DIY Polymer Clay Buttons: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 23/03/2025

Tired of the same old buttons adorning your clothing and crafts? Yearning for unique, personalized touches that truly reflect your style? Then look no further! Polymer clay offers a fantastically versatile and accessible medium for creating one-of-a-kind buttons, allowing you to unleash your creativity and add a handmade flair to any project. From subtle elegance to bold, vibrant designs, the possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination and the colours available in your polymer clay stash.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of making your own stunning polymer clay buttons, from preparing the clay to achieving a professional-looking finish. Get ready to dive into a world of creative expression as we explore this rewarding craft, step by step. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Polymer clay (Sculpey recommended)
  • Cookie cutters (heart-shaped for this example)
  • Rolling pin (or a smooth jar/glass)
  • Tool for poking holes (plastic fork, toothpick, knitting needle)
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven (conventional or toaster oven)
  • Nail polish (clear and glitter)
  • Toothpick
Safety Guidelines
  • Polymer clay needs to be baked according to the manufacturer's instructions to harden. Improper baking can result in brittle or soft buttons.
  • Always work in a well-ventilated area as some polymer clays release fumes when baked. Avoid inhaling these fumes.
  • Use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot baking trays and baked clay. The clay and the tray will be very hot.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare your workspace and oven

    • Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
    • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Cover your work surface with parchment or wax paper.
    • Wash, rinse, and dry your hands thoroughly.
    Wash, rinse, and dry your hands thoroughly.Wash, rinse, and dry your hands thoroughly.Wash, rinse, and dry your hands thoroughly.Wash, rinse, and dry your hands thoroughly.
    Prepare your workspace and oven

  2. Prepare the clay

    • Knead your chosen clay colors until soft (about 2-3 minutes each).
    • Roll the clay colors into canes (snakes) and combine them, twisting to create a marbled effect.
    • Roll out the combined clay to a thickness of less than 1/8 inch.
    Roll out the combined clay to a thickness of less than 1/8 inch.Roll out the combined clay to a thickness of less than 1/8 inch.Roll out the combined clay to a thickness of less than 1/8 inch.
    Prepare the clay

  3. Cut and shape the buttons

    • Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
    Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
    Cut and shape the buttons

  4. Make the button holes

    • Use a tool (fork, toothpick, etc.) to make holes in the buttons.
    Use a tool (fork, toothpick, etc.) to make holes in the buttons.
    Make the button holes

  5. Bake the buttons

    • Bake buttons at 275°F (135°C) for 15 minutes.
    Bake buttons at 275°F (135°C) for 15 minutes.
    Bake the buttons

  6. Cool and finish the buttons

    • Let buttons cool completely (at least 24 hours).
    • Apply nail polish (clear or glitter) to add a glossy or sparkly finish.
    Apply nail polish (clear or glitter) to add a glossy or sparkly finish.Apply nail polish (clear or glitter) to add a glossy or sparkly finish.
    Cool and finish the buttons

Read more: Hang Your Clay Creations: The No-Hole Hanger Method

Tips

  • Using parchment paper prevents clay residue from sticking to your baking sheet and counter.
  • Clean hands prevent dirt and oils from contaminating the clay.
  • The thickness of your clay affects baking time. Thinner buttons bake faster.
  • Allow buttons to cure for 24 hours before glazing for best results.
  • Use a toothpick to enlarge holes if necessary after baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Unevenly Baked Buttons

Reason: Inconsistent baking temperature or time leads to some parts of the button being harder than others, potentially causing cracking or warping.
Solution: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and bake for the recommended time, using a thermometer to verify temperature accuracy.

2. Buttons Sticking to the Baking Surface

Reason: Using a surface that is not properly prepared, such as a baking sheet without parchment paper, can cause buttons to stick and become damaged during baking.
Solution: Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

3. Cracked or Broken Buttons After Baking

Reason: This can be caused by too much handling of the clay before baking, air bubbles in the clay, or baking the buttons at too high a temperature.
Solution: Handle the clay gently, ensure it's thoroughly conditioned and free of air bubbles, and follow the recommended baking temperature carefully.

FAQs

What kind of polymer clay is best for making buttons?
Sculpey Premo is a popular choice for its durability and ease of use. Other brands like Fimo and Kato Polyclay also work well. Avoid softer clays like Sculpey III as they may be too fragile for buttons.
How do I prevent my buttons from cracking during baking?
Ensure your clay is thoroughly conditioned and free of air bubbles. Bake at the recommended temperature for your clay type, and avoid overheating or sudden temperature changes. Let them cool completely in the oven before removing.
How do I attach the buttons to my garments?
You can use strong sewing thread and a needle, or fabric glue specifically designed for use with fabric. For heavier fabrics or more substantial buttons, consider using button shank backs (available at craft stores).