Making 2.25" Photo Buttons
What do I need to know about making 2.25" Photo Buttons?
ABM, as you well know, has button makers to suit any project. We offer the traditional round button makers. As well as square, rectangle and oval. ABM has button making machines for paper buttons, fabric buttons and, yes, photo buttons!
Today our focus is on photo buttons. Specifically 2.25” photo buttons and how they differ from 2.25” buttons made with regular printer paper. While our larger photo button makers (3” & 3.5”) are designed to accommodate photo paper easily, our 2.25" button machine is a slightly different story.
Technically, the diameter of a 2.25” button is too small to accept true photo paper. The good news is ABM has a solution. The simply ingenious trick to being able to use photo paper in our 2.25” button maker is to cut a smaller sized circle. When using regular printer paper the circle is cut to a standard diameter of 2.625”, which is the same size as the clear mylar.
All you need do to make photo buttons is to cut the photo to 2.225”. A seemingly very minor but important difference. If you cut photo paper to the standard 2.625" diameter, it will probably jam your machine. ABM offers two options to help you cut photo paper to the correct size for use in our 2.25” Button Machine.
The Model 2225 Photo Punch will cut your paper to the correct size, easily and perfectly every time. FYI - you can order your 2.25" Button Making Kit with the Photo Punch option - same price, no up-charge.
Photo Punch Cutter
Another great option is the Adjustable Circle Cutter. This cutter is sold with our Beginner Button Kits and is easily adjusted to cut a variety of circle sizes.
Adjustable Rotary Cutter
So, what does it look like when you cut a circle to 2.225”? Good question. Your button design is going to cover the entire front of the button without wrapping over the back. 
Front View - 2.25" Photo Button
Don’t panic. The only way you would ever notice is if you turn the button on its side. When viewed from the front, which is how a button is worn, the effect is not even noticeable!
2.25" Photo Button - Side View
Notice how the graphic extends past the natural viewing area, indicated by the arrow, in this finished photo button. Since the front shell and pinback are made from the same material, the back of the photo button looks great and has a perfectly seamless transition.
2.25" Accent Rings
To hide the bare rim, and add a little pizazz at the same time, simply add an Accent Ring. Not only will the entire surface of the shell be covered but you’ll also add a pop of color. Win – Win!
One more tip – if you do not want the added expense of photo paper, just print your photo on bond printer paper and let the mylar add the glossy shine typical of a photo. Again, Win – Win!
Until next time – Happy Button Making!
By Brighid Brown, Director of Blogging and All Things Cool at ABM
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2 comments
Hi, what is bond printer paper and where can you purchase it? Is it cheaper than photo paper?
Hi Tameka,
The term “bond” paper has grown into a generic term referring to paper used for writing and printing. There are too many types to discuss here as it is a huge subject. Basically most of the paper you see in office supply stores are different types of bond paper. Usually you will see something referenced on the packaging and it will give the weight of the paper, for example “24lb bond paper”.
Here is a link to some more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bond_paper
Bond paper is a high quality durable writing paper similar to bank paper but having a weight greater than 50 g/m2. The name comes from it having originally been made for documents such as government bonds. It is now used for letterheads, other stationery and as paper for electronic printers. Widely employed for graphic work involving pencil, pen and felt-tip marker, bond paper can sometimes contain rag fibre pulp, which produces a stronger, though rougher, sheet of paper.
Hope this helps!