DIY & CRAFTS

DIY: Mini Button Name Tags

Planning a party? Help your guests get to know each other and break the ice with these fun name-tag buttons.

DIY: Mini Button Name Tags

We’ve all been stuck in awkward situations at parties where we hardly know any other guests and end up talking about the weather. As a host it’s sometimes hard to ensure that conversation stays lively but if you make these cheeky mini button name tags for your guests, you’ll automatically give them something to talk about. To make your own you’ll need basic design skills and access to a button maker.

Step One

Gather up the names of your guests and funny facts about them. Feel free to also make these up if your guests are dull.

STEP TWO

Design the buttons in a computer program you’re familiar with. You can either design colorful circles in the diameter of your buttons (these are 1″) and add the text, or just add the text, space accordingly, and print on colored paper (for us less design-y folk). I would choose a bold, easy-to-read font like Helvetica or Futura.

STEP THREE

Turn them into buttons! I would suggest using a professional-grade button maker for best results. If you don’t have access to one, call some local businesses that customize items like T-shirts and plaques/awards—they might have one you can go in and use. I used one at a local art workshop and they charged only 20 cents a pop. You can also try out a toy button maker.

STEP FOUR

Force your guests to wear them and listen to the conversations that ensue.