Welcome to Button making
This guide intends to orient you to the Button Making available in the Idea Lab.
Most of this information is intended for the beginner, so we do start at the very beginning. There are librarians in the Idea Lab who can help you practice what you see on these pages. Please feel free to chat with them about what you find and as always, ask for help whenever you need it!
How To Use The Machine
Cut a circle
note: 1/4" around the outside of the material will be crimped
Use the Left die to place one outer shell face up in the die followed by cut material and one mylar cover
Note: make sure only one outer shell and mylar are used per button
Slide die to the right under the main assembly unit
Hold the front of the base and pull the handle forward pressing firmly. the button will remain in the assembly unit as the handle is released.
Use the right die to place one pin back in the die with the safety pin down. make sure the pin is parallel to the front
Slide die to the left under the assembly unit
Hold the front of the base pull the handle forward and apply pressure for crimping action
Slide the die to the right and remove the finished button
Note: If mylar is not completely crimped around the schell then more pressure is needed during steps 3 and 6
Tools Offered
Graphic Pucnch Die Cutter
American Button Machines' Build-a-Button
(In House Use only)
Build-a-Button is an Online Graphic Design Tool built specifically for non-graphic designers. Build-a-Button software allows you to design your own pinback buttons easily by inserting text like a word processor. No longer worry about specific button dimensions or arranging them properly on a page, Build-a-Button does everything for you. Upload images and simply move items around in Photoshop style layers. Rotate, copy and arrange everything with simple mouse clicks. Every size and shape is included which makes designing your buttons effortless, perfectly sized every time and most importantly, fun!
Contact
Parkland Community Library
4422 Walbert Avenue Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104
(610) 398-1361 extension 117
idealab@parklandlibrary.org
Idea Lab Hours of Service
Operating on the Third Tuesday from 1-8 PM
Location
Carol and Perry Zirkel Meeting room