Button badges are enduring accessories that show off everything from political slogans to favorite musicians. Sometimes, however, you may want to own a badge that you can’t simply buy online. Button makers let you turn small images of your choice into badges that can be worn proudly.
Whether you’re a professional designer, enjoy arts and crafts or want to display your child’s latest masterpiece on your lapel, the Happizza Button Maker is the best choice for anyone interested in making their own badges.
Button makers create badges using only three materials and a few simple steps:
A button maker keeps these three components aligned and lets you achieve the leverage needed to wrap the plastic shell around the badge with either a squeezable hand grip or a lever press.
Buttons come in many sizes, but most button makers are limited to just one. Tiny buttons are hard to read and can be challenging to build due to their small components. Buttons that are too large, however, can be cumbersome to wear. Consider the button size that will suit your needs best.
Button makers typically include the raw materials you need to create several badges. However, you will need to supply your own art or photos. You can use pictures from magazines, posters and books, or those you made yourself or had professionally designed. Button makers do not include art supplies, so you may need to create your images.
No matter what type of button maker you select, a degree of physical strength is required to work the press correctly. Hand presses require enough grip strength to squeeze thoroughly. To use a larger button maker, you need to be able to pull down on a lever while keeping the press itself stable.
Button makers are simple to use but take practice to create badges efficiently. Look for one that doesn’t include more moving parts or components than you need to meet your goals. A handheld press is the best option if you don’t have a dedicated table or desk where you can set a larger button maker.
Choose a button press that includes button-making materials so you can start immediately. Presses for creating smaller buttons sometimes have more materials than those set up for larger badges, but most will include enough pinbacks and plastic shells to make at least 100.
If you are selecting a button maker for commercial use, pay attention to how quickly it works. Choose one that you can load, press and empty in as little time as possible to make large batches of buttons less of a chore.
Handheld button presses cost as little as $40, while makers appropriate for commercial use can cost as much as $200.
A. Generally, yes. However, paper stock that is too thick may jam your button maker or prevent the plastic shell from sealing it properly. Stick to thin paper to avoid quality control issues.
A. Depending on their age, yes. However, adult supervision is recommended to prevent injuries such as pinching or poking when using a press.
What you need to know: This lightweight button maker comes in 25-, 32- and 58-millimeter badge sizes and is smaller than those offered by competitors.
What you’ll love: This button maker comes with everything you need to make up to 500 badges, depending on what size you choose. It’s made out of durable plastic and includes an art activity book.
What you should consider: Some buyers have reported materials missing from their button maker kit.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: This handheld button maker is great for anyone on a budget or with limited space.
What you’ll love: This kit comes with a hand press, five rings used to assemble button pieces and the materials needed to create 10 buttons. It’s small enough to hold in one hand and less complicated than large lever button makers.
What you should consider: Buyers feel that the buttons this maker creates aren’t as high in quality as the ones made on more expensive presses.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: This button maker is made of metal for added stability and strength.
What you’ll love: Available in 25-, 32-, 58- and 75-millimeter badge sizes, this sturdy button maker is easy to assemble and features an ergonomic, padded handle. It comes with enough pinbacks and shells for 500 buttons.
What you should consider: This button maker takes practice to use correctly, with some buyers noting that it can be wobbly despite its heavy base.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Derek Walborn writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.