Lapel pins are more than just accessories; they are miniature pieces of art that often carry sentimental value, commemorate events, or symbolize affiliations. Over time, many of us accumulate a collection of these unique items, which might end up tucked away in drawers, forgotten and unused. But what if you could give these lapel pins a second life? With a little creativity, you can transform your collection into stunning DIY projects that add a touch of personal flair to your home, wardrobe, or gifts.
This article will explore 11 creative DIY ideas to repurpose and craft with lapel pins, turning them from forgotten keepsakes into eye-catching decor and accessories. Whether you’re looking to create personalized gifts, stylish home decor, or unique fashion statements, these projects will inspire you to see your lapel pins in a whole new light.
1. Create a Custom Jewelry Collection
1.1. Statement Necklaces
Transform your favorite lapel pins into a statement necklace that showcases your unique style. This DIY project is simple and allows you to mix and match pins to create a one-of-a-kind piece.
- Materials Needed: A sturdy chain or ribbon, jump rings, pliers, and your selected lapel pins.
- Instructions: Use pliers to attach the lapel pins to the chain using jump rings. You can arrange them symmetrically or in a random pattern, depending on your preference. Consider adding other elements like beads or charms to enhance the design.
- Tip: For a cohesive look, choose lapel pins that share a similar color scheme or theme.
1.2. Charm Bracelets
If you have a collection of smaller lapel pins, consider turning them into a charm bracelet. This is a great way to display multiple pins in a wearable format.
- Materials Needed: A bracelet chain, jump rings, pliers, and small lapel pins.
- Instructions: Attach the lapel pins to the bracelet chain using jump rings. Space them out evenly around the bracelet, and add any additional charms or beads you like.
- Tip: Use a bracelet with a clasp that allows you to easily add or remove charms, so you can switch out the pins based on your mood or outfit.
2. Personalize Your Fashion Accessories
2.1. Customized Hats and Caps
Give an old hat or cap a new lease on life by adorning it with lapel pins. This DIY project is an easy way to make your headwear stand out.
- Materials Needed: A hat or cap, lapel pins, and a needle and thread (optional).
- Instructions: Simply pin your lapel pins onto the hat in a pattern that you find appealing. For a more secure attachment, you can sew the pins in place with a needle and thread.
- Tip: To avoid damaging the fabric of your hat, choose pins with a backing that won’t leave noticeable holes if you decide to rearrange them.
2.2. Denim Jacket Embellishments
Denim jackets are classic wardrobe staples that pair perfectly with lapel pins. Use your collection to add personality and flair to a plain jacket.
- Materials Needed: A denim jacket, lapel pins, and a needle and thread (optional).
- Instructions: Pin the lapel pins onto the jacket in a way that highlights their design. You can cluster them together on the collar or spread them out across the back for a more dramatic effect.
- Tip: Mix and match different sizes and styles of pins to create a visually interesting layout.
3. Create Unique Home Decor
3.1. Framed Lapel Pin Display
Turn your lapel pin collection into a piece of art by creating a framed display. This is an excellent way to showcase your pins while adding a personalized touch to your home decor.
- Materials Needed: A shadow box or deep-set frame, a piece of fabric or corkboard, and your lapel pins.
- Instructions: Attach the fabric or corkboard to the back of the frame. Arrange your lapel pins on the board, experimenting with different layouts until you find one you like. Once satisfied, pin them in place and secure the frame.
- Tip: Choose a frame that complements the colors and style of your lapel pins to create a cohesive look.
3.2. Decorative Pillows
Add a touch of personality to your living space by embellishing throw pillows with lapel pins. This DIY project is a fun way to bring a pop of color and texture to your decor.
- Materials Needed: Throw pillows, lapel pins, and a needle and thread (optional).
- Instructions: Pin the lapel pins onto the pillow in a pattern that complements the room’s decor. You can arrange them in clusters, lines, or scatter them randomly for a more eclectic look. Sew them in place if you want a more permanent attachment.
- Tip: Choose pillows with a durable fabric that can withstand the weight of the lapel pins without tearing.
4. Transform Everyday Items
4.1. Personalized Tote Bags
Tote bags are versatile and functional, and adding lapel pins is an easy way to personalize them. This project allows you to create a bag that reflects your style and interests.
- Materials Needed: A plain tote bag, lapel pins, and a needle and thread (optional).
- Instructions: Pin your lapel pins onto the tote bag in any arrangement you like. For a more secure attachment, sew them in place with a needle and thread.
- Tip: If you use your tote bag frequently, consider placing the pins in areas that won’t experience too much wear and tear, such as the upper corners or around the edges.
