Event lapel pins are more than just small, decorative items; they are mementos of experiences, symbols of achievements, and pieces of art that carry personal and historical significance. While many collectors proudly display their event lapel pins in shadow boxes or on pin boards, there are countless creative ways to repurpose these tiny treasures into unique DIY projects. By transforming your pins into functional or decorative items, you can enjoy them in new and unexpected ways while giving them a fresh purpose.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of DIY projects that allow you to showcase your event lapel pins in creative and practical ways. From fashion accessories to home decor, these projects will inspire you to think outside the box and turn your collection into something extraordinary. By optimizing your use of event lapel pins, you can create items that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and meaningful.
Why Get Creative with Event Lapel Pins?
Before diving into the projects, let’s explore why getting creative with event lapel pins is such a rewarding endeavor:
Personalization and Expression
Event lapel pins often represent significant personal memories, whether from attending a concert, participating in a charity run, or supporting a cause. By incorporating them into DIY projects, you can personalize everyday items with pieces that carry unique meanings and memories, allowing you to express your individuality.
Functional Art
Transforming event lapel pins into functional items gives them a new life beyond simple display pieces. Whether you turn them into jewelry, home decor, or office supplies, these pins can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing, making them a part of your daily life.
Preservation of Memories
Crafting with lapel pins allows you to preserve the memories associated with them in a creative way. Instead of keeping your pins tucked away in a box, you can incorporate them into items you use or see regularly, keeping those memories alive and accessible.
Sustainability
Repurposing lapel pins into new items is an excellent way to practice sustainability by giving these small treasures a second life. Instead of buying new materials, you can use what you already have, reducing waste and making the most of your collection.
Unique DIY Projects Using Event Lapel Pins
There are countless ways to repurpose event lapel pins into unique creations. Below, we’ll explore several DIY projects that will inspire you to transform your pins into functional and decorative items that reflect your personal style.
1. Custom Lapel Pin Jewelry
One of the most popular ways to repurpose event lapel pins is by turning them into custom jewelry. Whether you’re making earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, lapel pins can be easily adapted into stylish accessories that you can wear every day.
Earrings: To create a pair of earrings, start by selecting two matching lapel pins. Remove the pinbacks using pliers, leaving a flat surface. Attach earring hooks or studs to the back of each pin using strong jewelry glue. Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing your new earrings. For added flair, you can also incorporate small beads or charms into the design.
Necklaces: Transforming a lapel pin into a necklace is simple and effective. Choose a pin that you’d like to showcase as a pendant. Remove the pinback and attach a small jump ring or bail to the top of the pin using jewelry glue or a soldering tool. Thread the jump ring onto a chain or cord, and your custom necklace is ready to wear.
Bracelets: Create a unique bracelet by linking several lapel pins together. Start by selecting pins of similar size or theme. Remove the pinbacks and attach jump rings to each pin using a soldering tool or jewelry glue. Connect the pins to a bracelet chain, spacing them evenly along the length. You can also add small charms or beads to complement the design.
Brooches: If you prefer brooches, simply attach a brooch pin clasp to the back of a lapel pin using strong adhesive. This is a quick and easy way to turn a meaningful pin into a fashionable accessory that can be worn on jackets, scarves, or hats.
2. Decorative Pin Magnets
Turn your event lapel pins into functional and decorative magnets that can be used on your refrigerator, locker, or any magnetic surface. This simple DIY project is perfect for showcasing your pins in a practical way.
Materials Needed:
- Lapel pins
- Small round magnets
- Strong adhesive (e.g., super glue or epoxy)
Instructions:
- Start by selecting the lapel pins you want to transform into magnets.
- Use pliers to carefully remove the pinbacks, leaving a flat surface on the back of each pin.
- Apply a small amount of strong adhesive to the back of each pin and press a magnet into place. Hold the magnet in position until the adhesive sets.
- Allow the glue to dry completely before using your new pin magnets on any magnetic surface.
These decorative magnets are a great way to bring your favorite event lapel pins into your everyday life. They also make thoughtful and personalized gifts for friends and family.
3. Personalized Keychains
Lapel pins can be easily transformed into personalized keychains, adding a touch of flair to your everyday essentials. This project is quick and easy, making it a perfect option for creating custom keychains that reflect your personality and interests.
Materials Needed:
- Lapel pins
- Keychain rings
- Jump rings
- Strong adhesive (optional)
Instructions:
- Select a lapel pin that you’d like to use as the focal point of your keychain.
- If the pinback is in the way, remove it using pliers. If the pinback is flat enough to not cause issues, you can leave it intact.
- Attach a jump ring to the pin by threading it through the pin’s existing hole or by gluing it to the back. You can also use a small drill to create a hole if needed.
