Get Creative: DIY Craft Ideas to Reimagine and Repurpose Your Event Lapel Pins

Event lapel pins are more than just decorative accessories. Often given at conferences, trade shows, festivals, or charity events, they serve as mementos of participation, symbols of achievement, or representations of brand identity. For many, collecting lapel pins is a way to capture memories from significant events. However, once collected, many pins end up stored away in drawers, gathering dust and not being fully appreciated.

Instead of letting your event lapel pins sit idle, why not unleash your creativity and repurpose them into something new and exciting? With a bit of DIY magic, you can reimagine these pins into unique jewelry, home decor, or personalized gifts that will allow you to enjoy and display them in fresh, innovative ways. From wearable art to home decor projects, lapel pins are perfect for adding a personal touch to various creations.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a wide variety of DIY craft ideas to help you reimagine and repurpose your event lapel pins, giving them a new lease on life. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just getting started, these ideas will inspire you to get creative and transform your collection of pins into something memorable.

The Appeal of Event Lapel Pins

Why We Love to Collect Event Lapel Pins

Lapel pins have long been cherished for their ability to commemorate special moments, showcase affiliations, and represent causes or brands. Whether distributed at trade shows, given as part of a membership program, or awarded for participation in a significant event, event lapel pins carry a great deal of sentimental value. For some people, they are tangible reminders of memories, professional milestones, or personal achievements.

Some key reasons people collect lapel pins include:

• Memory Preservation: Lapel pins serve as small yet significant keepsakes that help people remember the events they attended. Whether it’s a corporate event, a charity fundraiser, or a concert, a lapel pin captures the memory of that experience, helping individuals hold on to the moment long after it’s passed.
• Achievement Recognition: Many lapel pins represent achievements, such as reaching a specific goal, completing a challenge, or participating in a notable event. For example, volunteers often receive lapel pins to acknowledge their service, or employees might be awarded pins for hitting work-related milestones. These pins symbolize personal and professional recognition, making them particularly meaningful.
• Brand and Cause Representation: Lapel pins are a popular way to represent organizations, brands, or causes. Attendees at trade shows and conferences often receive branded lapel pins as part of a company’s promotional efforts. People may also wear pins to showcase support for a particular cause, like mental health awareness or environmental sustainability. Pins allow people to visually display their values and interests.

While lapel pins are valuable keepsakes, many people wonder how to display them in a way that allows them to be appreciated regularly. Instead of letting these items languish in a drawer, why not repurpose them into something creative and functional?

Creative DIY Craft Ideas for Repurposing Event Lapel Pins

1. Create Custom Jewelry with Lapel Pins

One of the most popular ways to repurpose event lapel pins is by turning them into jewelry. Since lapel pins are typically small and feature intricate designs, they make the perfect foundation for unique jewelry pieces that can be worn or gifted.

DIY Necklace Using Event Lapel Pins

You can easily transform your favorite event lapel pin into a stylish and personalized necklace. Whether you want to make a bold statement or wear something subtle, a lapel pin necklace allows you to showcase your creativity while adding a unique flair to your outfit.

Materials:

• Event lapel pin(s)
• Chain or leather cord for the necklace
• Jump rings (small metal rings used to attach the pin to the chain)
• Jewelry pliers
• Lobster clasp (optional)

Instructions:

1. Select the lapel pin you want to feature as the centerpiece of your necklace. For a minimalist look, choose a single pin; for a bolder statement, you can string multiple pins together.
2. Open a jump ring using jewelry pliers and attach it to the back of the lapel pin. Many lapel pins come with a flat backing, making it easy to loop the jump ring through the pinback.
3. Thread the chain or leather cord through the jump ring, ensuring that the lapel pin hangs securely.
4. If your chain does not already have a clasp, attach a lobster clasp to the ends of the chain using jump rings for a more polished finish.
5. Your custom lapel pin necklace is ready to wear! You can experiment with layering different necklaces with various pins to create a more dynamic look.

This DIY project offers endless creative possibilities. By mixing and matching different lapel pins, you can design necklaces that reflect your personality and style.

DIY Earrings from Event Lapel Pins

Repurposing lapel pins into earrings is another creative way to wear your collection in a fresh, fashionable way. You can create a custom set of earrings that are quirky, elegant, or meaningful—perfect for adding a pop of personality to your outfits.

Materials:

• Matching event lapel pins (choose pins of similar size for a balanced look)
• Earring hooks
• Jump rings
• Jewelry pliers

Instructions:

1. Select two lapel pins that match or complement each other in size and design. These will serve as the focal point of your earrings.
2. Open a jump ring using jewelry pliers and attach it to the back of each lapel pin.
3. Connect the jump ring to the earring hook and close the ring securely.
4. Repeat for the second lapel pin to complete the pair.
5. Your custom lapel pin earrings are now ready to wear!