4.2. Customized Keychains
Lapel pins can easily be turned into unique keychains that make great gifts or personal accessories.
- Materials Needed: Keychain rings, jump rings, pliers, and your chosen lapel pins.
- Instructions: Attach the lapel pins to the keychain rings using jump rings and pliers. Depending on the style of the pin, you may need to remove the backing to attach it securely.
- Tip: Choose durable lapel pins that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use as a keychain.
5. Add Flair to Your Stationery
5.1. Personalized Notebooks and Journals
Transform a plain notebook or journal into something special by adding lapel pins to the cover. This project is perfect for creating personalized gifts or enhancing your own stationery.
- Materials Needed: A notebook or journal with a sturdy cover, lapel pins, and a needle and thread (optional).
- Instructions: Pin the lapel pins onto the cover of the notebook or journal. Arrange them in a way that reflects the theme or purpose of the notebook. For a more secure attachment, sew them in place with a needle and thread.
- Tip: Consider the placement of the pins to ensure they don’t interfere with the opening and closing of the notebook.
5.2. Unique Pen Holders
Lapel pins can also be used to add a decorative touch to your desk accessories, such as pen holders. This project is simple yet effective in adding a personal touch to your workspace.
- Materials Needed: A plain pen holder (e.g., a cup or tin), lapel pins, and adhesive if needed.
- Instructions: Pin the lapel pins onto the pen holder, or use adhesive to attach them if the material is too thick for the pinbacks. Arrange the pins to create a cohesive design or a playful mix of styles.
- Tip: Choose lapel pins that match the color scheme of your desk accessories for a coordinated look.
6. Repurpose Lapel Pins for Gifts and Keepsakes
6.1. Memory Keepsake Boxes
Create a memory keepsake box adorned with lapel pins that represent special moments, places, or people. This project is a thoughtful way to preserve and display cherished memories.
- Materials Needed: A wooden or cardboard keepsake box, lapel pins, and adhesive if needed.
- Instructions: Arrange the lapel pins on the lid of the keepsake box. You can group them by theme or mix and match for a more eclectic look. Use adhesive to secure the pins in place if necessary.
- Tip: Consider using pins that have sentimental value, such as those collected during travels or received as gifts, to make the keepsake box even more meaningful.
6.2. Customized Gift Tags
Add a unique touch to your gift-giving by using lapel pins as part of your gift tags. This simple idea can make your gifts stand out and provide the recipient with a small keepsake.
- Materials Needed: Blank gift tags, lapel pins, and ribbon or string.
- Instructions: Attach a lapel pin to each gift tag by pinning it through the tag’s hole or securing it with ribbon or string. Write a personalized message on the tag, and tie it to your gift.
- Tip: Choose lapel pins that reflect the recipient’s interests or the occasion, making the gift tag even more special.
7. Decorate with Lapel Pins
7.1. Holiday Ornaments
Lapel pins can be repurposed into unique holiday ornaments that add a personal touch to your seasonal decor. This project is perfect for showcasing your collection during the holidays.
- Materials Needed: A plain ornament base (e.g., a foam ball, wooden disc, or clear plastic ornament), lapel pins, and ribbon or hooks for hanging.
- Instructions: Attach the lapel pins to the ornament base. You can cluster them together or space them out evenly, depending on the size of the ornament. Add a ribbon or hook for hanging.
- Tip: Consider creating themed ornaments, such as using all sports-related pins or pins from a specific country or event.
7.2. Decorative Wall Art
Turn your lapel pins into decorative wall art that adds a pop of color and personality to your home. This project is a great way to showcase your collection in a creative and stylish way.
- Materials Needed: A canvas or wooden board, lapel pins, and adhesive if needed.
- Instructions: Arrange the lapel pins on the canvas or board in a pattern or design that suits your style. You can create a specific shape, such as a heart or star, or opt for an abstract arrangement. Secure the pins in place with adhesive if necessary.
- Tip: Use a color-coordinated background to enhance the appearance of the lapel pins and make them stand out.
8. Accessorize Your Footwear
8.1. Customized Sneakers
Add a unique touch to your footwear by using lapel pins to customize your sneakers. This project allows you to express your style in a fun and creative way.
- Materials Needed: A pair of sneakers, lapel pins, and adhesive if needed.
- Instructions: Attach the lapel pins to the sneakers, placing them in areas that won’t interfere with the shoe’s function, such as near the laces or on the sides. If the material is too thick, use adhesive to secure the pins.
- Tip: Choose lapel pins that are durable and can withstand the movement and wear that come with footwear.
