low-cost pin Archives •

Why League-Wide Pins Are Essential (And Loved!)

There’s something magical about handing a kid a pin with their team logo on it—their eyes light up, they instantly feel part of something bigger, and suddenly it’s not just about playing the game… it’s about belonging to the league. Every team needs league-wide pins!

That’s why league-wide pins are more than just shiny souvenirs. They’re essential.

1. Every Kid Feels Included

Not every child walks away with a trophy, but every child should walk away knowing they were part of the league. A custom pin gives every player a shared badge of honor, no matter their win-loss record.

It’s a powerful way to say:
“You were here. You mattered. You’re part of this team, this season, this memory.”

2. League-wide Pins Promote League Pride

When the pin includes the league’s logo, kids proudly display them on hats, lanyards, or backpacks. It’s free marketing—but more importantly, it builds identity and pride. They’re not just on a team. They’re part of a league that values them.

3. Easier Than Team-by-Team Orders

When you order pins league-wide, you’re not chasing down coaches or juggling a dozen designs. One design. One order. One unified look for your league.

We handle the art and the details. You just get the credit for making something awesome happen.

4. Great for Events and Traditions

Pins are perfect for:

Opening Day handouts
End-of-season celebrations
All-Star trading events
Volunteer gifts

And when every kid gets one, it becomes a yearly tradition they look forward to—and remember for years to come.

5. League-wide Pins are Cost-Effective at Scale

The more you order, the lower the cost per pin. Ordering league-wide means you’re saving money while boosting impact.

Ready to Make It Happen?

We make the process easy with:

Fast turnaround
Free artwork
Low minimums
Personal, human support (no bots here!)

Let’s create something unforgettable for your league.

📩 Reach out today to get started: Holly@thejoshuaconnection.com

Custom Logo Pins That Get You Noticed

Custom logo pins: Your Logo. Your Pins. Your Moment.

Trade shows, conferences, and corporate events overflow with noise — but your brand doesn’t have to blend in. Custom logo pins help you stand out and stay memorable long after the booths come down and the swag bags hit the trash.

Whether you’re welcoming new hires, recognizing your team, or grabbing attention on the showroom floor, logo pins promote your brand with style and professionalism.

Here’s how to get started:
Send us your logo or idea, tell us how many pins you need, and share how you plan to use them. We’ll design a custom mockup and quote that align with your goals, timeline, and budget.

From small recognition runs to large national events, we deliver high-quality pins and a smooth, simple experience.

At The Joshua Connection, we bring your vision to life. We design pins people actually want to wear — whether you choose soft enamel, hard enamel, die-struck, or full color.

Not sure what’s right for you? We’ll guide you every step of the way. When you partner with us, you get more than a product — you get a pin that tells your story.

Request a quote anytime for a free mockup — no pressure, just fun ideas!

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

🔵 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

⚫ 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

🆚 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!

Top 10 Reasons Every Elks Lodge Needs a Custom Lapel Pin

If you’re part of an Elks Lodge, you know how important tradition, pride, and identity are to your members. A custom lapel pin is more than just a small accessory—it’s a powerful way to tell your story, celebrate your achievements, and bring members together. Whether you’re designing a pin for your Elks Lodge, a special event, or your term as Exalted Ruler, here are the top 10 reasons every lodge should have one:

1. A Custom Lapel Pin Represents Your Lodge’s Identity

Every Elks Lodge has a unique story. Your pin reflects your city, your values, and the heart of your members. It’s your lodge’s identity—worn with pride.

2. Pins Make a Statement at State Conventions

At state and national conventions, a custom Elks pin helps your lodge stand out and makes it easier for others to connect with you, trade, and remember your lodge.

3. Pins Boost Member Pride

When members wear your custom Elks Lodge pin, they feel part of something bigger. It creates connection and pride in your shared mission.

4. A Must for Every Exalted Ruler

Many Exalted Rulers design a custom pin to represent their term. It marks your leadership year, reflects your personal theme, and becomes part of your legacy.

5. Great for Welcoming New Members

Custom pins are a meaningful and memorable part of the initiation process. They make new members feel like they truly belong.

