Event lapel pins are more than just small, decorative accessories; they are symbols of memorable moments, significant achievements, and treasured experiences. Over time, many of us accumulate a collection of these pins from various events, such as sporting competitions, corporate gatherings, cultural festivals, or special celebrations. While these pins are often proudly worn on jackets, hats, or uniforms, they can serve a multitude of purposes beyond traditional wear. With a little creativity and some crafting know-how, you can transform your collection of event lapel pins into unique DIY projects that bring your memories to life in new and exciting ways.
This article delves into eight innovative and fun DIY craft ideas that will help you repurpose and showcase your event lapel pins. Whether you are an experienced crafter or just looking for a new creative outlet, these projects will inspire you to incorporate your lapel pins into everyday life in a way that is both functional and visually appealing. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a variety of new ideas to turn your collection of lapel pins into personalized creations that celebrate your memories and add a distinctive touch to your home, accessories, and gifts.
1. Lapel Pin Shadow Box Display
A shadow box display is a timeless and elegant way to showcase your collection of event lapel pins. This project not only preserves the pins but also turns them into a work of art that can be admired daily. By arranging your pins in a shadow box, you can create a visual narrative that tells the story of your experiences, whether they are from travels, sports events, or special occasions.
Materials Needed:
- Shadow box frame (available in various sizes and depths)
- Foam or cork backing (to hold pins securely)
- Fabric (optional, to cover the backing for added texture and color)
- Event lapel pins
- Hot glue gun or strong adhesive (optional, for extra security)
Instructions:
- Select the Perfect Shadow Box: Begin by choosing a shadow box frame that is appropriately sized for your collection of lapel pins. The depth of the shadow box should be sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the pins without them pressing against the glass.
- Prepare the Backing: Cut a piece of foam or cork to fit the interior of the shadow box. You may want to cover this backing with fabric to add a decorative touch and provide a visually pleasing background for your pins. Use a hot glue gun or fabric adhesive to secure the fabric to the backing.
- Layout Your Pins: Before securing the pins, arrange them on the backing to find the most visually appealing layout. You can group them by theme, color, or event, or opt for a more random, eclectic arrangement. Once you are satisfied with the layout, carefully push each pin through the foam or cork. If necessary, use a small amount of glue to keep the pins in place.
- Assemble the Shadow Box: Once all the pins are securely attached, place the backing into the shadow box frame and close it up. The shadow box is now ready to be displayed on a wall, shelf, or desk.
Creative Tip:
Enhance the storytelling aspect of your shadow box by adding labels or captions to explain the significance of each pin. You can print these on small tags or write them by hand for a more personal touch.
2. Lapel Pin Jewelry
Transforming your event lapel pins into custom jewelry pieces is a fantastic way to wear your memories in a stylish and unique manner. Whether you turn them into earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, these pieces of jewelry will not only serve as conversation starters but also as a personal statement of your experiences and passions.
Materials Needed:
- Event lapel pins
- Jewelry findings (such as earring hooks, necklace chains, bracelet links, and brooch backs)
- Jump rings (to attach the pins to the jewelry)
- Jewelry pliers
- Hot glue or super glue (if needed for extra security)
Instructions:
- Select Your Lapel Pins: Start by choosing which lapel pins you’d like to turn into jewelry. Consider the size, shape, and design of each pin to decide what type of jewelry it would best become.
- Convert Pins into Pendants or Charms: If your lapel pins have a standard pin back, you might need to remove it to create a flat surface. Use jewelry pliers to carefully remove the pin back, or simply detach the clutch if the pin has a clutch back. Attach a jump ring to the pin by threading it through any existing loop or hole, or by gluing it to the back. This jump ring will serve as the connector to the jewelry piece.
- Assemble Your Jewelry: Attach the pin, now converted into a pendant or charm, to your chosen jewelry findings. For earrings, connect the jump ring to an earring hook. For a necklace, thread the pendant onto a chain. For a bracelet, attach the charm to a bracelet link or charm bracelet. Make sure the pins are securely attached.
- Secure the Pin: If necessary, add a drop of glue to ensure that the pin stays securely in place on the jewelry. Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing.
- Wear and Enjoy: Once your jewelry is complete, you can wear it with pride. Each piece will serve as a stylish reminder of the events and experiences associated with the pins.
Creative Tip:
Create a matching set of jewelry pieces, such as earrings and a necklace, using lapel pins from the same event or theme. This cohesive look can add a sophisticated touch to your ensemble, while also showcasing your unique sense of style.
3. Lapel Pin Cork Board Display
A cork board display is a versatile and practical way to showcase a growing collection of event lapel pins. This project is especially useful if you like to rearrange your pins frequently or if you plan to continue adding to your collection over time. The cork board allows for easy placement and removal of pins, making it a dynamic display that can evolve with your collection.
