If you are looking for unique gift ideas for a friend’s birthday or interesting ways to add a personal touch to your wardrobe, consider designing a custom pin that aligns with their personality. The design process is simple, and the best part is that you can do it with a minimum budget.
It has become a key part of the fashion industry. They are small, colorful, and can be used in various ways to express your personality and interests. Let’s read through this blog and check out the process of designing them at home.
Why Design These Pins At Home?
Designing your custom pin badges is satisfying and economical. No need to worry about the minimum order quantities and expensive shipping. Additionally, you have complete control of the design, color, message, and material.
If you are a parent, you are looking for ways to engage your kids in a fun activity, and it is a great idea. Many people have turned this hobby into a small business by selling small customized pins on different online platforms or at local shops.
Steps for Designing the Custom Pin Emblems At Home
Sep#1: Decide on the style of your badge
Before you start the making process, decide the kinds of pins you are willing to create. There are three types: paper-based pins, shrink plastic pins, and enamel pins. Each of them has its unique characteristics. Whether it is a paper-based or a shrink plastic badge, you can choose it as a great start. With the help of just a few tools, the process becomes easy.
Step#2: Collect the materials
When you create the badges at home, you don’t need any fancy equipment. With the help of badge blanks or pin backs, paper or shrink plastic sheets, scissors, a printer, glue, clear tape, and safety pins or metal pin backs, you can begin your work. Visit a crafting shop or online store to buy all these items. The cost of materials is very reasonable, especially when you are creating them in bulk quantities.
Step#3: Start with the design
This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creative skills. You can draw your design by hand, using a digital tool, or get a printed version of the design you love. Consider the size of the design, as most badges are 1 to 2 inches in diameter. If you are creating multiple pins, you can get various designs printed on a single page to save time and paper.
You can make your designs unique by adding quotes, symbols, and simple illustrations. If you are manually completing your design, try using markers or colored pencils for bold and vibrant results. Ensure that the design remains visible and apparent even when reduced to its smallest size.
Step#4: Cut and assemble
After your design is ready, trim it out carefully. If you are using shrink plastic, follow the instructions on the package. You will need to bake the plastic in the oven so it shrinks and thickens. For the paper badges, you need to place the design onto a sturdy backing, such as cardboard or a badge blank, and cover it with tape or resin to protect it. You can use glue to attach a pin at the back.
Using a badge-making machine will make the process easier. You just need to load the parts, place your design, and then press the button. But the handmade pins require little patience and precision.
Step#5: Add a professional touch
To bring a clean and long-lasting impact, coat them with resin or Mod Podge. It will add a glossy touch, preventing your design from wear and tear. Ensure it is completely dried. Later, check if the pin on the pack is secure. This is the stage where your badge is ready to be worn.
You will be surprised to see how a professionally made homemade pin badge looks with just a bit of care and polish. At this stage, you can pack your badge if you plan to gift it, sell it online, or sell it locally.
Time Duration for Designing
The time required is dependent on the design and materials. If you are using shrink plastic, the process will become faster, as baking will hardly take a few minutes. Resin-coated pins require overnight drying. However, in general, one badge design will take 20 to 40 minutes, which includes all the processes from designing, assembling, and finishing.
Make Sales through Your Hobby
Once you have become an expert in designing custom lapel pins, you can turn your hobby into a best-selling badge. Many sellers sell their pins online and locally from the comfort of their own homes.
Remember, if your design is unique and matches online trends like pop music, mental health awareness, or scenic views, you can build a loyal following. Start with a small collection and promote it on social media. Take aesthetic pictures and include behind-the-scenes videos of the designing process. People will love connecting with you to learn more and develop their interest.
Eco-Friendly Options
If you are considering promoting sustainability, you can design eco-conscious badges using recycled cardboard, biodegradable glue, and plant-based resin. It will give the material a unique texture and appeal, and customers will prefer handmade and eco-friendly items. This is not just the way to express your creativity, but you are also contributing to a healthy planet.
Red Flags You Must Watch Out For
Making errors is common. Among the list of mistakes, one of the most common is using the wrong size design. Ensure that you measure the size of the pin and obtain a print to test the version. Another mistake is misusing the glue. Use glue sparingly and allow it to dry to prevent its marks. Ensure the pin back is centered and firmly attached to avoid it from falling when worn.
Trial and error must be a part of your learning process. Keep a collection of the first few badges as a piece of memory. This will remind you of the journey you have covered.
The Easy Way To Design Pin Badges
Making the custom ones at home is a perfect blend of creativity, purpose, and fun. Whether you aim to spend quality time, personalize your belongings, or start a small business, the process is simple. It offers enormous opportunities, with a budget that matches any range.
You can think of the joy of wearing something made by you that reflects your personality. So, get access to all the supplies, sit to sketch, and bring life to your thoughts.
