- Professional style button makers can run into hundreds of dollars, but the simple plastic models sold as children's toys are much cheaper and give reasonable results, although they probably won't last as long. You will need a circular photo cut to the right size, a metal support, a pin, plastic backing and a clear plastic cover. Place the items in the button maker according to the manufacturer's instructions and press the button.
- Photo transfers can be applied to polymer clay. The photo should be edited to fit the desired button. A fresh photocopied or laser printed copy of the photograph works best. The paper copy must be placed face down on a smooth, flat sheet of polymer clay and dabbed all over with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. When the paper is fully saturated, it can be removed. Any excess clay should be cut off and the button baked according to the times on the directions. Once cooled, the button can be glued to a suitable pin and sealed with a coat of polymer clay varnish.
- A clear domed surface will magnify the image underneath it, making interesting mini-buttons. Flat-back glass marbles work for this project; you can also find clear acrylic cabochons of various sizes, clarity and depth, which also work well. A small photo is glued to the back of the dome using a clear cement, such as E6000 or a decoupage medium. Once dry, this can be attached to a pin back. For glass buttons, a butterfly pin back is a good choice.
- A photograph, cut to the right size and shape, is glued to some stiff card stock. The photo is covered with a circle of clear contact paper. Care must be taken not to wrinkle the paper or leave air bubbles; it's a good idea to practice first. The pin can be a safety pin attached with a little sticky-tape. For a longer-lasting button, a brooch back can be attached with strong glue.
- Photo button graphics can be used on websites and blogs or as icons for chat programs and social networking sites. A virtual photo button is made using an image editing program such as GIMP or Photoshop. By taking a circular section of the desired image and adding curved highlights and shadows, it's possible to give the image a dimensional domed appearance just like a real button.
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