Buttons. Pins. Macarons. Badges. What are we talking about?
Buttons are small shapes that can be attached to different surfaces. The front of a button can bear any artwork, photo, message, textile or flat object under plastic.
Needs
To make buttons efficiently I need a precision-tooled press with metal dies which I will operate with a hand-cranked lever: a button maker. I also need a cutter, for cutting out perfect paper circles, and button parts.
- 2.25" button maker - $275
- 2.25" graphic punch for cutting artwork - $200
- hardware to make 1000 pin back buttons - $85
- shipping - $40
- crowd funding campaign fees- $66
Prizes
When you contribute to The Button Project, you will receive at least six 2 1/4" round buttons, a 10% discount on your button orders for a whole year, and a strong sense of uncensored independence. Local contributors are invited to use the machine themselves any time they want to try their hand at button making. Every contribution level is eligible for more free stuff if we exceed the funding goal of $666 (see below).
Five contributors will have the option of getting THEIR button design sent to every other participant (The Soapbox).
Five people can get 25 buttons with an image designed to their specifications by a graphic artist (The Happy Ending).
One lucky and generous person will get to name the machine (Naming Rights).
If all of our funds don't add up to $666, I will finance the rest myself within six months - every contributor is guaranteed to get buttons.
If we exceed the funding goal by
- $100: every contributor will receive a one of a kind 2.25" pocket mirror.
- $200: every contributor will also receive a one of a kind 2.25" bottle opener
- $300: every contributor will also receive a one of a kind 2.25" magnet
So please choose a perk that tickles you, share this campaign with your friends, and get free stuff.
All shipping is included.
The Greatest Idea Ever
By using crowdfunding to start this project I hope to foster a sense of community and interest in the machine. Button making is an act of independence. Because the badges can attach to anything and look sharp, they are portable message boards that garner constant attention. If you have access to a button maker, you have freedom from all censorship and restrictions to choose what to post almost anywhere.
Your contribution includes you in a community, gives you access to buttons and discounts for a whole year, and makes a lovely birthday present.
I'll be super good at running this business because of my natural talents for organizing and crafting. I have been a professional administrator since 2005. I spend much of my free time sewing, growing plants, writing and drawing.
There are a few businesses in Ottawa that make custom buttons, but most do not offer the 2.25" round size and none of them boast my singular charm. The button maker comes with a lifetime warranty, and is easy to resell in the unlikely event that The Button Project does not totally explode with popularity.
In addition to pin back buttons, the machine can make mirrors, for looking backwards, magnets, for attracting, bottle openers, for slaking a pressing thirst, and more.
I have partnered with a graphic artist for creating custom buttons, and will also make one of a kind buttons with original artwork and found images from vintage magazines and textiles. I can even make fabric-covered buttons, and am looking into matte plastic coating instead of shiny, to give my buttons a unique and very classy look.
Other ways to participate
Whether or not you can contribute today, please share this link with anyone who has a message to share. Give your friends a chance to score some buttons and discounts, and get their message across in a fun way.
If you are a community organization in need of some buttons, contact me. I will donate 10% of the number of buttons sold to a needy cause or causes.
Leave a comment to enter to win a free button. Answer the question What would you put on a button?, say where you shared this campaign, or ask a question of your own. Every two weeks I will do a draw for a free button prize! The first draw is on February 8th.
Thanks, thanks, thanks.
