Create a button with your name and images of your favorite things as a get to know you. Create buttons to represent a character from a book or a viewpoint from history.
1 - Badge a Minute Button Maker (2000 version)
3 - circle cutters
2 1/4" pinback buttons
2.25" Button Machine (2025 version)
2.25" Graphic Punch (soon to arrive)
The 2 3/4” circle makes a 2 1/4” button
Print out the blank template (.pdf), cut out the circle, and have student decorate with crayons, markers, images from magazines and then create the button
Note: be cautious about adding items which will cause the button to have too much texture or height (such as adding feathers or googly eyes) as these could cause the mylar cover to not be cripped by the button machine
Design online using this Google Drawing template Add images, text, etc. Be sure to print in color if needed. Then cut out the circle and create the button
Canva can also be used for button creation. Search for sticker (or button) for a circle template. Insert artwork and add text if desired (text can be curved using Text Effects.) Download as a .png (if you have multiple pages - the pages will be saved individually in one .zip file.) Insert the .png files into the Google Drawing template. Crop image to a circle shape if desired, place into a button circle, and resize. Remember to leave about 1/2" around the outside for the crimp.
Button maker icons and terms document can be printed to add icons or text to buttons. This was created for an SEL maker project for new teachers - some pages are duplicates as these were printed and share with small groups. Icons are from https://thenounproject.com
Put supplies in Button Maker in this order
Pin Back (pin side down - be sure the pin is positioned in the correct direction)
Pin front
Paper circle with your art work
Clear mylar circular cover
Press Firmly & Release
Push in Black Tab at base, HOLD
Press “firmly” again until you hear a click
Remove the button - note buttons can be tricky to remove from the button maker. You may need to turn the button maker over to remove the button or use a small screwdriver.
To support the use of the button maker, the normal materials fee of 20¢ each button will be waived and button making material will be provided at no cost.
2.25" Button Maker $275
2.25" Graphic Punch $178
Assorted button types - mirror, magnet, keychain - prices vary
Note: supplies from American Button Machines can take time for shipping (~2 months for a button maker or punch.) So plan ahead.
2 1/4" Badge-A-Matic machine with 250 pinback buttons - $510