- Connect the jump ring to a keychain ring.
- For added durability, you can reinforce the connection with a drop of strong adhesive.
Personalized keychains are both practical and stylish, making them perfect for daily use or as gifts for friends and family.
4. Custom Picture Frames
Lapel pins can be used to create custom picture frames that add a unique and personal touch to your favorite photos or artwork. This DIY project is a great way to incorporate your pins into your home decor while preserving special memories.
Materials Needed:
- Plain or simple picture frame
- Lapel pins
- Strong adhesive (e.g., hot glue or epoxy)
Instructions:
- Start by selecting a picture frame that you can easily embellish with lapel pins. A plain wooden or metal frame works well for this project.
- Choose a few lapel pins that match the theme of the photo or artwork you want to frame.
- Remove the pinbacks from the pins using pliers, leaving a flat surface on the back.
- Arrange the pins around the edges of the frame, experimenting with different layouts until you find a design you like.
- Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, secure the pins in place using strong adhesive. Allow the glue to dry completely before adding your photo or artwork to the frame.
Custom picture frames make great gifts for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations. By choosing lapel pins that reflect the recipient’s interests or memories, you can create a meaningful and thoughtful gift.
5. DIY Pin Wreaths
DIY pin wreaths offer a creative and festive way to display your event lapel pins, whether for special occasions or as a permanent part of your home decor. These wreaths can be customized to match your style and can be made from a variety of materials, including foam, fabric, or wire.
Materials Needed:
- Wreath form (foam, wire, or fabric-covered embroidery hoop)
- Ribbon, fabric, or felt for covering the wreath
- Lapel pins
- Push pins or strong adhesive
Instructions:
- Start by selecting a wreath form that suits the size of your collection. Foam wreaths, wire wreath frames, or fabric-covered embroidery hoops work well for this project.
- Choose a material to cover the wreath form—ribbon, fabric, or felt are all good options. Secure the material in place using glue or push pins.
- Arrange your lapel pins around the wreath, experimenting with different layouts and patterns. You can group pins by color, theme, or event, or create a more random arrangement that showcases the diversity of your collection.
- Once you’re happy with the layout, pin each lapel pin in place. You can use push pins or strong adhesive to secure the pins to the wreath.
- Hang the wreath on a door, wall, or window to display your creation.
DIY pin wreaths are perfect for seasonal displays, such as holiday-themed wreaths, or for celebrating special events like weddings, graduations, or anniversaries. They also make great gifts for friends and family, especially when you use pins that have special meaning to the recipient.
6. Custom Lapel Pin Wall Art
Create a statement piece of wall art by arranging your event lapel pins in a creative and visually striking design. This DIY project allows you to showcase your pins as a work of art, turning them into a focal point in your home decor.
Materials Needed:
- Canvas, wooden board, or framed backing
- Fabric, paint, or patterned paper for the background
- Lapel pins
- Strong adhesive or push pins
Instructions:
- Start by selecting a canvas, wooden board, or framed backing that will serve as the base for your design.
- Choose a background material that contrasts with your pins to make them stand out—fabric, paint, or patterned paper are all good options. Attach the background material to the base using glue or staples.
- Arrange your lapel pins on the base in a pattern or design that reflects your style and interests. You can create a geometric pattern, a shape or symbol, or even spell out a word or phrase using the pins.
- Once you’re satisfied with the layout, secure the pins in place using strong adhesive or push pins.
- Hang your custom wall art in any room of your home to add a personal and unique touch to your decor.
Custom lapel pin wall art is a great way to showcase your collection in a creative and artistic way. It can be displayed in any room of your home, adding a personal and unique touch to your decor.
7. Personalized Gift Tags
Lapel pins can add a unique and personal touch to gift wrapping by being used as decorative gift tags. This simple DIY project is perfect for adding a special element to your gift-giving, making your presents stand out from the rest.
Materials Needed:
- Lapel pins
- Cardstock or pre-made gift tags
- Strong adhesive or pinbacks
Instructions:
- Start by selecting a lapel pin that matches the theme of the gift or reflects the recipient’s interests.
- Attach the pin to a piece of cardstock or a pre-made gift tag using the pinback or strong adhesive.
- Write a personal message on the tag, and attach it to the wrapped gift or gift bag.
- The lapel pin serves as both a decorative element and an additional gift that the recipient can keep and enjoy.
Personalized gift tags not only make your gift more memorable but also show that you’ve put extra thought and effort into the presentation.
8. DIY Pin-Embellished Apparel
Transform your clothing and accessories by embellishing them with event lapel pins. This DIY project allows you to create custom fashion pieces that reflect your personality and style.
Materials Needed:
- Clothing or accessories (denim jackets, backpacks, hats, shoes, etc.)
