LibGuides: Student Center: Let's Get Creative

FAQ

Button Maker
Cricut Maker

Button Machine

Currently our button machine operates on 2 sizes, 1.25" or 32mm, and 1.75" or 44mm. The button machine is provided, but users must prepare their own button making materials. We have linked the appropriate materials below.

1.25" Buttons

1.25" button materials from Amazon

1.25" button materials from BeamNova

1.75" Buttons

1.75" button materials from Amazon

1.75" button materials from BeamNova

Tips for Button Making

Making buttons isn't an exact science--sometimes the button might not print seemingly for no reason at all, but here are some things that we found that are good to keep in mind!

Check to make sure the stabilizing pins are in the button base cartridge. Sometimes after transporting the device, these little pins can become loose / fall out. Image below is for reference. There are 2 pins total on each end of the cartridge. If the pins are missing, the machine will not align correctly for pressing.
When placing your materials down, make sure you only have 1 of each thing. The mylar (plastic circle slips) and metal plates stack up and may be stuck together. The button will not press probably if there are 2 of any thing.
Make sure the mylar is pressed flat in the mold. If it is not completely flat, it will not print.
Hold down the lever with moderate force when pressing for 2-3 seconds. Do not stop the press halfway through.
Sometimes the pin backs may have residual plastic due to manufacturing--this is okay! just shove it down until the pin back is lying flat. It will still press just fine.

Cricut

Our Cricut Maker is equipped with a basic blade that is able to cut intricate designs through vinyl, thick card stock, and other hefty materials. The library provides the machine, processing tools (spatula, scissors, etc), and mats to cut on. Users must prepare their own materials to use the Cricut. Cardstock, felt, and other things can be purchased through Amazon, and we specifically want to link the different kinds of vinyl.

For t-shirts, users will want to get Cricut's Everyday Iron On Vinyl.

For stickers or labels, users will want to get Cricut Premium Permanent Vinyl.

Setting up the Cricut

Cricut has a free software called Cricut Design Space that users need to download to create and print their designs.

When working with the Cricut, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

When placing the mat for printing, make sure the material is oriented like it is on your screen. If the material is aligned at the top left corner in Cricut Design Space, but the material is on the bottom left corner of the mat, the Cricut will cut the top left of the mat regardless, potentially cutting through the mat.
Make sure your material is flat. If you are cutting with a thicker material like fleece or cardboard, you may want a stickier mat so that they material doesn't shift around mid cut.
If the product doesn't cut completely on the first pass, we recommend setting up a new piece of material and adjusting the pressure.

request visit and demonstration

Want to request the button machine or the cricut?

Fill out this request form for the cricut or the button machine. Requests must be made at least 1 week in advance.