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How to Make Your Own Shrink-Art Buttons
comments (19) March 1st, 2009
Hello! I am so excited to announce that I have a new craft book coming out this week, Button It Up, published by The Taunton Press. To celebrate, our wonderful editor Michaela suggested that we put together a month of button-themed projects in all different crafty genres. So after making more than 60 projects with buttons for my book, I thought I'd switch it up and actually make a set of the buttons themselves!
I used shrink plastic to make pretty pet tags a few weeks ago, and I thought I'd use this versatile, magical substance to whip up a set of buttons, too! This is a super-customizable project—make any color, size, or style of buttons that you dream up. This tutorial is designed to make sew-through buttons (with holes drilled through instead of a back shank), and remember, this plastic is lightweight—perfect for fun decorations or craft projects but not as ideal for garment fastening or weight-bearing spots. I made mine somewhat oversized for a project I had in mind, but of course you can make yours as big or as small as you like!
What you'll need:
- Shrink plastic sheets
- A round template to trace, larger than your desired size (remember, your pieces will shrink down to less than half the original size after baking)
- Scissors or decorative-edged scissors (I used scalloped and plain for my sets of buttons)
- Standard hole punch
- Sharpie or other marker if you want to make them colorful
- Foil
- Toaster oven
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Trace and cut your button shapes with plain or decorative scissors. |
1. Trace a circle or other shape lightly onto the shrink plastic sheet. Cut it out using the scissors of your choice. Remember, the original size of the plastic will shrink to less than half the original size. I used a larger and a smaller set of lids to trace for two different button sizes, and used scalloped scissors to cut the larger circles and plain ones to cut the smaller circles.
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Mark the places where you want to punch your button's holes. |
2. Using a ball-point pen or pencil, lightly mark two or four spots on the front of your circle, where you want the button holes to go. (I used four for each of mine.) Use a standard-size hole punch to make these holes in a symmetrical pattern. The holes will shrink neatly just as the shape will, leaving it the perfect size for stitching or slipping a jump ring or wire through the holes of your decorative buttons.
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Punch the holes in symmetrical patterns of two or four holes. |
After you make this project, show off your work to other members!
Post your project in the gallery
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Comments (19)
Posted: 3:30 am on April 3rd
I TRIED THE #6 PLASTIC FROM A MUSHROOM CONTAINER AND IT CAME OUT RATHER THIN FOR A STURDY BUTTON.
Posted: 3:42 pm on October 3rd
Of course it is alright to post a link to this tutorial. I'm glad you enjoy the project.
Posted: 9:51 am on June 15th
Today I posted an entry on my blog with a link to this tutorial.
Would you let me know if that's OK?
Thanks,
Nancy Ward
http://paperfriendly.blogspot.com
Posted: 10:11 pm on June 14th
Posted: 3:46 pm on March 23rd
Posted: 8:02 pm on March 9th
Posted: 3:52 pm on March 9th
I did use the Shrinky Dinks brand of shrink plastic (if I remember correctly - the package is in the other room). I bought mine at Collage, a store here in Portland, but you can find it at Michaels for sure. That's a great tip about the #6 plastic!
Jan, I haven't washed these, but if you make a sample one you might try hand-washing it first to see how it does - depending on what marker/ink you use I think it could have very different results. You could also add a stronger sealant to cover and protect the finish - I'll see if I can find any suggestions for what would work best to make them more durable. I am using mine for jewelry so I hadn't thought about this stuff until now.
Again, thanks so much for the nice words and feedback!
Posted: 3:39 pm on March 9th
Posted: 11:08 am on March 9th
Cute buttons. I've been working on the button coaster lately & this would be a great twist on it!
Posted: 4:48 pm on March 8th
Posted: 9:05 am on March 8th
But what is shrink plastic?
What is it normally used for?
It does not look like the clear shrink-wrap used to cover food.
Posted: 12:32 am on March 8th
Posted: 1:34 pm on March 7th
I am thinking that if you use permanent markers, the buttons made from shrink plastic should wash well. What is your experience?
Thank you for the great idea!
Posted: 12:08 pm on March 7th
Posted: 9:06 am on March 7th
Posted: 8:46 am on March 7th
Posted: 7:44 am on March 7th
I love this idea! I was wondering if these would be okay for clothing embellishment? Can they be laundered?
Thanks,
Jan
Posted: 10:45 am on March 4th
Congratulations on another beautiful book. Well done you!
Posted: 11:05 am on March 1st