, or you can mix + match your favourites and create a collection just for you!

Make Your Own Charms!

If you're a Do-It-Yourself-er, you can create your own charms too! No fancy parts are needed, just your 1" hand press, standard 1" shells, collets, and mylar, and little bit of creativity :)

Give the Gift of BijouClic

BijouClic Jewelry also makes a great gift for any occasion! With endless charm possibilities you really can't go wrong! BijouClics for everyone!!

Read more »

Keychains 101 - Part 2: Types of Keychains July 22 2016

INTRODUCTION: WHAT TYPES OF KEYCHAINS DO WE CARRY?

In Keychains 101 - Part 1, we talked about the difference between versa back and slot back keychains. Now we're ready for the fun stuff!

We carry 7 different types of keychain closures, all of which are in the image above.

 *NOTE: Image shows C-Hook keychain style, which has been discontinued by the manufacturer.*

The Mini Split-Ring Keychain can be used with a Jump Ring, or a Plastic Tab. They are available for keychains made with 1", 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" button parts. It's basically just a wee little version of the standard Split-Ring Keychain.

The Split-Ring Keychain is super versatile and can be used with any size button keychain. The smaller button sizes often use a Mini-Split Ring because it's more proportional to the smaller button parts. Button Keychains that are 1-3/4", 2-1/4", 2-1/2", 3" and 3-1/2" in size use the Split-Ring along with a Tab and Slot Back.

The Zipper Pull is meant to be worn on a zipper, but can be used like a keychain, too. Zipper Pulls are most often used with a 1", 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" button and versa back.

The Loop Keychain is one of the fancier styles, but it's also really practical. Available for 1", 1-1/4", and 1-1/2" buttons, the Loop can be used with just a Versa Back (pictured above), or with a jump ring. (We recommend the jump ring for easier assembly and our kits do include the jump ring).

The Pull-Apart Keychain is unique because the part that attaches to the keys can be removed from the rest of the keychain with nothing more than a click :) Contact us at info@peoplepowerpress.org or give us a call at 1-866-996-1984 for details.

The Snap Hook Keychain closes with a hinged snap hook (sort of like those airtight swing top jars). This type of keychian is available for 1", 1-1/4", and 1-1/2" buttons and is used with a versa back. The Snap Hook is also compatible with 2" round buttons, as well as 2-1/2" X 3-1/2" rectangular buttons when used with Welded Up Eyes.

The Snake Keychain is essentially the same as a Snap Hook Keychain, but for use with larger buttons ranging in size from 1-3/4", 2-1/4", 2-1/2", 3", and 3-1/2". The Snake keychian is attached to a Slotted Back with a "Tab".

Last, but certainly not least, is The Link Keychain. This style has a really classic keychain look, and is comprised of a Split Ring on the end of a metal chain. For button keychains 1", 1-1/4", and 1-1/2" in size, the Link Keychain can be attached to a versa back with a jump ring. If you're using button parts 1-3/4", 2-1/4", 2-1/2", 3", or 3-1/2" in size, it attaches to a slot back via a Tab.

Hope that this post about the types of keychains that we offer was helpful :)

If you have any questions about the products you read about here or any products available on peoplepowerpress.org, feel free to give us a call at (416) 204-1984 or email us at info@peoplepowerpress.org

If How-To Videos are more your style, you can find lots on The Button Guy YouTube Channel!

Read more »

Introducing Recycled Rice Bag Wallets! May 12 2016

If you've been into the shop over the past few weeks, you might have noticed that our storefront has been rocking a new look.

In keeping with the theme of "new stuff," we've got some brand new products available in store and online and this is one of my very favourites :)

These recycled rice bag wallets are a fashion statement that you can feel good about!

Each recycled wallet is colourful, environmentally conscious, and completely unique. With plenty of place for cards, a zippered change pocket, and magnetic snap closures, they're practical too :)

Add some extra personalized pizazz with a custom button key chain or pocket mirror and you're ready to take on the town!

Read more »

New Product Launch! Lyric Videos & Custom Button Bundles May 05 2016

Buttons and bands have always been a great pairing. That's why we are launching a really neat new product: Lyric Videos and Custom Button Bundles!

