Alpena County And Beyond
The Online Library of Success

The Lapel Pin: The Real Story
Sunday May 25th 2008, 5:25 am
Filed under: Uncategorized

As the name suggests, a lapel pin is a pin worn on your lapel.
There are many types of lapel pins that are suitable according
to the design that you want it to have. The design is only
limited by your imagination. They can be custom made with your
company logo, emblem or any other design that you may want.
Lapel pins make exceptional promotional products because they
look great, are created quickly, and are very affordable.

You can buy ready lapel pins or get them customized according to
your needs. Custom lapel pins can be made for any business,
organization or school and are perfect for fundraisers, trade
shows and promotions. When running competitions, events or
contests, giving out lapel pins to participants or fans makes
the event that much more memorable. A handcrafted lapel pin can
also be an excellent gift.

For Businesses

A well-made lapel pin looks great on the employees of both small
firms and big corporations. A single logo or message embodied in
a lapel pin strengthens the corporate spirit and adds to a
company’s confidence and commitment. Businesses can use custom
lapel pins to promote their business services, commemorate a
special event or new product launch. They can use them as
recognition for a valued employee or as a giveaway to promote
their company. You can make quite a hit with trade show and
convention visitors by giving out a lapel pin instead of a
business card!

For Groups and Organizations

You can easily recognize the members and associates of prominent
or public organizations anywhere, thanks to the unique lapel pin
that they wear. The more people that see the participants
wearing special lapel pins, the more recognition and education
you will provide for your group. Enthusiastic supporters may
wear it if they get it under the right circumstances, but it is
probably best if you don’t think of lapel pins as a source of
income!

For Teams

Custom lapel pins are a unique way to create sports memorability
that will last a lifetime. Many people collect and trade team
lapel pins with a fervor usually reserved for rookie baseball
cards. The more popular team pins to trade are sometimes even
traded two pins or three pins or more for that one highly prized
team lapel pin!

A few of the more popular lapel pin types are:

Cloisonné

No matter what your use, cloisonné is an elegant, durable and
affordable option for a custom made lapel pin. Cloisonné lapel
pins have a jewelry-like finish and the highest alleged value
among other pins. A cloisonné pin has a more “retro” look, and
therefore may be more appealing to collectors than other types
of lapel pins.

With a cloisonné lapel pin you are carrying on an ancient
artistic tradition. The cloisonné technique can be traced back
to 13th century B.C. in ancient Japan. However it was the
Chinese that really took over this art form by creating
beautiful vases and other artifacts. A cloisonné lapel pin is
actually just a modern interpretation of this ancient and
beautiful art.

Most true cloisonné lapel pins today are made on a copper base,
with enamel colors individually mixed. Due to their more
detailed manufacturing process, cloisonné also lends itself to a
more dressy or jeweled style of lapel pin. For example, you can
consider a cloisonné lapel pin if the design you are looking for
happens to include a stone setting.

Die-struck

This lapel pin is most popular as a two tone metal with no
color. This lapel pin is highly recommended for its beauty and
where colors are distracting and a plainer look is desired.

Die-struck (soft enamel)

Most popular for wanting to stay with a thick sturdy pin but
needing to have a full range of colors to choose from. This type
of lapel pin is recommended as a less expensive approach to the
cloisonné lapel pin.

Photographic Pins

Offers the highest degree of detail achieved in a lapel pin.
This process allows for pictures or photographs to be
transferred to a lapel pin. If you have artwork that has blended
colors this is the only process for you.

Silk Screen

Silk screen lapel pins will produce an exact replica of the
artwork you choose to reproduce on your lapel pin. When the silk
screen process is complete you will have a beautiful lapel pin.
You can use silk screened lapel pins for so many things too:
parties, corporate events, sports teams, school awards and more!
If you have artwork that requires a lot of detail, or if you
need solid colors for your text on your pin without moving to a
larger size, this is a good choice.

Photo-Etched Pins

Photo-etched pins are known as the most economical lapel pin
type. They can incorporate a full range of colors needed. A
photo-etched lapel pin also allows for more detail and intricate
designs. This type is a favorite for saving on cost and great
for a give away or lapel pin trading!

In Conclusion

In today’s marketplace, a lapel pin makes sense as a low cost
and high-perceived value promotional item. It is worn, and
talked about. When considering how to invest your marketing
dollars, take a long, hard look at lapel pins.

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