- Lapel pins
- Needle and thread or strong adhesive
Instructions:
- Start by selecting a piece of clothing or an accessory that you want to customize. Denim jackets, backpacks, hats, and shoes are all great options for this project.
- Choose a few lapel pins that match the style and theme of the item you’re customizing.
- Arrange the pins on the clothing or accessory, experimenting with different placements and patterns.
- Once you’re happy with the layout, pin each lapel pin in place. If you’re customizing a piece of clothing that will be washed frequently, consider securing the pins with additional stitching or by attaching them to a removable patch.
DIY pin-embellished apparel is a fun and creative way to express your style and make your wardrobe more unique. It also allows you to wear and showcase your favorite event lapel pins in a new and fashionable way.
9. Personalized Bookmarks
Create personalized bookmarks using your event lapel pins, adding a touch of flair to your reading experience. This simple DIY project is perfect for book lovers and makes for thoughtful and creative gifts.
Materials Needed:
- Ribbon, leather, or fabric strip for the bookmark
- Lapel pins
- Strong adhesive or pinbacks
Instructions:
- Start by selecting a sturdy strip of ribbon, leather, or fabric that will serve as the base of the bookmark.
- Choose a lapel pin that you want to use as the decorative element.
- Attach the pin to one end of the strip using the pinback or strong adhesive, ensuring that it is securely in place.
- The lapel pin serves as a decorative accent, while the strip serves as the bookmark itself.
Personalized bookmarks are a great way to combine your love of reading with your love of collecting event lapel pins.
10. DIY Pin-Embellished Home Decor
Incorporate your event lapel pins into your home decor by using them to embellish items like throw pillows, curtains, or lampshades. This DIY project allows you to add a personal touch to your living space while showcasing your favorite pins.
Materials Needed:
- Home decor items (throw pillows, curtains, lampshades, etc.)
- Lapel pins
- Needle and thread or strong adhesive
Instructions:
- Start by selecting a home decor item that you want to customize. Throw pillows, curtains, and lampshades work well for this project.
- Choose a few lapel pins that match the style and theme of the item.
- Arrange the pins on the item, experimenting with different placements and patterns.
- Once you’re happy with the layout, pin each lapel pin in place. For items like throw pillows or curtains, you may want to secure the pins with additional stitching or by attaching them to a removable patch.
Custom pin-embellished home decor is a great way to add personality and style to your living space. It also allows you to enjoy and showcase your event lapel pins in a new and creative way.
Tips for Crafting with Event Lapel Pins
Crafting with event lapel pins is a fun and rewarding way to showcase your collection and create unique, personalized items. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your DIY projects:
1. Choose the Right Pins
When selecting pins for your projects, consider the design, size, and theme of each pin. Some pins may be more suitable for certain projects than others, depending on their shape, color, or material. For example, larger pins may work better for custom jewelry or wall art, while smaller pins may be more suitable for bookmarks or keychains.
2. Use High-Quality Materials
To ensure that your creations are durable and long-lasting, use high-quality materials in your projects. This includes strong adhesives, sturdy fabric or ribbon, and durable chains or findings for jewelry. High-quality materials will not only make your creations look better but also ensure that they stand the test of time.
3. Experiment with Different Designs
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different designs and layouts when crafting with event lapel pins. Try out different arrangements, patterns, and color combinations until you find a design that you love. The beauty of crafting with lapel pins is that there are no rules—let your creativity guide you.
4. Take Your Time
Crafting with lapel pins can be a delicate process, especially when it comes to removing pinbacks or attaching small components. Take your time and work carefully to avoid damaging your pins or making mistakes. Patience and attention to detail will ensure that your creations turn out beautifully.
5. Preserve Your Memories
Remember that each lapel pin in your collection represents a special memory, event, or experience. When crafting with your pins, think about how you can preserve and celebrate those memories in your creations. Whether it’s a custom piece of jewelry, a personalized gift, or a decorative item for your home, your creations should reflect the significance of the pins they incorporate.
Unleashing Your Creativity with Event Lapel Pins
Event lapel pins are more than just collectibles—they are symbols of experiences, achievements, and personal interests. By crafting with your event lapel pins, you can transform these small treasures into unique and personalized creations that reflect your style and personality.
Whether you’re creating custom jewelry, personalized gifts, or decorative items for your home, the possibilities are endless. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can turn your lapel pins into one-of-a-kind pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.
As you embark on your crafting journey, remember that each pin in your collection tells a story. By incorporating these stories into your creations, you can preserve and celebrate the memories they represent, ensuring that they continue to bring joy and inspiration to your life for years to come.
If you are interested in some custom lapel pins, feel free to contact us at 1-855-471-6752 or fill out one of our FREE QUOTE FORMS.
