Tag: Custom Pins

Choosing the Right Pin Type

Not sure which type of pin is right for your project? You’re not alone. Whether you’re ordering pins for a tournament, a fundraiser, or a milestone event, understanding the differences between soft enamel, hard enamel, and die-struck pins can help you pick the perfect style for your needs.

Here’s a quick guide to each:

🟡 Soft Enamel Pin

Soft enamel pins are known for their slightly raised metal outlines and textured finish. During production, your design is stamped into metal, plated, and then the recessed areas are filled with colored enamel. This creates a layered, “bumpy” surface that adds dimension and allows for more intricate detailing.

  • Distinctive look: Raised metal edges, recessed color fill
  • More affordable than hard enamel
  • Option to add a clear epoxy coating for a smooth, protective finish
  • Great for: event giveaways, collectibles, detailed designs
Soft enamel pin Jukebox

🔵 Hard Enamel Pin (Cloisonné)

Hard enamel pins are sleek, polished, and ultra-durable. Like soft enamel, the design is stamped and filled with color—but in this case, the enamel is baked and polished smooth until it’s flush with the metal lines. The result is a glossy, jewelry-grade finish with vibrant colors and a smooth surface.

  • Sleek and polished: Flat, smooth enamel surface
  • More durable and color-rich
  • Slightly less line detail than soft enamel due to final polishing
  • Great for: corporate gifts, uniforms, fashion pins, milestone awards
Hard enamel cloisonné pin

⚫ Die-Struck Pin

Die-struck pins are all about metal texture and elegance. These pins skip the color entirely and let the finish do the talking. Designs are stamped into metal and left unpainted, often with a polished or antique finish to highlight the detail.

  • No enamel colors — just metal
  • Optional sandblasted or antique finishes for contrast
  • Gives a refined, vintage appearance
  • Great for: service awards, anniversary pins, formal recognition
Die-struck pin

🆚 Side-by-Side Feel

  • Soft enamel: Textured feel with colored areas sunken into metal
  • Hard enamel: Smooth to the touch with color and metal at the same level
  • Die-struck: Textured, uncolored, pure metal finish

🧠 So Which One Should You Choose?

  • Want something budget-friendly with vivid colors? ➡️ Soft enamel
  • Need a premium, polished finish? ➡️ Hard enamel
  • Prefer a classic metal look with no color? ➡️ Die-struck

Each pin type has its own charm — the right choice comes down to your design, your budget, and how you want the final piece to feel in hand.

Got a design in mind? Request a quote!

Why Every Team Needs Custom Baseball Pins

There’s something magical about baseball season—the crack of the bat, the dust of the infield, and the excitement of tournaments and team spirit. And if you’ve ever been to a big tournament or state competition, you’ve probably seen kids (and coaches!) crowding around with one question on their minds: “Got baseball pins to trade?”

Welcome to the world of Baseball pins—a time-honored tradition that turns team pride into collectibles and memories.

Little league team sitting on bench

What Are Trading Pins, Anyway?

Trading pins are custom-designed, colorful enamel pins created for your Little League® team. Each team has its own design—featuring mascots, team names, player numbers, tournament dates, and more. Players proudly wear the baseball pins, collect them, and trade them with other teams during tournaments.

It’s more than a game—it’s a bonding experience.

Why Get Custom Baseball Pins for Your Team?

  1. They Build Team Spirit
    Nothing says “we’re in this together” like a custom baseball pin that represents your team’s identity.
  2. They’re Tournament Traditions
    If you’re headed to any major Little League® event, trading pins are part of the fun. Kids often say pin trading is one of their favorite parts of the weekend!
  3. They’re Lasting Keepsakes
    Win or lose, your season deserves to be remembered. Pins are a perfect memento for players and parents alike.
  4. They Stand Out
    A well-designed pin with cool features (glitter, spinners, sliders, glow-in-the-dark) makes your team memorable—on and off the field.

Tips for Designing Great Baseball Pins

  • Include Your Mascot or Logo
    Make your team stand out at first glance.
  • Add the Year or Tournament Name
    Helps mark the memory (and makes them great for collectors later on).
  • Keep It Bold and Bright
    Pins are small, so go for high-contrast colors and simple shapes that pop.
  • Go the Extra Mile
    Consider special touches like glow enamel, glitter, or even a spinning baseball!

When Should You Order?

As early as possible! Pin season gets busy fast, especially before regional and state tournaments. Most teams order 6–8 weeks before their big event to ensure delivery and have time for trading.

Let’s Make Something Awesome Together

Whether it’s your team’s first year or your tenth, I’d love to help design a pin that captures your team’s spirit and gives your players something they’ll treasure for years.

Reach out anytime for a free quote or mockup—I keep minimums low and creativity high!

📩 Contact me now: holly@thejoshuaconnection.com