Handmade Conchos and Snaps

I have seen these in a number of catalogs and on the internet, but they looked easy to make....and yes, they are easy to make.

This is a doming block (from harbor freight tools) that is one of those tools that you use very rarely, but when you need it, it is essential.

I typically use a quarter when I am building these conchos or buttons, mainly because I like the designs on the state quarters. My favorite are Texas and Wyoming.

It is a simple as putting the coin in the doming block, taking out one of the punches (largest possible) laying it on the coin, and whacking it with a hammer a few times. This quickly turns the quarter into a nice dome shape.

I have a couple different devices that I connect on the back:

Brass Rivets
Snaps
T-nuts

Each has a different use and ability to be removed.
Rivets:permanent
Snaps: temporary as expected
T-nuts: semi permanent (screws will stay in)

It is a matter of laying the device in the cup side of the coin and soldering it in. I have also used silver solder, definitely stronger, but you do need higher heat. With the solder, a small butane torch did the trick.

Here is the coin and the snap hardware soldered on and the actual snap pressed on.

With any of these methods, the coin gets discolored by the heat, but a quick buff with a polishing wheel and it looks great.

I have used these on leather guitar straps, belts, or other leather crafts.

Good luck....