6. Ideal for Fundraisers

Looking for a creative way to raise money? Custom lapel pins are budget-friendly and easy to sell at events or through your lodge.

7. Commemorate Special Events

Honor anniversaries, building dedications, parades, or community service projects with a pin that captures the moment forever.

8. Strengthen Unity Within Your Lodge

A shared Elks Lodge pin helps bring members together. It’s a visual symbol of teamwork, unity, and shared goals.

9. Recognize Volunteers and Officers

Thank your officers, committee chairs, and standout members with a pin that shows your appreciation—and their commitment.

10. Every Elks Lodge Deserves One

Your Elks Lodge does incredible work in your community. A custom lapel pin is a simple, lasting way to honor that impact—and carry it with you wherever you go.

Ready to design a custom Elks Lodge pin? Whether you’re an Exalted Ruler wanting to create a signature pin or a lodge looking for something special, I’d love to help you bring it to life. Let’s create something your members will be proud to wear.

📩 Contact me now: holly@thejoshuaconnection.com

Why Custom Pins Are Popping Up Everywhere—From Little League to Fraternal Lodges

Walk through any community event, charity fundraiser, or local sports game, and you’ll probably spot someone wearing custom pins. These small but meaningful accessories have made a big comeback—not just as collectibles but as symbols of pride, unity, and belonging.

From Elks Lodges and other fraternal organizations to Little League teams and local businesses, custom enamel pins are becoming a go-to way to celebrate, commemorate, and connect.

Person wearing custom pins

A Modern Take on a Classic Tradition

Custom pins have been around for ages—just think of military insignias or scout badges. But what’s changed is how people are using them today. Organizations are leaning into pin culture. It’s a great way to honor the past and to create something memorable for the present.

For example, many Elks Lodges now design custom pins each year to represent their current Exalted Ruler, anniversary year, or a special event. It’s a subtle but powerful way to foster connection among members. It also gives visitors and newer members something tangible to remember the moment.

Celebrating the Big (and Small) Moments

In the world of youth sports, especially Little League, pins have become a bit of a tradition of their own. Kids trade custom pins, wear them, and hang onto them long after the season ends. They’re handed out on Opening Day, at championship games, or even to recognize good sportsmanship.

The same goes for school events, community fairs, and local charities. Whether it’s a fundraiser for a cause, a city-wide festival, or a commemorative walk, having a small keepsake helps anchor the experience.

More Than Just a Pin—A Piece of Identity

What makes custom pins unique is that they aren’t just merchandise. They have meaning and belonging. They say, “I’m part of this” or “I support this.” And they’re small enough to live on jackets, hats, backpacks, or lanyards without being over-the-top.

For fraternal groups, custom pins help honor tradition and show continuity from year to year. For teams and clubs, they boost morale and build team spirit. For businesses and nonprofits, they’re subtle but effective promotional tools that spark conversation and build brand awareness.

blue denim button up shirt

Small But Mighty: A Sustainable Keepsake

Another reason custom pins are gaining traction is that they’re durable, portable, and sustainable. Compared to t-shirts or paper programs, pins are less likely to end up in the trash. They last for years and don’t require sizes, restocking, or reordering every season.

And with endless options—from hard enamel and soft enamel to glow-in-the-dark or glitter finishes—organizations can really get creative in representing their personality.

A Little Pin with a Lot of Purpose

At the end of the day, a custom pin might seem like a small thing. But in the right moment, it can say a lot. It can mark a year of service, a shared experience, or a community effort. And that kind of meaning? It’s something people remember.

Have you ever gotten a custom pin that meant something to you? Whether it was from a Little League coach, a lodge leader, or a charity you supported—chances are, it’s still tucked away in a drawer or pinned to your favorite jacket.

That’s the magic of a custom pin.

And I’d love to help you create your very own custom pin.

Have an idea for a fun event? Want to make a special pin for your grandma’s 100th birthday celebration? Turn her into a lapel pin and have everybody wear it.

The ideas are endless.

📩 Reach out anytime: holly@thejoshuaconnection.com

Our New Blog Page!

Welcome to The Joshua Connection’s new blog page!