Buttons add a wonderful touch to layouts, cards and other paper craft projects. But finding buttons in the right color or size for your project can be difficult. Now you can create inexpensive, custom-colored buttons to match your next project.

To make your own buttons, you will need Button tiles or other Technique Tile shapes, ink pads in colors that match your photos or project theme, and a hole punch (the Crop-A-Dile works well). You may also want to have glitter glue or dimensional adhesive on hand to add some sparkle or dimension to your buttons.

1. Start with or choose a Technique Tile shape that complements your photos or your project theme.

2. To add all-over color, rub an ink pad across the surface of the Technique Tile. If you want a deep and saturated color use a dabbing motion.

   For a softer look, use more of a swiping motion. It works best to add layers of color. You can always add more ink to get a deeper color but you can't remove the color once it is on the tile. Allow time for the ink to dry. Tip: Chalk inks provide a soft and velvety, yet opaque coverage on the tiles. These inks also offer a great foundation of color to stamp additional designs, words, or patterns.

3. If you would like to add a pattern to your button, use a letter stamp, word stamps, or image stamps and a complementary color of ink to stamp a design on top of the base color you just applied. Use firm even pressure when stamping on the tile. Allow time for the ink to dry on the tile.

4. Use a Crop-a-Dile or other sturdy hole punch to make small holes in the center of the tile.

5. If you want to add some sparkle to your buttons, apply a thin coat of Stickles Glitter Glue to the tile. You can add all-over color or just add spot color to the stamped images. The Stickles will dry flat regardless of the amount you apply, so use it sparingly and it will dry much faster. Let the Stickles dry completely before going on to the next step.

6. If you want your buttons to have a glossy appearance, apply an even layer of dimensional adhesive to the face of the tile. Make sure you don't fill in the holes.

   Tip: Glossy Accents has a lower water content than other dimensional adhesives which makes it easier to ensure that the holes do not fill in and that your project won't warp. If you use a different dimensional adhesive, it works best to apply thin layers and let each layer dry before moving on to the next layer.

   Allow plenty of time for the Glossy Accents or dimensional adhesive to dry. It may take several hours depending on the humidity and how much adhesive you applied to your project.

7. Use thread, craft string, or thin ribbon to tie through the holes. Then use double-sided tape to adhere your beautiful new buttons to your project.