Button Machines
Features
Groundworks’ has both a 1.5” and 2.25” round button machine from American Button Machines (ABM). You can create more than pinback buttons! With the right supplies our machines can make magnets, key rings, necklace pendants, lapel pins, bottle openers and more.
Use of the button makers is free when patrons use their own button making supplies. PLEASE NOTE: If there is any mention of millimeters (mm) in the product name or description (37mm or 58mm), they may not work with Groundworks’ US standard button machines.
The button makers are available on a first come first served basis.
What You'll Need
Design Your Buttons
You may design your own button graphics using almost any design software. Groundworks’ laptops have Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator (an Adobe.com account is required) while the public computers on the first floor have Microsoft Word. There are also many online royalty free websites where you can download public domain or Creative Commons licensed graphics.
You can find button design templates for both the 1.5” and 2.25” buttons at the following websites:
American Button Machines: Photoshop, Corel Draw, Print Shop, Open Office, PDF
UMakeButtons: Photoshop, Illustrator, JPEG, PDF, MS Word, Corel Draw
Print Your Button Design
Patrons must print their button designs on standard copy paper (no heavier than 24lb). You may print your designs at home or use Herrick District Library’s printers. Printing at HDL costs $0.15/page for black and white and $0.25/page for color.
Button Supplies
Groundworks has an open materials policy. This means patrons can buy and use their own round button supplies with our button makers. However, material sizes will vary. If there is any mention of millimeters (mm) in the product name or description (37mm or 58mm), they may not work with Groundworks’ US standard button machines. Please contact Groundworks with questions.
You can find US standard size button supplies from American Button Machines, Button Makers, Tecre, UMakeButtons and USA Buttons.
Station Reservations
Groundworks’ button machines are available on first come, first served basis. HDL patrons may call to reserve a button maker during Groundworks’ open hours up to one day in advance. Please note:
- There is a 15-minute grace period before reservations are cancelled.
- Laptops are for use in the lower level only and cannot be checked out. A valid library card is needed to sign in.
- The computer shuts off and erases all data saved to it when a session expires.
- Reservations can be made up to 1 day in advance by calling Groundworks directly.