Materials Needed:
- Cork board (available in various sizes and shapes)
- Frame (optional, to give the cork board a polished look)
- Decorative pushpins (optional, for additional embellishments)
- Event lapel pins
Instructions:
- Choose the Right Cork Board: Select a cork board that fits the size and scale of your lapel pin collection. You can find cork boards in a variety of sizes, from small squares that can be hung on a wall to large bulletin boards that can accommodate a significant number of pins.
- Customize Your Cork Board (Optional): For a more polished look, consider framing the cork board or adding a decorative border. You can also cover the cork board with fabric or paint it to match your home decor.
- Arrange Your Pins: Lay out your lapel pins on the cork board to determine the best arrangement. You can create a symmetrical design, group the pins by color or event, or opt for a more eclectic, random arrangement.
- Secure the Pins: Push the pins into the cork to secure them in place. You can easily rearrange the pins as needed, making this a flexible and dynamic display.
- Display Your Cork Board: Hang the cork board on a wall or place it on a desk or shelf. The cork board display is perfect for adding a personal touch to your home or office decor.
Creative Tip:
Use decorative pushpins alongside your lapel pins to add an extra layer of design to your cork board. You can also use the pushpins to hold up small photos, notes, or other memorabilia that correspond with the pins.
4. Lapel Pin Wreath
A lapel pin wreath is a creative and festive way to display your event lapel pins, especially during the holidays or special occasions. This project allows you to turn your pins into a decorative piece that can be hung on a door, wall, or window, adding a personalized touch to your seasonal decor.
Materials Needed:
- Foam or wire wreath form
- Fabric or ribbon (optional, for wrapping the wreath form)
- Event lapel pins
- Hot glue gun (for securing pins and additional decorations)
- Additional decorations (such as flowers, leaves, or bows, if desired)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Wreath Form: Begin by selecting a foam or wire wreath form that will serve as the base for your lapel pin wreath. If you want to add color or texture, wrap the wreath form in fabric or ribbon before attaching the pins.
- Arrange Your Pins: Lay out your lapel pins on the wreath form to determine the best placement. You can create a symmetrical pattern, group pins by theme or color, or arrange them in a more random, eclectic style.
- Secure the Pins: Push the pins into the foam wreath form to secure them in place. If you’re using a wire wreath form, you may need to use a hot glue gun to attach the pins securely.
- Add Additional Decorations: Consider adding other decorative elements, such as flowers, leaves, or bows, to enhance the wreath’s overall design. These can be attached with hot glue.
- Display Your Wreath: Hang the completed wreath on a door, wall, or in a window. This unique and personalized wreath is a beautiful way to showcase your lapel pins and celebrate the events they represent.
Creative Tip:
Create a themed wreath based on the type of lapel pins you have. For example, if you have a collection of holiday-themed pins, create a Christmas wreath with red and green ribbons and festive decorations.
5. Lapel Pin Keychain
Turning your event lapel pins into keychains is a practical and creative way to carry your memories with you wherever you go. Keychains are functional accessories that are used daily, making them an ideal way to repurpose your lapel pins into something both useful and meaningful.
Materials Needed:
- Event lapel pins
- Keychain rings
- Jump rings
- Jewelry pliers
- Hot glue or super glue (if needed for extra security)
- Additional decorative elements (such as charms or beads, if desired)
Instructions:
- Select Your Lapel Pins: Start by choosing which lapel pins you’d like to turn into keychains. Consider the size and durability of each pin, as keychains are often subjected to wear and tear.
- Prepare the Pins: If the pins have a standard pin back, use pliers to carefully remove it to create a flat surface. Attach a jump ring to the pin by threading it through any existing loop or by gluing it to the back. The jump ring will serve as the connector to the keychain.
- Assemble the Keychain: Attach the jump ring with the pin to the keychain ring. Ensure that the pin is securely attached and positioned correctly.
- Add Decorative Elements (Optional): If desired, you can add other elements to your keychain, such as charms, beads, or tags, to further personalize it.
- Use Your Keychain: Once your keychain is complete, attach it to your keys, bag, or other accessories. This custom keychain will serve as both a functional item and a unique way to display your favorite event lapel pins.
Creative Tip:
Create a set of themed keychains to give as gifts to friends and family. Each keychain can feature a different lapel pin that represents a shared memory or experience, making the gift even more meaningful.
6. Lapel Pin Photo Frame
A lapel pin photo frame is a creative way to combine cherished memories with your collection of event lapel pins. By incorporating pins into the design of a photo frame, you can create a personalized piece of decor that showcases both your favorite photos and your pins, making it a perfect gift or keepsake.
Materials Needed:
- Photo frame with a wide border
- Event lapel pins
- Hot glue gun or strong adhesive
- Optional: paint, ribbon, or other decorative materials
Instructions:
- Choose the Frame: Select a photo frame with a wide border that will allow you to attach multiple lapel pins. If desired, you can paint the frame or decorate it with ribbon or other materials to match the theme of your pins or photo.