This easy project is a great way to repurpose your favorite pins while making a fashion statement.

DIY Lapel Pin Charm Bracelet

If you have multiple small lapel pins, consider creating a charm bracelet that allows you to wear your collection in a fun, interactive way. A charm bracelet made from event lapel pins can be a wonderful reminder of the events and experiences that matter most to you.

Materials:

• Multiple event lapel pins (small sizes work best for a bracelet)
• Charm bracelet chain
• Jump rings
• Lobster clasp
• Jewelry pliers

Instructions:

1. Start by removing the pinbacks from each lapel pin using pliers. This will make it easier to attach the pins to the bracelet chain.
2. Attach a jump ring to each lapel pin where the pinback used to be.
3. Open a jump ring and thread it through the links of the charm bracelet chain.
4. Secure the lapel pin to the chain by closing the jump ring.
5. Repeat this process with each lapel pin until your charm bracelet is complete.
6. Use a lobster clasp to secure the bracelet around your wrist.

This DIY lapel pin charm bracelet is a stylish and personalized accessory that lets you carry your favorite pins with you wherever you go.

2. Design a Pin Display Frame

For those who want to showcase their event lapel pins as part of their home decor, creating a custom pin display frame is an excellent option. A display frame allows you to organize and exhibit your pins like a piece of art, giving them a prominent place in your home while protecting them from damage.

DIY Lapel Pin Display Frame

Materials:

• Picture frame (choose a size that fits your pin collection)
• Corkboard or foam board (cut to fit inside the frame)
• Decorative fabric (optional, to cover the corkboard)
• Glue or adhesive
• Event lapel pins

Instructions:

1. Remove the glass and backing from the picture frame.
2. Cut a piece of corkboard or foam board to fit inside the frame. The board will serve as the surface where you’ll pin your lapel pins.
3. (Optional) If you want a more polished look, cover the corkboard with decorative fabric. Secure the fabric to the corkboard using glue or adhesive tape.
4. Place the corkboard inside the frame, securing it in place with the backing.
5. Arrange your event lapel pins on the board in any pattern you like. You can organize them by theme, event, or color.
6. Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, hang the frame on a wall or place it on a shelf.

This lapel pin display frame is both a practical and aesthetically pleasing way to show off your collection. You can easily swap out pins to keep the display fresh and reflect your evolving collection.

3. Repurpose Lapel Pins as Home Decor

If you’re looking to get creative with your lapel pin collection, there are several ways to repurpose event lapel pins into home decor. From magnets to decorative wreaths, lapel pins can add a personal and stylish touch to your living space.

DIY Lapel Pin Magnets

Turn your lapel pins into functional magnets that can be used on your refrigerator, whiteboard, or magnetic bulletin board. This DIY project is simple and practical, allowing you to repurpose your pins in a way that adds a pop of color to your home.

Materials:

• Event lapel pins
• Strong adhesive glue
• Small round magnets
• Pliers (optional, for removing pinbacks)

Instructions:

1. Start by removing the pinbacks from your lapel pins using pliers. This creates a flat surface for attaching the magnets.
2. Apply a small amount of strong adhesive glue to the back of each lapel pin.
3. Press a small magnet onto the glued area and hold it in place for a few seconds until the glue sets.
4. Allow the glue to dry completely before using the magnets.
5. Attach your new lapel pin magnets to any magnetic surface in your home.

This is a fun and easy way to display your favorite lapel pins while creating something functional.

DIY Decorative Pin Wreath

A decorative pin wreath made from your lapel pin collection is a creative and eye-catching way to showcase your pins as part of your home decor. Whether displayed on a door, wall, or mantel, this pin wreath adds a personalized touch to your living space.

Materials:

• Foam wreath form (available at craft stores)
• Fabric or ribbon (to wrap the wreath form)
• Event lapel pins
• Hot glue gun (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by wrapping the foam wreath form in fabric or ribbon. This creates a decorative base for your lapel pins and ensures the wreath has a cohesive look.
2. Secure the ends of the fabric or ribbon with a hot glue gun or pins.
3. Arrange your event lapel pins around the wreath form in a way that creates balance and symmetry.
4. Pin each lapel pin directly into the wreath form or glue them in place if the wreath is not made of foam.
5. Once all pins are attached, your decorative wreath is ready to display. Hang it on a door or wall for a unique and personalized decoration.

This DIY project is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or everyday decor.

