topic Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons? in Community Chat

Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

wismiss — Tue, 15 May 2018 02:42:47 GMT

So many years ago (so many that I can't remember how I did it), I took a class. We painted on a sweatshirt Noah's ark. Then we took some kind of plastic or something like that and made our animals. We painted them and punched two holes in each button. Then we heated them in some manner and they shrunk. We sewed them on the sweatshirt.

When I googled and went to you tube, about the only thing I could find was the type of buttons that you made with the machine and put the pin on the back.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the search words or does anyone know how to make these? The gal that taught the class has moved to another state and I have no idea how to get in touch with her. She used to make buttons for many of her clothes. She would cut off the provided buttons and sew on her own. She even belonged to a button club that met periodically and they would share their new creations.

TIA for any assistance.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

gizmogal — Tue, 15 May 2018 02:48:29 GMT

I took Google and used “shrink plastic buttons” (without the quote marks) and got a ton of links to ideas and how-to . Only you could say if any of it is relevant since you took the craft class. But the links Google yielded showed just how to make these buttons and where to get the plastic material.

Hope I’ve helped.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

butterfly123 — Tue, 15 May 2018 03:46:48 GMT

@wismiss

Was the plastic called Shrinky Dink or something similar?

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

ECBG — Tue, 15 May 2018 03:57:11 GMT

This sounds very interesting.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

Anonymous — Tue, 15 May 2018 06:21:27 GMT

This post has been removed by QVC inappropriate

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

CelticCrafter — Tue, 15 May 2018 08:40:49 GMT

They were called Shrinky Dinks.

I used to make them with my daughter when she was little.

There are "copy cat" recipes out there.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

FlowerBear — Tue, 15 May 2018 09:37:57 GMT

Not one ever! No time for that.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

DeniseColo — Tue, 15 May 2018 15:38:58 GMT

@Tinkrbl44

Because it is an EXPERIENCE...something fun and interesting to do....a craft project. Not everything in life is about saving money. It's highly likely that there are things that you enjoy spending your time doing that other people think would be a waste of time, money and energy.

I've never made buttons before but getting to do ShrinkyDinks was always a favorite activity. One year my mom did her own artwork and created lots of cute Christmas ornaments...and sold quite a few at our local holiday craft fair.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

hellodali — Tue, 15 May 2018 15:39:17 GMT

Seriously?? Why would you spend time responding like that to someone's simple question? Sorry, but I just can't imagine doing that. It's not like you got anything from making those comments. The person asked a nice question and you have to respond with that type of comment?

The OP did not even state she was making buttons, she mentioned she used to do it and was looking for some reference online -- maybe just to bring back memories? I can't imagine doing a lot of things in life; however, others do and the world is better for it.

I hope you have a wonderful day.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

happycat — Tue, 15 May 2018 12:53:29 GMT

@wismiss, I was going to suggest going to a fabric store and asking them if they had any ideas, but I bet its shrinky dink too. How neat.

And I love the quote at the bottom of your post.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

Dusty1 — Tue, 15 May 2018 13:04:15 GMT

@wismiss

Look at Sculpey Polymer Clay. Or Fimo.

I know those are used to make a lot of things like buttons & jewelry.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

Anonymous — Tue, 15 May 2018 14:48:35 GMT

This post has been removed by QVC

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

DeniseColo — Tue, 15 May 2018 16:29:26 GMT

@Tinkrbl44

Part of the problem with these forums is that the nonverbal cues that assist with understanding the true intent of the written message is not available...things like facial expressions and tone of voice.

Your first post in this thread came across to me as snarky...not as a real question. Not to mention, I honestly was taken aback that you directly related the OP's project to saving money. My apologies that I misread your intent. If my reply to you came across as snarky, it was not intended as such. It was just an explanation of why us crafters do what we do, including frequently spending more money to make something ourselves rather than buying commercially produced, less expensive items. So, to answer your question "why do this"...because we find it enjoyable.

Good to know ShrinkyDinks are still available, will have to check out ebay. There is something oddly mesmerizing about watching through the oven window as that plastic shrink down. That's the part I liked most about ShrinkyDinks, not the final product.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

shoesnbags — Tue, 15 May 2018 18:17:15 GMT

@butterfly123 wrote:
@wismiss
Was the plastic called Shrinky Dink or something similar?

@butterfly123

Yes! I was about to post this.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

Danky — Tue, 15 May 2018 18:42:47 GMT

WHAT ??? Make my own buttons ? I don't even make my own bed !

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

wismiss — Wed, 16 May 2018 08:55:44 GMT

I knew that somebody here would be able to help me with my question, and thank you to those who were so thoughtful to take the time to helpfully reply.

My cousin and her husband are having their 50th anniversary in late June. They are having a "hoe down" with line dancing for a couple of hours and then a DJ for a few hours with different genres of music. We are having "feed bags" for our meal, games like three legged horse races, etc.

So, in keeping with the theme, I thought I would buy a denim shirt, remove the regular buttons, and sew on western buttons for the celebration. Or maybe buy a denim colored polo shirt and randomly sew on western buttons.

So a big "Thank you" to those who were so helpful.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

Dusty1 — Wed, 16 May 2018 13:36:09 GMT

@wismiss Buttons are a huge thing.

If you have a Joann, Hobby Lobby or Michaels nearby, check out their button sections.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

qualitygal — Wed, 16 May 2018 13:44:42 GMT

Wow, this brought back some old childhood memories of mine. Since mom grew up in the time of waste not, want not (the depression), she use to have old Mason jars just loaded with all kinds of buttons. Great aunts and my grandmother would also save this way and you wouldn't believe all the types, sizes and colors and shapes. Why it could keep kids busy for hours just looking through all those.

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

DeniseColo — Wed, 16 May 2018 22:55:09 GMT

@wismiss wrote:
I knew that somebody here would be able to help me with my question, and thank you to those who were so thoughtful to take the time to helpfully reply.

My cousin and her husband are having their 50th anniversary in late June. They are having a "hoe down" with line dancing for a couple of hours and then a DJ for a few hours with different genres of music. We are having "feed bags" for our meal, games like three legged horse races, etc.

So, in keeping with the theme, I thought I would buy a denim shirt, remove the regular buttons, and sew on western buttons for the celebration. Or maybe buy a denim colored polo shirt and randomly sew on western buttons.

So a big "Thank you" to those who were so helpful.

@wismiss

Sounds like that will be such a fun anniversary celebration for you cousin. What a great alternative to the more formal parties.

Several years ago, I changed out the buttons on a black denim shirt. I was amazed at how something so simple made such a difference in how the shirt looked. As many QVC hostesses would say...it really elevated my shirt😆...lol! The biggest challenge you face is in deciding which buttons you want to use from all the unique designs available.

Enjoy putting your outfit together and have a fun time at the party!

Re: Does Anyone Make Their Own Buttons?

ALRATIBA — Wed, 16 May 2018 23:53:48 GMT

I've made them with polymer clay ... like Sculpey .... just roll it out, slice, make the thread holes and bake. Lots of instructions online and plenty of books available.

I hang them on metal skewers to bake.