Button Maker Policies

• The button maker and supplies must remain inside the Maker Lab at all times - do not move the button maker to a table outside the Maker Lab.
• Each button maker packet contains enough materials to make five (5) buttons.
• If you wish to create more than five (5) buttons, please consult a librarian. Large requests may require the user to bring their own approved supplies.
• Only use library approved supplies within the button maker. It is not compatible with most supplies found online or in craft stores.
• Buttons are for personal use only - no commercial or business-related items can be made or sold.
• SUNY Erie groups or departments wishing to borrow the button maker should contact the library for more information regarding dates available and where to purchase button making supplies.
• Please try to avoid using images under Copyright when creating buttons. A listing of Royalty Free image sites is located at the bottom of this page.
• Please do not attempt to clear any jams or issues on your own. The user/group/department is responsible for any damage caused to the machine and any repair/replacement charges.

Step-by-Step Button Making Guide (text version)

• Select an image or create your own. There are button making templates and image links in the boxes below. Try to use a Creative Commons, royalty free or open source image to avoid Copyright issues if you did not create your image.
• Regular printer paper or magazine/books images are acceptable for the button maker - cardstock is too heavy and may cause the button maker to jam.
• Place the paper on the silver Cutting Plate.
• Place the Circular Cutter on top of your image and center it. Press down on the handle and rotate once or twice to cut out the image - you can spin it in either direction.
• Place the Button Shell with the flat side facing up into the Pickup Die (the one with the springs on the bottom).
• Place your image on top of the shell. Then cover with a piece of Mylar.
• Rotate the Pickup Die under the press. Bring the handle all the way forward to press the pieces together.
• Pull the handle back into place and then place the Pin Back into the Crimp Die in the front. Make sure the side where it pins is facing down in the crimp die.
• Rotate the plate so that the Crimp Die is now under the press. Bring the handle forward to press the pin back into the other button parts.
• Rotate the plate and remove your new button!