How to Make Dum-Dums Wrapper Button Badges DIY Craft

If you love candy and creative upcycling, you’re going to love this project! 🍭

Today we’re turning Dum-Dums lollipop wrappers into adorable button badges using a Badge-a-Minit 1.25" button machine. 

These little pins are a fun way to give new life to your candy wrappers, and they make the perfect stocking stuffers, party favors, or jacket and backpack flair.

Let's get started!

This is such a fun craft idea that combines nostalgia, sustainability, and bright color—all the things that make handmade projects so satisfying. Let’s get started!

Supplies You’ll Need for Dum-Dums Buttons:

• Dum-Dums lollipop wrappers (washed, dried, and flattened)
• Mini heat press (or regular iron on low heat)
• 1.25" button machine
• Button supplies (front shell, mylar cover, and pin back)
• 1.5" circle punch
• Scrap paper or parchment paper (for pressing wrappers)
• Scissors (optional for trimming edges)

The badge press I'm using is discontinued.

I'm linking the one I would buy, if I needed a new one.

It comes with a press and the interchangeable fittings for 1.25" and the 2.25" buttons, plus the shells, mylar and pin backs.

BUTTON MAKER MACHINE

Step 1: Save and Prep Your Dum-Dums Wrappers

Once you’ve enjoyed a few (or a dozen!) Dum-Dums lollipops, don’t toss those wrappers! Carefully flatten them out and set them aside. You can wipe them clean with a damp paper towel if needed.

Let them dry completely before moving on. The more colorful and intact the wrapper, the better the final badge will look.

Step 2: Iron the Wrappers Flat

To make them smooth and ready for pressing, use your mini heat press or a regular household iron on a low heat setting.

Place the wrapper between two pieces of parchment paper or scrap paper to protect your surface and the wrapper itself.

Press gently for just a few seconds — long enough to smooth out the wrinkles but not so long that the ink melts.

This quick step makes all the difference in getting a professional-looking final product.

Step 3: Punch Out the Wrapper Circles

Next, grab your 1.5" circle punch and carefully punch out the design you want centered on your button.

The Badge-a-Minit 1.25" buttons fit perfectly with a 1.5" circle, giving you that nice wrapped edge look once pressed.

🎨 Pro Tip: Try lining up the Dum-Dums logo, a bright swirl, or fun text to make each button unique.

You can even mix colors for a rainbow set of candy-inspired flair!

Step 4: Assemble the Button Parts

Now it’s time for the fun part — pressing your button!

Stack your button parts in the Badge-a-Minit handheld press in this order:

Follow the directions for your badge maker machine!

• Metal front shell
• Dum-Dums wrapper circle
• Clear mylar cover

Press together and then add:

• Metal pin back

Then, squeeze the handles firmly together until you hear or feel that satisfying “click.”

You’ve just made your very own Dum-Dums button badge!

Step 5: Admire Your Sweet Creation

Pop the finished button out of the press and check out your handiwork.

It’s bright, glossy, and totally unique — an upcycled candy wrapper craft that turns what would’ve been trash into a wearable work of art.

These buttons are perfect for:

• Stocking stuffers
• Backpack or jacket flair
• Party favors
• Candy-themed gifts
• Trade show giveaways
• Or just to celebrate your love for Dum-Dums!

Step 6: Share or Gift Your Buttons

Once you make one, you won’t want to stop! Each wrapper has its own unique design, making every button a tiny collectible.

You can gift a full set of rainbow-colored Dum-Dums buttons or use them to add a bit of nostalgic charm to gift wrapping or handmade cards.

If you’re running a small craft booth or Etsy shop, these make great low-cost items that customers will love.

That's it!

Turning Dum-Dums wrappers into button badges is the perfect example of how simple materials can be transformed with a little creativity. With just a Badge-a-Minit machine, a few basic tools, and a love for color, you can make something fun, functional, and totally original.

This upcycled craft is a great way to reduce waste and add personality to your projects. Plus, it’s quick enough to make a bunch in one sitting — the best thing for crafters who love instant gratification!

Make, Share & Tag!

If you try this candy-wrapper upcycle, I’d love to see it! Share your finished Dum-Dums button badges and tag me @Doodlecraft so I can cheer you on.

Happy crafting — and happy snacking! 🍭✨

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CHECK OUT THIS FULL TUTORIAL ON HOW TO MAKE BUTTON BADGES:

How to Make Button Pin (Badge Maker Machine Press)

Making your own pin back button badges is one of the most satisfying and instant-gratification crafts you can try!

Whether you're designing pins for parties, selling custom buttons at a maker space, or just making flair to decorate your backpack, learning to use a button maker kit is a skill that brings much fun and tons of creative possibilities.