- Arrange the Pins: Lay out your lapel pins along the border of the frame to determine the best arrangement. Consider grouping the pins by color, theme, or event to create a cohesive design.
- Attach the Pins: Use a hot glue gun or strong adhesive to attach the pins to the frame. Ensure that the pins are securely fastened and evenly spaced around the border.
- Add Your Photo: Insert your favorite photo into the frame. The combination of the photo and the lapel pins creates a personalized and meaningful display that highlights both your memories and your collection.
- Display Your Frame: Place the completed photo frame on a desk, shelf, or wall. This unique piece of decor serves as a constant reminder of the special events and experiences represented by the lapel pins.
Creative Tip:
Use this project to create themed photo frames, such as a travel-themed frame with lapel pins from different destinations or a sports-themed frame with pins from various events and teams. This adds an extra layer of meaning to the display.
7. Lapel Pin Magnet Board
Transform your lapel pins into functional magnets by creating a lapel pin magnet board. This DIY project allows you to display your pins in a practical way while adding a personalized touch to your kitchen, office, or any magnetic surface.
Materials Needed:
- Metal board or magnetic sheet
- Flat magnets (strong enough to hold the weight of the pins)
- Hot glue gun or strong adhesive
- Event lapel pins
- Optional: paint, fabric, or other decorative elements for the board
Instructions:
- Prepare the Magnets: Choose flat magnets that are strong enough to hold the weight of your lapel pins. These can be found at craft stores or online.
- Attach Magnets to the Pins: Use a hot glue gun or strong adhesive to attach a magnet to the back of each lapel pin. If your pins have a standard pin back, you may need to remove it to create a flat surface before attaching the magnet.
- Create the Magnet Board: Select a metal board or magnetic sheet to serve as the base for your magnet display. You can customize the board by painting it, covering it with fabric, or adding decorative elements to match your decor.
- Arrange the Pins: Once the magnets are securely attached to the pins, arrange them on the magnet board in a pattern or design that you find visually appealing.
- Display and Use: Hang the magnet board in your kitchen, office, or any other area where you want to keep important notes, reminders, or photos. The lapel pin magnets are both decorative and functional, making them a unique addition to your space.
Creative Tip:
Use the lapel pin magnets to hold up photos, postcards, or other memorabilia that correspond with the events or themes of the pins. This adds a personal touch to your magnet board and makes it even more meaningful.
8. Lapel Pin Custom Coasters
Create custom coasters using your event lapel pins to add a personalized and decorative touch to your coffee table or kitchen. This project is a fun way to repurpose your pins while creating functional items that you can use every day.
Materials Needed:
- Cork or wood coasters (available at craft stores)
- Event lapel pins
- Strong adhesive (such as epoxy glue)
- Optional: clear resin or epoxy for sealing
Instructions:
- Choose Your Coasters: Start by selecting cork or wood coasters that will serve as the base for your lapel pin coasters. Make sure the coasters are large enough to accommodate your pins.
- Arrange Your Pins: Lay out your lapel pins on each coaster to determine the best arrangement. You can create a symmetrical pattern, group pins by color or theme, or place them in a more random design.
- Attach the Pins: Use strong adhesive, such as epoxy glue, to attach the pins to the coasters. Press the pins firmly to ensure they are securely fastened.
- Seal the Coasters (Optional): For added durability and protection, consider sealing the coasters with a layer of clear resin or epoxy. This step will create a smooth, waterproof surface that protects both the pins and the coasters.
- Use and Display: Once the adhesive (and resin, if used) has fully cured, your coasters are ready to use. Place them on your coffee table, kitchen counter, or dining table to add a personalized touch to your home decor.
Creative Tip:
Create a set of coasters that each features a different theme or event. For example, you can have one coaster dedicated to a sports team, another to a corporate event, and another to a travel destination. This variety adds interest and makes your coaster set a conversation starter.
Crafting with Lapel Pins—A Creative Journey
Event lapel pins hold a special place in our hearts, serving as reminders of significant moments, achievements, and experiences. By exploring these eight fun DIY craft ideas, you can transform your collection of lapel pins into unique and functional items that add a personal touch to your home, wardrobe, and daily life.
Whether you’re displaying your pins in a shadow box, turning them into custom jewelry, or incorporating them into home decor, these creative projects offer endless possibilities for showcasing your memories in new and exciting ways. Not only do these crafts breathe new life into your lapel pins, but they also allow you to celebrate the stories and memories that each pin represents.
As you embark on your crafting journey, remember that there are no limits to your creativity. Each project is an opportunity to experiment, personalize, and create something that reflects your unique style and passions. So gather your lapel pins, unleash your imagination, and start crafting—your event lapel pins are ready to be transformed into something truly special.
If you are interested in buying high quality custom lapel pins, you can call us at 866-246-9375 or fill out a FREE quote form.