There are five different styles of videos to choose from, and with each video you are able to select the size (1", 1-1/4", or 1-1/2") and quantity (100, 250, 500, or 1000) of custom band buttons you would like with it!

TICKER TAPE STYLE

NOTEBOOK STYLE

If you're on a budget, the above Ticker Tape or Notebook style video may by the style for you. With either style of video, if you order 1000 band buttons we throw in the Lyric Video for free :) Pretty awesome, eh?

If those styles don't float your boat, no problem! We offer three other Lyric Video styles which can be seen below:

SLIDESHOW STYLE

MOVING IMAGE STYLE

MOVING IMAGE & TEXT

So if you're in a band and need a video and some merch, we hope these Lyric Videos & Custom Button Bundles are exactly what you're looking for :)

If you have any questions about this new product, send us an email or give us a call and we would love to chat with you about our groovy new product!

Read more »

Dura-Lar: Mylar's Fancy Cousin April 20 2016

If you make your own buttons, you probably know that mylar is an important part of the button making process.

Did you know that there's an alternative to Mylar that can add a little pizazz to a traditional pinback? This magical material is called Dura-Lar and you should TOTALLY give it a try :)

Dura-Lar is a Mylar substitute that you can print onto directly. The finished products vary depending on how you chose to use the Dura-Lar, but in this case, it was used to produce stunning, super shiny buttons! Dura-Lar can be printed on in almost any laser printer.

All of the colours you see are printed directly onto the Dura-Lar, and the metallic silver, is actually just the shell of the button. 

If you prefer neon or pastel colours over a metallic finish, we have a great selection of pre-cut paper circles. When used underneath Dura-Lar the colours really pop!

Are sparkles more your thing? Check out THESE little guys made with Dura-Lar and gift wrap. they are sure to add a little glimmer to your day!

Read more »

Buying a Button has Never Been More Fun! April 05 2016

If you're ever strolling around the west-end of Toronto, come by and say hello! We are the bubblegum pink building jam-packed with buttons :)

You can make-a-button, and if you aren't in the creative mood you don't have to leave empty handed!

Pay a visit to one of our lovely button vending machines (yes they are as cute as they sound). The buttons are all Toronto-themed because we love our city THAT much :)

Here's to Toronto. A super cool city, and home to our pretty delightful little button shop.

Read more »

It's Cool to Recycle: Upcycled Notebooks are Here March 03 2016

Who would have thought that some old un-loved books could get a second chance at life? We believe that anything is possible, and we have proof. Take a look:

These books have been turned into some seriously cool notebooks and sketchbooks, ready for you to fill with whatever your heart desires.

All books are hardcover, coil bound, and use "Tree Free" recycled paper.

So whether you like retro books, sketching and writing, or just want to reduce your carbon footprint, we've got you covered.

These little beauties are available online and in store. If you're ever in The Junction, come on by and browse through our whole selection. And maybe make a button too :)

Read more »

Button Vending Machines – Put your button sales on automatic – Gumball machines for buttons! September 07 2013

Selling your button designs in stores can be a great way to launch your button business.  But buttons are a low cost item that can walk very easily if you have them in a jar or on a board.  Packaging buttons is a good way to go.  You can make sets of matching buttons and put them on a display card or 4 in a bag with a header card.  I will be writing a separate article about button packaging in due course.  Another way to ensure you don’t loose buttons to pilfering is sell them using a button vending machine.

These machines are traditional gumball machines converted to take capsules.  You can then add multiple buttons in a capsule or also put a special offer or a coupon code in the capsule.  People enjoy putting in a coin and turning the handle to see what they are going to get.  There is a nostalgia surrounding the gumball machines.  Everyone remembers them from their childhood.  Button vending machines work for you whilst you are somewhere else, maybe making or designing buttons, maybe at home tucked up in bed with a good book.  Put your button sales on Automatic!

Beaver Meridian Gumball Machine

Button Vending Machine uses capsules

This is the flagship!  The Beaver Meridian Gumball Machine is a very cool retro style solid metal machine in bright red and designed like a globe.  I think it looks very cool.  As with all these machines there are some options for the coin mechanism.  You can go for a coin mechanism that takes a quarter, two quarters or even 4 quarters.  If your in Canada you can have a loonie or toonie coin mechanism.  You can even have 2 x $1 or 2 x $2.  All these machines also have the option for TOKENS or FREE VEND options.

