Using a 1” Button Making Machine to Make Keychains

[Note: If you're thinking to yourself, "Hey! I've seen this post before!" you might be right. This post was originally published on December 15th, 2008. We are cycling it back to the front of the blog so our new readers are made aware of it, as the content is no less relevant today. And besides, it's always good to review...]

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A button making machine has a number of uses not limited to only producing pinback buttons. There are a number of other novelty items that can be quickly and easily produced with a 1” button maker machine. The front part of the button (clear mylar, graphic and front shell) always stays the same. Basically you just change the components on the back of the button to make a wide variety of novelty items such as keychains, refrigerator magnets, zipper pulls, earrings, tie tacks and more.

The process for making a novelty button with a 1” button making machine is extremely quick and easy. After you have designed your button graphic on a computer and printed it, you will need to cut the graphic out. To accomplish this, you can use our Circle Cutter, Punch Cutter or High Volume Die Cutting Press to cut your graphic to the perfect size for the front of your button. Gather the remaining button making supplies including the mylar laminate, front shell and the collet for the back. » read more

How To Prepare Pinback Button Graphics and Use Adjustable Rotary Cutter

[Note: If you're thinking to yourself, "Hey! I've seen this post before!" you might be right. This post was originally published on December 12th, 2008. We are cycling it back to the front of the blog so our new readers are made aware of it, as the content is no less relevant today. And besides, it's always good to review...]

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Pinback buttons have a wide array of uses and functions, from political campaign buttons to promotional tools for small businesses. Through the use of a button maker and button making supplies, it is easy for a small business or a school operating on a limited budget to quickly produce a number of buttons for sale as novelty items or as memorabilia.

» read more

ABM Video Series: How to Make a Pinback Button

In this, the fourth installment of our ABM Video Series, we are going to show you just how ridiculously easy it is to make a pinback button.

And when we say easy, we don’t just mean simple…we also mean quick.

Would you believe me if I told you the total time it takes to make a professional pinback button is less than 10 seconds?

It’s true. The video evidence that proves this claim awaits you at the end of this post.

But first, a quick outline of the steps:

1. Get your button machine ready. (Note: these steps will work for button sizes 1.25″ and larger.)
2. Insert shell into one of the two rotating dies.
3. Place circular graphic face up on top of shell.
4. Place mylar on top of graphic.
5. Rotate dies.
6. Place pinned back pin-side up in other die.
7. Click your heels three times and say “abracadabra” while rubbing your stomach and patting your head at the same time.
8. Pull handle towards you once.
9. Rotate dies.
10. Pull handle towards you once more.
11. Remove completed pinback button from die and admire your amazing craftsmanship!

Quick pop-quiz: one of the above 11 steps is actually not a necessary step for creating pinback buttons (but is, however, something fun and perhaps even challenging to try!).

If you’re having trouble with the pop-quiz question, just watch the video below. You’ll see that the entire process takes less than 10 seconds, and here’s a hint: there is no magic required.

Just you, a few supplies, and an ABM button maker!

Video: How to Make a Pinback Button

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

So Many Names, So Many Uses, So Many Possibilities!

One question that we get asked a lot by potential customers and people who are just curious about button making is: “What is the difference between a button machine, a button maker, and a button press?”

Well, I am afraid that the answer is quite complicated. In fact, it is so complicated that it will require all of one word, two syllables, and seven letters to explain:

NOTHING!

» read more

Summer Uses for Buttons!

Now that we are smack-dab in the middle of the summer, this seems like as good a time as any to discuss a few summertime uses for buttons…and even a Fall back-to-school use or two.

So what are some ways that button making especially useful during the summer?

Summer Camp

Do you help run a summer camp or know someone who does?  Do your kids attend summer camp?  If so, think about how useful a button machine and some pinback button supplies could be.  Whether for use as nametags for camp counselors, or as nametags for kids so the counselors can quickly learn their names, personalized ID buttons are both fun and functional.

» read more

Button Maker Manufacturing Quality Comparison: America v China

So far this week here at The Button Blog we have discussed myths about Chinese 3-in-1 button makers, provided a price comparison between American-made all-in-one button making kits and Chinese all-in-one button making machines, and contrasted the great usability and design of American-made button makers with their Chinese-made counterparts.

Today, in the final installment of our four-part, weeklong lesson on the differences between American-made button machines and Chinese-made button machines, we are going to discuss the significant differences in manufacturing quality.

» read more

Button Maker Usability Comparison: American v Chinese Button Makers

Over the last two days here at The Button Blog, we have discussed some of the differences between button makers made in America and those made in China. If you want to get caught up before this post, here are the links to the other two posts:

• Common Myths about Chinese-made Button Making Kits
• Button Maker Price Comparison

Today, we are going to take the next step and discuss the specific usability and design factors that make Chinese 3-in-1 button machines far less effective than single-size American-made button makers which, we reiterate, can be purchased in all-in-one button maker kits that are less expensive than the single multi-purpose Chinese-made machine.

So, where do we start with the usability comparison? Simply put, there is no comparison.

» read more

Button Blog Update: New Posts Coming!

Hello there fellow button makers! We have not posted on The Button Blog since the Button University series ended, so I wanted to explain the short hiatus…because more posts are on their way.

For a long time we have received inquiries about the differences between American-made button maker systems and the 3-in-1 (or all-in-one) button makers manufactured in China. In an effort to provide a substantial and detailed response to these questions, we have been hard at work preparing some content around this topic. The articles are currently in the editing and staging phase and will be posted in various forms both here at the button blog and at the American Button Machines main website.

So stay tuned, because more content is coming. And if, for some reason, you come to the end of this post and just happen to be in the planning stage of a button making project and looking for a little guidance as to what button sizes you should choose, hop on over to the main website for our newest page about button sizes; or stay right here and read the button sizes post we did during the Button University series.

We’ll see you soon!

Promoting Church Events and Raising Church Funds With Buttons and a Button Maker

Button Ideas for Your Church or Religious Institution

Getting the word out about upcoming events is a challenge that companies face even with millions of dollars to spend on marketing and promotions. Obviously, as the leader of a church or other religious institution, you want to get the most out of your funds to improve your community and the welfare of others. This means that there is often not a lot left in the coffers for marketing upcoming events.

With a button maker from American Button Machines you can create buttons that offer an effective, low-cost way to accomplish the marketing and fundraising goals of your church or religious institution.

» read more

Fabric Button How-To Series: Making Fabric-Covered Buttons With Your Own Professional Button Machine

One of the growing trends in monogramming and embroidery is the use of fabric-covered buttons as an accessory for a number of items, from clothing to purses to shoes. Many small embroidery shops have begun to offer a selection of fabric buttons, including custom monogrammed buttons. With a professional grade button machine, a small embroidery shop can quickly expand its product offering with a fun and versatile fabric button that has a number of uses. This post is the third in our week-long series on fabric buttons.

Tuesday, we discussed important pointers for choosing the right fabric when you begin your fabric button making project. Then yesterday, we told you about the myriad uses for fabric-covered buttons. Today, we will provide an overview of why many embroidery shops are investing in their own professional button machine to produce custom fabric buttons.

» read more