I found the greatest tool for cleaning cutting off the shank or back of a button so it will lay flat on a page in an altered book or on an ATC (artist trading card)! It is awesome because the possibilities are endless, magnets, in scrapbooking etc. Artistic WireTM has a product "wire cutters". It cleaning takes it down to the back of the button with no sharp edges and Voila! you have a usable embellishment:) I don't know about you guys, but I've been looking for a way to easily use buttons for ages! Hope this comes in handy! this is my favorite new tool. I found it in a stamping store, but I'm sure the major retailers like Micheal's and Joanne's would probably have it.    Happy Crafting, Chris
PS. They also have a Round Nose Pliers that makes wire into perfect circles and sooo easy to create loops and bends without kinks and scratches!

It seems like I have tried everything, but I know there has to be something out there. I tried Modge Podge, waterbase acrylic varnish finish (liquid), Krylon clear matte finish spray, and Krylon Crystal clear acrylic coating. The first 2 make the ink from the image run and the last 2 leave the image sticky and therefore unusable. I'm using these stamped images for ATC's and Altered books and I'm discouraged by my lack of success with these different mediums.  If you have successfully used any of these mediums, please explain how. Maybe I am doing it wrong. I could also be using the wrong product. Thanks for any input, it is greatly appreciated.  Happy Crafting, Chris