This post is sponsored by Martha Stewart Jewelry. I seriously had a blast with this stuff and think you will, too! I might be addicted to epoxy buttons, now!
I have always wanted to make my own buttons, it is so fun to make a completely custom piece of clothing! So when Plaid Crafts sent me a box of Martha Stewart Jewelry supplies I went straight for the custom mold kit!
The kit comes with silicone base, activator and a little measuring cup which allows you to make jelly-like silicone molds, like the ones you see for chocolate and ice cubes. You can use any object to make a mold with so I picked out some of my favorite buttons and duplicated them. Suh-weet, right!? These buttons are totally usable and durable! Real handmade buttons!
The process takes a while since you have to wait for things to dry, but it is pretty simple! Here’s how to do it:
how to make homemade epoxy buttons
Materials:
custom mold kit
epoxy clay
jewelry glaze
Mix 1 fluid ounce of base with 1 tsp activator until the color is all blended.
Drop your button into the liquid and push it down so it is level. Let it dry for at least 24 hours.
Then pull the button out and you’ll be left with a perfect mold of it.
Mix equal parts epoxy clay and activator and knead together.
Then form it into the mold. Make sure you can see the button holes and make the back as flat as you can.
This will also take 24 hours to harden. I made some little birds and a lady bug from premade Martha molds while I was at it. (Why not!)
When it’s dry, pull it out and you have a button clone!
I had so much fun I made more! The coolest part is the silicone molds are reusable so I can make buttons over and over.
I used Martha Stewart glaze to give this button some shine.
Tips:
-Make sure to tap the silicone on a table or something to get out all the bubbles before adding your objects.
-If you’re making buttons, be sure that silicone goes into the holes of the button, otherwise you won’t be able to attach it to a garment
You can find Plaid Crafts on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook. These Martha Stewart Jewelry products are sold exclusively at Michaels. I am almost out of silicone mold base, so I might have to take a trip there soon. Here’s what the kit looks like:
I sewed my shiny glazed button onto a little summer baby blouse. I’m kinda (really!) proud of it!
Have you ever made your own buttons?
Kat
Yep! Every time I need them I make them. But I use polymer clay because of the diversity of colors
Susan @SugarBeans.org
I didn’t even know something like this existed. So cool! By the way, your sweet daughter rocks the adorable outfit {& button}.
Blessings,
Cindy
I had no idea this even existed! Is there a recommended size to stick to? I’d love to make larger ones or even ones to custom match my handbags!
Thanks for sharing, that’s a really cool craft :->
Joelle
haven’t done it yet, but when Kat (from SewChibi, ^ same Kat as above ^) posted about making buttons on her blog it really interested me and I’m so tempted!
Sanae
This is pure genius!! I need to try this stat, and that constellation dress is so amazingly cute!
Samantha
What a smart way to reproduce a button. Such dedication. I would never have the patience.
Bonita
Wow I never thought of that! Smart! Thanks for sharing
Talitha
thats an awesome idea!
I’ve only ever made resin gems, for like jewellery etc
Linda Lee Steaples
I did’t know this was even something that we could do at home. I will be on my way to my Michaels very soon… Thanks for sharing Love your BABY IN HER DECKED OUT SUIT & MOMMY MADE BUTTON !!!!!!!!!