Reported by Susan Reidy
Several years ago, I bought a bag of clear buttons with the intention of creating my own embellishments with patterned paper, cardstock, etc. It turned out to be a rather messy and time-consuming process, and my finished buttons always had ragged edges.
So I was more than happy to try out the Epiphany Crafts Shape Studio and Button Studio line of tools. They promised a simple method for creating my own epoxy shapes and buttons. I’m happy to report, they delivered.
Using these tools pictured above I was able to make round epoxy shapes and heart buttons with patterned paper, cardstock, photos, tamped images, layered punchouts and even doilies.Epiphany Crafts has 10 tools — six Shape Studio and four Button Studio. The shapes include Round 14 (about 1/2 in.); Heart 14 (about 1/2 in.); Round 25 (about 1 in.); Oval 25 (about 1 in.); and Square 25 (about 3/4 in.).
The Button Studio includes the Round 14, Round 20 (about 3/4 in.), Heart 20 (about 3/4 in.) and Flower 20 (about 3/4 in.). The primary difference between the Shape and Button studio is that the Button Studio tool makes button holes.
Coordinating with the tools are the same-sized epoxy shapes and clear, self-adhesive buttons. Other embellishments also are available; more on that later.
For those of you short on space and questioning the need for another tool, it’s worth noting the size of each shape tool. They are relatively small, as you can see in the picture below the Shape Studio next to a tube of flowers. I think they store nicely in a basket, given the round shape.
So how do they work? Basic instructions are included with each Shape and Button Studio tool, and more information is available online, including step-by-step written directions, videos and even a way to virtually try out the process.
I started with the Round 14 Shape Studio.
I was very impressed with the thickness of the epoxy shapes. These are much thicker and sturdier than the epoxy shapes that I found on the market several years ago.
I decided to try it out with a heart doily. I wanted to use the center part of the flower and some of the individual hearts.
The reach of the Shape Studio tool isn’t very deep, one of the cons I found with the tools. But, I solved that by trimming my doily so I could get to the part I wanted.
Next, I inserted the doily in the tool and lined it up.
I removed the sticky-backed epoxy circle from its backing sheet and placed it in the hole of the tool. Be careful handling the epoxies; I had one pick up a hair (or cat fur) and couldn’t use it.
Next, I put the insert tool on top.
And pushed down.
I repeated that process again on a different part of the doily, and here are my custom-made embellishments. It didn’t take as much pressure as I thought it would, and the edges came out clean in both cases.
Super cute added to the center of a flower:
And then on a birthday banner for my youngest daughter.One tip I learned — if you are lining up a very precise spot, once you get the paper in position in the tool, apply a little pressure so it doesn’t slip out.
I did find some ruffling of the paper on the back of the shape, especially when I started using thicker papers/photos. But since I was adhering the shapes down onto something else, this didn’t bother me.
Epiphany also has a line of embellishments that coordinate with the Round 14, including three lines of plastic vintage-like settings and three types of felt flowers — star flowers, spring flowers and frayed flowers — each in three different color schemes.
Here are the Marina Frayed Flowers on the left and the Chocolate Strawberry Spring Flowers on the right.
These are the Vintage Settings in Clubhouse. The package includes two of each color. The Round 14 shapes nest perfectly inside the settings.
I was anxious to try these out, so I punched out a butterfly from black paper, adhered it to some Basic Grey patterned paper, and turned it into an epoxy shape. The tool had no trouble punching through the two layers. I adhered the shape into the green Vintage Setting, and attached it to a ring base.
Here’s the finished product on my finger. Epiphany does offer its own rings and charm settings that are sized for the Round 14 shape.
Next, I wanted to see how the tool would handle something as thick as photo paper. One thing I wish the tool did include was a template with the size of the shape. That would make it easier to move around your paper and see how much of the design will show. I solved this by using the tool to punch through a piece of paper, without an epoxy shape in place. I used my template to see how my index print photo would fit in the shape. The photo was a little small, so I cut it out and attached it to cardstock before making my final shape. Once again, the tool had no trouble cutting through the heavier photo paper; my edges were nice and smooth.
And here’s my youngest again, all snug in a green Vintage Setting.
I used E6000 to glue a super strong magnet to the back.
Threaded some twine through a washer.