8.2. Boot Embellishments
Lapel pins can also be used to add flair to boots, particularly around the cuff area. This is a stylish way to personalize your footwear and make a statement.
- Materials Needed: A pair of boots, lapel pins, and adhesive if needed.
- Instructions: Pin the lapel pins around the cuff of the boots or along the sides. Arrange them in a pattern that complements the style of the boots.
- Tip: Use lapel pins with a secure backing to ensure they stay in place during wear.
9. Incorporate Lapel Pins into Your Hair Accessories
9.1. Hair Clips and Barrettes
Transform lapel pins into stylish hair accessories by attaching them to clips or barrettes. This project is perfect for adding a unique touch to your hairstyles.
- Materials Needed: Plain hair clips or barrettes, lapel pins, and adhesive if needed.
- Instructions: Attach the lapel pins to the hair clips or barrettes using adhesive. Arrange them in a way that complements the design of the accessory.
- Tip: Choose lightweight lapel pins to avoid adding too much weight to the hair accessory.
9.2. Decorative Headbands
Lapel pins can also be used to embellish headbands, adding a pop of color and personality to your hairstyles.
- Materials Needed: A plain headband, lapel pins, and adhesive if needed.
- Instructions: Pin the lapel pins onto the headband, or use adhesive if the material is too thick. Arrange the pins to create a balanced and attractive design.
- Tip: For a cohesive look, choose lapel pins that match the color scheme of the headband.
10. Personalize Your Workspace
10.1. Desk Organizers
Add a personal touch to your desk organizers by decorating them with lapel pins. This project is an easy way to make your workspace more enjoyable and reflective of your style.
- Materials Needed: Desk organizers (e.g., pen holders, trays), lapel pins, and adhesive if needed.
- Instructions: Attach the lapel pins to the desk organizers using adhesive if necessary. Arrange the pins in a way that adds interest to your workspace without cluttering it.
- Tip: Choose lapel pins that inspire or motivate you to keep your workspace productive and positive.
10.2. Bulletin Boards
Lapel pins can also be used to decorate bulletin boards, adding a personalized touch to your workspace. This is a great way to showcase your collection while keeping your notes and reminders organized.
- Materials Needed: A bulletin board, lapel pins, and push pins.
- Instructions: Pin your lapel pins onto the bulletin board, arranging them in a way that complements your notes and reminders. You can also use the lapel pins themselves as push pins to hold up papers and notes.
- Tip: Create themed sections on your bulletin board, such as a corner dedicated to travel pins or a section for motivational pins.
11. Gift Custom Lapel Pins with a Creative Twist
11.1. Personalized Gift Wrapping
Add a special touch to your gift wrapping by using lapel pins as decorations. This idea is perfect for making your gifts stand out and providing the recipient with a small keepsake.
- Materials Needed: Gift wrap, ribbon or twine, lapel pins, and gift tags.
- Instructions: Wrap your gift as usual, then tie it with ribbon or twine. Attach a lapel pin to the ribbon or directly to the gift tag for an extra decorative touch.
- Tip: Choose lapel pins that reflect the recipient’s interests or the theme of the gift.
11.2. Custom Lapel Pin Boutonnieres
Create a custom boutonniere using lapel pins as the focal point. This project is ideal for weddings, special events, or just as a unique gift.
- Materials Needed: Lapel pins, floral wire, floral tape, ribbon, and artificial or fresh flowers.
- Instructions: Arrange the lapel pins with the flowers, securing them together with floral wire and tape. Wrap the stems with ribbon to create a polished finish. The lapel pin serves as the focal point of the boutonniere, adding a personalized touch.
- Tip: Choose lapel pins that match the color scheme or theme of the event for a cohesive look.
Elevating Your Lapel Pin Collection with Creative DIY Projects
Lapel pins are versatile and meaningful items that can be repurposed into a variety of creative projects. Whether you’re looking to personalize your accessories, decorate your home, or create unique gifts, there’s no shortage of ways to breathe new life into your collection of lapel pins.
These 11 DIY ideas offer inspiration for turning your lapel pins into something special, allowing you to showcase their beauty and significance in new and unexpected ways. By repurposing and crafting with lapel pins, you can transform these small pieces of art into powerful statements of style, sentiment, and creativity.
So, dig out those forgotten lapel pins and start crafting! Whether you’re creating a personalized piece of jewelry, a stylish home accessory, or a thoughtful gift, your lapel pins are sure to shine in their new roles.
If you are interested in buying high quality custom trading pins, you can call us at 1-800-641-1299 or fill out a FREE quote form.
