Button Makers

Residents can use their Scarsdale Llibrary Card to reserve and use the makerspace's 1.75" and 1" button makers and corresponding paper cutters. Patrons can book up to 4 hours per week. The makerspace is currently offering patrons the materials to make up to 10 buttons of either size per week. Patrons may bring in their own supplies to make as many additional buttons of either size as they like. Makerspace staff will be available to help you get started and to answer basic questions. 

The makerspace has mylar, pinned backs, unpinned backs, and shells for both button sizes and keychains and keychain backs for the 1.75" size available for patron use, for up to 10 buttons per week.

If patrons would like to make more than 10 buttons at a time, they may bring their own supplies. Materials compatible with the 1.75" button maker can be found here and 1" compatible materials can be found here, both on the American Button Machines website.

First time users of this machine in the makerspace will require a 10 minute training session.  This training will take place at the beginning of your first reservation.  Patrons will only have to complete this training once and should plan for it during their first reservation.

• View and book available time slots at this link.
• Time slots are available two weeks into the future. Patrons can book up to four hours per week.
• Patrons will need to fill out a Makerspace User Agreement agreeing to the Makerspace Terms of Use upon entering the makerspace. This form only needs to be filled out once and will be kept on file. 

Knowing the following will ensure you get the most out of your Open Maker visit: 

• What will you need to bring for your project:  The we will provide mylar, pinned backs, unpinned backs, keychain backs and shells for up to 10 buttons. If Makers would like to make more than 10 buttons during a reservation, please bring your own supplies.  Information on the American Button Machines website regarding purchasing supplies can be found above under Materials.  
• When you arrive for your reservation, check in at a service desk (welcome desk, reference desk, etc.). A staff member needs to escort you to the makerspace due to its location. 
• Makers arriving more than 15 minutes late for their reservation may lose their reservation(s) for the day.  Repeated failures to show up for reservations (without canceling) will result in Open Maker privileges being temporarily revoked. 
• Makerspace staff is only available to help with set-up and to answer basic questions.  If you need detailed assistance attend one of our Maker 101 programs or email makerspace@scarsdalelibrary.org for additional guidance.

To design your own buttons, we recommend using Build A Button, a browser based software specifically for designing buttons. Be sure to choose either 1.75" or 1" for the button size. Patrons are also welcome to bring in their own printed materials and cut them down to size with the paper cutters. The makerspace also has some art books patrons can cut designs out of.

Patrons can print out and bring in their completed Build A Button designs from home or use the library's tech services to do so.

The following videos cover the basics of assembling 1 inch and 1.75 inch buttons. The "shallow" and "deep" cups are also labeled on the makerspace button makers.