And made a necklace that I can change out when I feel like it (or when my other two daughters complain that I’m not wearing their photo).
I really had fun with the Vintage Settings. They take an already cool custom embellishment to the next level. These would also make great refrigerator magnets, thumbtacks, scrapbook embellishments — the possibilities are endless.
I next turned my attention to the button maker. This tool requires a few more steps, some of which I skipped the first time around.
Again, look at the nice thickness of these buttons.
I stamped an image on my patterned paper first, and created my own template again to see how the final button would look. 
I lined it up in the button maker.
Took the backing off the button and laid it adhesive side out on the inset tool prongs. You have to be careful not to push through the adhesive; just lay it on top. I was skeptical this would hold once I put the button in the tool, but it defied gravity and held on.
After the button is in place, and before punching, you’re supposed to remove the insert tool, and push down firmly on the button so it adheres in place. I skipped this step, and my paper scooted out of place.Once the button is adhered down, put the insert tool back in place, close the lid and push down.
After my first punch, here’s what my button holes looked like. They didn’t go all the way through, and just made an indentation.
I put it back into the button maker, and pushed again. This is what I got the second time.
The holes were bigger, but I still needed to use my paper piercer to make the holes larger so I could get my twine through.Here’s my finished button. You can see how it shifted a little, probably because I didn’t push down on the button before punching through with the insert in place.
Here I added it to my scrapbook layout. I made another Round epoxy shape, and added it to the top of one of the felt flower embellishments. I removed the brown layer, since I had no brown on my layout, and will save it for another project.
And here’s my finished layout.
I really had fun with the Epiphany Crafts Shape and Button Studio tools. The results were so much more professional, simple and fast compared to my attempts to make my own customized buttons without the Epiphany tools.
I can’t wait to get my hands on some more of the tools, especially in the larger sizes.
Pros:
- Simple, fast way to make custom embellishments.
- Works on a range of materials including cardstock, patterned paper, photos and layered paper.
- Great accompanying embellishments including Vintage Elements and Felt Flowers.
- Shapes can be used for scrapbooking, cardmaking, jewelry, home decor and more.
Cons:
- Can get a little pricey if you want all the tools, which retail for about $19.95 each.
- You’ll have to keep buying the epoxy shapes and clear buttons in order to use the tool. Epoxy shapes have various amounts per package, depending on size, and are $4.99. The buttons come 20 to a package and are $4.99.
- The tools have a short reach, but you can cut your paper down to size if you want to reach a certain spot.
- The button maker didn’t punch the button holes as large as I needed for threading twine, but it was easy to expand them with a paper piercer.
GIVEAWAY!
The great folks at Epiphany are giving away this amazing prize package to one lucky reader. Just answer any of the following questions in the comment section of this article on this blog to be entered:
Have you tried the Epiphany Crafts Shape and Button Tools? If you had one, what would you make? Which shapes do you love the most? We LOVE to hear from YOU!
One comment per person, per Vendor Spotlight: Epiphany Crafts article (this is the second of two).You have until Sunday, May 1st at 6pm CST to leave your comment.
Click on the link at the top of the page to visit Craft Critique for comments, giveaways and more!
I haven’t tried the tools yet, but it looks fantastic!
I haven’t tried it yet but I love the flower shapes. And I love the vintage settings for the buttons.
I love your examples! Thanks for the review!
I would love to try it to make heart shapes for my cards!
I would prefere circle tool and would make tiny portraits 🙂 for scrapbooking and jewerly.
I have not tried this but would love to make my own buttons for my layouts!
sandyh502001 at yahoo dot com
I’ve never tried the Epiphany Crafts Shape and Button Tools. They look like a lot of fun!
I don’t have this tool but would love to! I love to use buttons on my projects, and it would be so nice to have some that match my patterned paper.
I think this tool would be fun for babies! Imagine making buttons as the new baby is growing and sewing them onto a pillow or a quilted wall hanging and presenting to the new mom or new grandma on the baby’s first birthday. What fun!
I have never tried Epiphany Crafts tool-this on looks like fun, though! I really love what you did with the ring and necklace-love the vintage settings! Thank you so much for a chance to win!
OMG these look amazing to use .
many thanks for the chance to win x
I love the vintage settings. I would certenely use it all the time. I love buttons. Thanks for the chance to win.