Coin Mechanism for a Beaver Meridian Gumball Machine

The above Button Vending Machine – Meridian is quite pricy ($600 – $800) and at 70 lbs it’s quite expensive to ship.  But there are other options:

Northern Beaver Vending Machine

The Northern Beaver takes 1″ or 2″ or 3″ capsules.  You can fit 3 1″ buttons or magnets in a 1″ acorn capsule.  You can fit 3 buttons or magnets up to 1-3/4″ in a 2″ acorn capsule.  The 3″ capsules are a quarter each so I find them a bit expensive but they do take a few 2-1/4″ buttons.  The 2″ acorn capsules are only 5 cents each, the 1″ acorn capsules go down to 3 cents each. I see more opportunity in those than the 3″ buttons.

Round Beaver Button Vending Machine

The Round Beaver has all the coin mechanism options but is only available for 1″ vending capsules.  The stand is also an optional extra.  They sit nicely on the counter and come with fixtures for bolting down or attaching a security wire (as do all Beaver vending machines).  The Round Beaver you can pickup for around $150.

Marketing and promotion options using a Button Vending Machine.

Above I’m talking about selling buttons but there are also other uses.  These machines have interchangeable coin mechanisms.  Those coin mechanisms can have some interesting possibilities. The FREE VEND option is a coin mechanism that requires no coin.  Just turn the handle and out pops the capsule.  Why is this useful?

Think of putting a machine in a local venue like an art gallery or a café.  When someone turns the handle they get a free button and an ad.  That ad could lead potential clients to your store, your website or to your latest special offer.  A great way to get customers coming to you.

What about TOKEN VENDING?  Our mechanism takes a 0.984″ token which is a pretty standard token size.  You can get tokens personalised, stamped with your website or your logo.  You can send a token to your mailing list, give a token out at trade shows or even walk the streets and hand out your token.  It will bring people to your store or event.  Event and party organisers can use tokens to distribute “random” capsules that are a kind of lottery.  What about a party where you have to find the person with the matching button.  The Button Vending Machine keeps the mix random.

How do I promote my website or business with a Button Vending Machine.

Depends on your business ….. but let’s say you have a bicycle store for example.  Come up with 5 or 10 slogans about cycling.  I love my bike!  Cyclists do it better!  Watch for cyclists!  etc.  Make some cool designs, add a button or magnet business card so there are 2 buttons in the capsule.   Get a Button Vending Machine with a $1 mechanism and set it up in your cycle shop.  Your customers will like the slogan, buy the button and take home your business card for the fridge.  If it cost a $1 they will appreciate it – If you give them away we all know how many end up in the garbage!  Entertain your customers AND promote your business.  The $1 coins will pay for the buttons and the machine in no time.  This method can be adapted to almost ANY BUSINESS and it works.

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 »

New Pastel Circles... June 14 2013

Pre-Cut Paper Circles for Button Making in New Pastel Paper!

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 »

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 »

Silicon Lubricant - A Button Maker's Best Friend... March 01 2013

Recommended by THE BUTTON GUY for button maker lubrication!

Over time a button maker will become unlubricated and produce mylar sealing problems (pictured above).  This white stick lubricant will combat that problem - simply lubricate the upper die on your button maker.  Be sure to wipe the grease off of your first few buttons after application and you should be good to go. 

This is what your edges should look like! To order a stick, click here or include one in your next order!  Happy Button Making.

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 »

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 »

Welded up eyes - A cool accessory for button makers! July 23 2012

Welded up eyes? - What are they?  How do you use them?

I think welded up eyes are an underestimated, under-used little accessory for button making. They are a small metal ring with a backing plate.  Think of any pin-back button and the holes on the back of the button: welded up eyes can be inserted through the hole in the back - pressed in the button maker for permanence and used to attach key-chain, pendant, ponytail holder or any other accessory.  A welded up eye can make a button attachable… to almost anything.

Read more »