4. Personalize Clothing and Accessories with Lapel Pins

Lapel pins are designed to be worn, so why not give your wardrobe a personal touch by adding them to your clothing and accessories? Incorporating event lapel pins into your fashion choices is a fun and stylish way to repurpose them while showcasing your individuality.

DIY Customized Jacket with Lapel Pins

One of the easiest ways to personalize your clothing with lapel pins is by attaching them to a jacket. Denim jackets, leather jackets, and blazers provide the perfect canvas for displaying your lapel pin collection.

Materials:

• Jacket (denim, leather, or any other sturdy material)
• Event lapel pins

Instructions:

1. Lay your jacket flat and decide where you want to place your lapel pins. Pockets, collars, and sleeves are great areas for pin placement.
2. Attach the lapel pins by securing the pinbacks. You can create a themed arrangement or simply place pins randomly for a more eclectic look.
3. Wear your custom jacket with pride! This project allows you to switch out pins over time, making your jacket a dynamic piece of wearable art.

In addition to jackets, lapel pins can be added to backpacks, hats, scarves, or even shoes to create a custom look that reflects your personal style.

5. Repurpose Lapel Pins as Gift Embellishments

If you’re looking for a creative way to enhance your gift-wrapping, consider using event lapel pins as embellishments for presents. Attaching a lapel pin to a wrapped gift not only adds a unique finishing touch but also provides the recipient with a keepsake that they can treasure.

DIY Gift-Wrapping with Lapel Pins

Materials:

• Wrapping paper or gift bag
• Ribbon or twine
• Event lapel pins
• Gift tag (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wrap your gift in decorative wrapping paper or place it in a gift bag.
2. Tie a ribbon or twine around the gift to create a bow or knot.
3. Attach a lapel pin to the ribbon, using the pinback to secure it in place.
4. (Optional) Attach a gift tag to the ribbon and use the lapel pin to hold it in place.
5. Present your beautifully wrapped gift with the added bonus of a lapel pin that the recipient can keep.

Using lapel pins as gift embellishments adds a personal and thoughtful touch to your presents, making them even more memorable.

6. Craft DIY Keychains with Lapel Pins

Another practical way to repurpose event lapel pins is by turning them into keychains. Keychains are functional items that everyone uses daily, and adding a custom lapel pin to a keyring is a great way to carry a piece of your memories with you wherever you go.

DIY Lapel Pin Keychains

Materials:

• Event lapel pins
• Keychain rings
• Jump rings
• Pliers

Instructions:

1. Remove the pinback from your lapel pin using pliers.
2. Attach a jump ring to the lapel pin where the pinback used to be.
3. Slide the jump ring through the keychain ring and secure it with pliers.
4. Your lapel pin keychain is now ready to use! Attach it to your keys, purse, or backpack for a personalized accessory.

This simple DIY project gives your lapel pin collection a functional purpose and allows you to keep your favorite pins with you on the go.

7. Create a Lapel Pin Shadow Box

For those who want to preserve their event lapel pins in a more permanent way, a shadow box is an excellent option. A shadow box allows you to display your pins in a three-dimensional frame, creating a personalized work of art that tells the story of your event experiences.

DIY Lapel Pin Shadow Box

Materials:

• Shadow box frame
• Foam board or corkboard (cut to fit the shadow box)
• Fabric or decorative paper (optional)
• Event lapel pins
• Glue or pins

Instructions:

1. Remove the backing from the shadow box and cut a piece of foam board or corkboard to fit inside the frame.
2. (Optional) Cover the foam board with fabric or decorative paper to create a stylish background for your lapel pins.
3. Arrange your lapel pins on the foam board, securing them with their pinbacks or using glue for a permanent arrangement.
4. Once your lapel pins are arranged to your liking, place the foam board inside the shadow box and secure the backing.
5. Hang the shadow box on a wall or place it on a shelf for a personalized display of your lapel pin collection.

This DIY shadow box project allows you to create a lasting and meaningful display of your event lapel pins.

Get Creative with Your Event Lapel Pins

Event lapel pins are more than just souvenirs—they are pieces of memorabilia that carry stories, memories, and personal significance. Instead of letting these small treasures sit unused, repurposing them through creative DIY crafts allows you to reimagine your collection in new and exciting ways. From custom jewelry to home decor, there are countless ways to give your lapel pins a second life.

Whether you’re looking to create personalized accessories, design unique decor, or craft thoughtful gifts, the possibilities for repurposing lapel pins are endless. With a little creativity and imagination, you can transform your event lapel pins into meaningful items that you can enjoy and display proudly for years to come. 

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.