I saw these EC punches at CHA last summer. They look so amazing, but I have yet to get ahold of one. I love the pics you posted of the ring and magnets, I would LOVE TO MAKE the magnets for teachers gifts. These epoxies are just the neatest thing!! I’d love to win and use them on everything!!!!
lizahenderson814 at yahoo dot com
I am really excited about this new product. It is right up my alley and I can’t wait to play with them!
I have not tried it yet but it looks really neat! I love the plain old round shapes and I love the idea of color cordinating to match my projects.
I am in Love with Epiphany Crafts!!! I have tried the Round 20 & the Heart 14, & they are very easy to use!
I’ve also found, that you can use the tool itself, as a “mini” punch, so you can get more use from them!!
I have not seen the Vintage Settings or the Rings & Charms, so I would so Love to win this giveaway!!!
Thanks for the chance!!
debpaint16@aol.com
I have not tried this yet but looks uber cool!
I tried it once at a scrapbook convention. This is too cool. I love both the shapes and can think of a million places I could use something like this.
Marijo aka Scraptastic Grammy
mjs1199 at cox dot net
I haven’t tried the tools yet. Love the ring !
Never even seen this before, but boy it looks great and it would be such a treat to be able to make your own customized buttons. An awesome project, I think, really fabulous.
Haven’t tried the tools yet, but if I had one (or more), I’d be making lots and lots of buttons ! I love the pieces that the rounds fit into – and how you show all parts of the process, even iff they aren’t perfect.
I would love to try it. It looks fun!
What a neat product! I think I would use the buttons and the rounds as centers for handmade flowers.
Amazing product! I love the picture one you did. So very cool! I haven’t tried this, but may have to invest very soon!
Would love to try this out to make my own buttons!
I have never heard about this before. I would love to make charms, and my favorite shape is the heart.
I love this! The flower button and pin ideas are so wonderful. Can’t wait to try this out. Thank you for bringing such creative ideas to all.
ive been anxious to get my hands on this!!!! thanks for the chance
http://piperloo.blogspot.com/
I haven’t tried this yet because these aren’t available in my area. 🙁 I really like the round 14 & could see myself using that one a lot.
I was lucky enough to try these at my LSS and would love to own them. I would use them in so many different ways, I can’t count that high!
I just love your blog and I visit here really often. I wanted to ask if the giveaways you are hosting here are for US only? I’m from Israel and we don’t have these great stuff here, and I would really love to participate in your great giveaways.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Natalie.
I’m loving this new tool! I already put one on my wishlist! It would be great for so many scrapbook and card projects! Thank you for a great review and for mentioning the actual sizes of the shapes – they are bigger than I thought!
These are so cute! I really like the heart shape, but I also love the vintage settings. I have never tried epiphany, but have been intrigued since I saw them online from Winter CHA.
I want to get the Round 25. I just haven’t been able to find it yet. I think using the Round 14 for flower centers would be fun.
I have not yet tried any of the Epiphany tools, but I would love to make my own rings! How cool is that??
OH WOW! What a great idea for the doily! SOOOOO clever! LOVE it:)
I haven’t tried this yet, but would love to.
Would love to make buttons with pictures n them, how personal & creative is that – also like the idea of customizing buttons/brads using small stamps in different colors of ink. Seems like there are so many options – what a neat tool!!!
Absolutely I would use this product! I like the round and heart shapes. Perfect for really small pics of my kiddies! Love buttons!
I could have a ton of fun with this!
I’d love to use one of the tools to make my own custom embellishments! I love the round epoxy style the most! Thanks for the chance.
I love the Epiphany craft supplies, how fun!!
I haven’t tried it, but I would be thrilled to win it so that I can!
The flower shapes look fun!
Thanks!!!!! kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
I haven’t tried it but if I could I would use the rounds for jewelry and the flowers to embellish scrapbook pages and cards. So cute!
I have never seen this tool until today. It looks like a great way to embellish. I have to say I am a sucker for hearts!
Hugs,
Trish
What a great new tool. I love making my own embellishments. I love the heart shapes. So cute. I’ve never seen this before but would love to try it.
this is the first time I hear about this product – would love to win one to try it, my fav are heart shapes, i could use them on my fabric flowers as centers- on my decoupaged frames – on jewelry, the possibilities are endless……. you can make magnets, holiday ornaments, I would have so much fun with this item!!
