Aroma Bead Button Starter Kit
The Aroma Bead Button Starter Kit turns a standard pinback button press into a compact, refillable air freshener maker. It's built for crafters, gift makers, and anyone who wants a customizable, photo- or logo-front scent button they can clip to a bag, hang from a rearview mirror, or wear as a pendant.
Each kit includes everything needed to press 100 complete Aroma Bead Buttons: the punch, shells, mylar, backs, and tabs, plus a half pound of unscented beads ready for any fragrance or essential oil, and complete assembly instructions.
What's in the Box
- (1) Metal Craft Punch, used to punch the scent-release holes in the button back
- 100 each Mylar, Front Shells, Backs with Slot, and Tab with Jump Ring
- 1/2 lb Unscented Aroma Beads, ready to be fragranced with the scent oil of your choice
- Complete assembly instructions (PDF), with step-by-step directions for soaking, punching, and assembling
Aroma Bead Button Specifications
| Available Sizes | 1.5", 1.75", or 2.25" |
|---|---|
| Components Per Kit | 100 each mylar, front shells, backs with slot, tab with jump ring |
| Bead Quantity | 1/2 lb unscented aroma beads (beads hold up to 40% of their weight in fragrance oil) |
| Punch Included | Metal Craft Punch, used to punch scent-release holes in the button back |
| Compatible Machines | Any industry-standard pinback button press in the matching size |
| Manufactured | Made in USA |
| Best For | Crafters, gift makers, schools, libraries, churches, and nonprofit fundraisers |
Who Uses the Aroma Bead Button Kit
Crafters & Small Makers
The kit is a natural add-on for anyone already running a button press at craft fairs, markets, or online shops. Scent buttons sell alongside standard pinbacks and photo buttons, with no extra equipment beyond the punch.
Schools, Libraries & PTOs
Aroma bead buttons work well as a fundraiser or class project. Students design the graphic, and the finished piece doubles as a keychain or locker freshener that holds up over a full school year.
Churches, Nonprofits & Community Programs
The kit is well suited to VBS craft stations, youth group projects, and volunteer-appreciation gifts, since each batch of beads can be scented to match the event and pressed with a custom graphic.
How to Assemble
Assembly follows the same basic press cycle as a standard pinback button, with two extra steps for the scent beads. Full instructions, including fragrance ratios and hole-punch placement, are in the downloadable PDF below.
- Soak the beads in the fragrance or essential oil of your choice until dry to the touch.
- Punch several holes in the button back with the included Metal Craft Punch, from the back side so the burr stays on the inside.
- Assemble the front as normal: shell, graphic, and mylar in the pickup die.
- Load the back with the crimping edge facing up, add 1/4–1/2 teaspoon of scented beads, and press.
- Finish by adding a ribbon, keyring, or hanger through the jump ring.
Download the full Aroma Bead Button assembly instructions (PDF)
Pro Tips for Aroma Bead Buttons
- Use fragrance or essential oil, not perfume. Add it a little at a time, seal the container, and shake to coat. Full absorption can take a few hours to a couple of days.
- Keep a few unscented beads in reserve in case a batch takes on too much oil and needs to be cut with dry beads.
- Punch from the back side only. This keeps the punch burr on the inside of the button so no sharp edge is exposed once it's assembled.
Compatible Machines & Related Supplies
The Aroma Bead Button Kit works with any industry-standard button press in the size you order. Once your beads run low, refills are available separately, and a few accessories make the finished button easier to carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes does the Aroma Bead Button Kit come in?
The kit is available in 1.5", 1.75", or 2.25" button sizes. Each size ships with matching shells, backs, mylar, and tabs.
Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oil?
Yes. Either candle or soap fragrance oil, or an essential oil, works well. Perfume is not recommended, since it's formulated differently and won't absorb into the beads the same way.
How long does it take for the beads to absorb scent?
It depends on how much oil is added, but full absorption typically takes a few hours to a couple of days. Shake the container every hour or so while the beads are soaking, and they're ready once they're dry to the touch.
Can this kit be used in a Badge-a-Minit machine?
No. This kit uses industry-standard button sizing and is not compatible with Badge-a-Minit (BAM) machines, which use proprietary sizing and parts.
Do I need any tools beyond what's in the kit?
You'll need your own button press in the matching size, plus a container for soaking the beads. The Metal Craft Punch for the scent-release holes is included in the kit.
Can I refill the kit once the beads and shells run out?
Yes. The Aroma Bead Bulk Refill restocks just the beads, and the Aroma Bead Button Refill Set includes another 100 shells, backs, mylar, and beads.
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