I haven’t tried this tool, but I think I’d like the circle-button shape the most =)
I have never seen this tool. Looks extremely cool. I want to get my hands on one to make fun jewelry!
I don’t have one, but it looks interesting. The more I read, the more I like it & I love your necklace & the ideas for magnets & other things not on a card or layout. I like the flower shape the best, but the circle would be the most useful.
i haven’t tried this product. i am partial to round objects.
I do not have one of these but it’s easy enough to forward this email to DH and the kids — excellent Mother’s Day gift! I think I liked the hearts the best, but I LOVED the ring! How cute is that for showing off grandkids?
Can’t wait to add this to my collection, it looks fantastic!
Lori Turner
lori082259@yahoo.com
I love that you guys always list the pros and cons of what you try out. I’m not sure if I would like or use this tool based on the shifting paper problem ( would make me nuts!) & the fact that I’d have to keep on purchasing the company’s supplies to use just one tool. HOWEVER….that said…..if someone GAVE me the tool to start with, I’d sure play with it to see if I liked it. Thanks for a chance to win one to try out for myself. 🙂
This looks like such a fun craft tool to play with! I love the circular shape. I am always making hand made paper flowers and would love to use this to custom make the flower centers!
I solid heart 25! 🙂
O MY gosh I want to make that ring for my sisters and Put my Mama in it.. O I love it!! O MY gosh I would love to give that to them for MOthers day.> WOW WOW WOW
We Lost our Mom to brain cancer.
Kid buttons!What a wonderful idea!http://visionsofpaper.blogspot.com/
I’ve never tried this tool but it looks awesome!! I would love to give it a try. I love the picture one that you did and the flower.
Hugs XX
Barbara
Superb! There are so much options that I can think about making with this producte, wow!
I haven’t tried Ephiphany Crafts, but I would love to try. I’d like to make jewelry with it. I love the flower shapes also. Thanks for the chance to win.
I haven’t tried any of these tools yet, but I LOOOOVE that you can make your own embellishments!! That is just too cool!! I would love to make vintage buttons and heart embellishments for my cards and box projects!!
I am just LOVING these reviews of this tool!! I REALLY love those vintage settings to put the epoxy shapes in!! The ring is just an adorable idea!! And The necklace, pure love!! I would go crazy with this tool, adding it to the wish list!
I have not tried this tool yet. I Love all the jewelry ideas, plus I would use it on cards and scrapbooks…
I love the versatility to use epoxy, plastic & their other vintage settings. I thoroughly enjoyed your fantastic samples. The little boy pendant & ring were my favorites!Would love to win this.
Thanks for a chance.
Great job with the review.
Crafty best wishes,
Sonia
archivingangel@yahoo.com
I’ve never seen this before! It is really cool. I can think of many ways I’d use the shapes and the vintage settings. How fun!
I want this!!!! I love the photos done this way…I love it all. I hope win!!!
I haven’t tried the tools yet but, I like the Vintage Settings,the solid hearts and the button hearts.
I have grandaughters and the hearts would be great for making them jewelry and for using on scrapbooking pages.
I’ve tried it, and like it very much! I love the flower shapes, and want to buy those, or at least see them IRL!
I love this little machine. The little buttons make perfect 3D images. I would love to add this to my craft collection!
This is a cool tool & looks like there could lots of fun projects to make. Thanks for showing how to make the necklace too 🙂
I’ve never tried this tool-or seen it IRL – but the more I see the more I want one- i like the vintage fittings the best but any of the buttons would make me happy
I haven’t tried this cool tool yet! I would love to have the round one to make perfectly matching embellies and jewelry too!
I have the heart button and the epoxy dome shapes and I love them! The only change I would make is to have the adhesive a little clearer, my objects always seem a little fuzzy.
I haven’t tried these tools yet. Thanks for the review! I’d love to make buttons.
What a cool tool! It would be great to make custom card embellishments.
No, I never tried the Epiphany Crafts Shape and Button Tools. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I have not tried this new toy (I mean tool!) but I would love to! If I had it, I think I would like just plain ol’ circles.
I have not tried these tools yet but they look like they would be fun to use. I like the round and flower shapes and would use them to embellish cards and to make magnets. Iris
isoscia at aol dot com
WOW so cool, I have not tried this but it looks fabulous, just think of all the embellishments for cards and scrapbook pages, not to mention rings and bracelts, oh the possibilities!!!
CindyM
Haven’t tried them but would like to! I think I would use the circles the most.
I have the small round, and I just love being able to match any paper that I need to. It just adds that little extra to your card or scrapbook page. I love Ephiphany crafts and can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
I would love the round because for me is not about the shape is about the paper you put on it. Love the projects!! TFS!! Take Care!!
Jennie @ http://earthyscrap.blogspot.com/
I haven’t tried this tool yet buy would love to.I am accessory crazy.luv to make jewelery and cards to give away to seniors.I like the round shape the best.
No I haven’t tried one yet but would like to make the custom buttons for layouts. I like the heart shape buttons.
This looks sooooo cool! I am addicted to embellies and it would be fun to try different stuff in this.
buttons, buttons, I love buttons! I definitely need the traditional round shaped button maker. So cool!
I haven’t seen this before but I love the look of the epoxy. I would definitely use the heart buttons on my art dolls, and probably every shape in my scrapbooks. Please choose me!
I haven’t tried this yet, but I’d love to make some buttons!
I don’t have this tool; if I did, I would love to make the buttons. Thanks so much for the chance to win these goodies!!
I’m familiar with Epiphany Crafts products but have not seen them in stores. However, after reading the CC reviews, I am on the precipice about to fall into Epiphany Craftland! I love all of the shapes but am particularly fond of the heart. Thanks for the chance to win some of your ingenious tools.
I love the flower and heart shapes best because I’m a real girlie girl. But realistically, I’m most likely to use stars and circles.
I have seen these before, but haven’t tried them yet. I’ve been skeptical about whether or not they really work! I see that there are some drawbacks, but you’ve worked around them. Your layout looks wonderful 🙂
I would definitely like to try making custom buttons – I’ve tried making my own (usually making a big mess!). I love also the flower centers you’ve made!
As always, thank you for the critique!
Love n hugs,
Lori
*sigh* i have been trying to avoid this little tool and convince myself i won’t want it but after your info and demos – i think i need it!
Hello, I don’t own one, but would love to use the round shape and make my own embellishments with photos of my kids or with fabric I like.
No,I haven’t tried them—would love to win so I can
I really love this tool, really. Such a fun and great for kids crafts too.
I haven’t tried the tools yet but would love too. I love the flower shapes. Thanks for a great review.
OMGosh I would LOVE to make a necklace like you’ve shown!!! Would definitely use the “bubbles” to make flower centers or just use them alone as an embellishment!!! Thanks for the chance to win!!! I MUST have!!
I haven’t tried it and this is the first time I’ve seen it. I’d love to make buttons for my scrapbook pages
I have not tried this tool yet, but I would love to make some photo jewelry with the vintage settings. Thanks for the chance to win!
Audrey
No haven’t tried them yet but would love to as they look like lots of fun to make different shapes with. I like the round circle tool would make nice shapes for cards and scrapbooking. Thanks for a great giveaway and for a chance to win.
I never heard about these products until the first review. I think they are great. I like the round shapes the best, but I also like the heart shapes. I would really be able to add them to cards to jazz them up a bit.
Sadly, I haven’t had the pleasure of trying these yet but I sure would like too! It looks like such a great tool. I would use the buttons to accent paper craft projects like boxes and flowers. The circles would be great as a faux closure on a paper purse or flower centers. That’s just ideas on the fly. I’m sure I could come up with more uses!!! hehehe
Hugz,
Sheri sherik421@gmail.com
I am a button lover and believe one can never have enough buttons! I would be in button heaven with Ephiphany’s little tool. And those rings are amazing!!!
I’ve wanted to try this tool. I can think of many uses, especially jewelry.
I don’t own one of these but totally want to try it out after reading your post! This will be great to make party favor magnets for my wedding. I’m thinking of the plain round 1″ ones.
These are my absolute favorite tools these days – love them all – can’t wait to try all the new products that go with them too.
Good review, thanks!
I have not used Ephiphany products and if I did I’m sure I would use the flower shape the most. LOVE the flowers!