Button Pins: What They Are and How to Use Them

Button pins or badges are small, round, metal or plastic objects that have a pin or a clip on the back. They are often used to decorate clothing, bags, hats, or other items. Button pins can also display messages, logos, images, or symbols that express one’s personality, interests, opinions, or affiliations.

History of Button Pins

Button pins have a long and interesting history. They can be traced back to the 18th century, when they were used as campaign buttons to promote political candidates or causes. The first known button pin was made in 1789, for the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States.

In the 19th century, button pins became more popular and diverse. They were used for advertising, commemoration, identification, or entertainment. Some of the famous pins from this era include the “I Like Ike” pins for Dwight Eisenhower’s presidential campaign in 1952, the “Smiley Face” pins that symbolized the hippie movement in the 1960s, and the “Peace Sign” pins that protested the Vietnam War in the 1970s.

In the 20th century, button pins continued to evolve and expand. They were used for artistic, cultural, social, or personal expression. Some of the notable button pins from this era include the “Punk Rock” pins that represented the rebellious music genre in the 1970s and 1980s, the “Rainbow Flag” pins that advocated for LGBTQ+ rights in the 1990s and 2000s, and the “Black Lives Matter” pins that supported the racial justice movement in the 2010s and 2020s.

Types of Button Pins

There are many types of button pins, depending on their materials, shapes, sizes, designs, or functions. Here are some of the common types of button pins and their characteristics:

Traditional button pins

These are the classic button pins that have a metal or plastic base, a paper or fabric cover, and a pin or a clip on the back. They are usually round, but can also be oval, square, or rectangular. They can display any image, text, or color, and are easy to make and wear. They are often used for decoration, identification, or promotion.

Enamel button pins

These are button pins that have a metal base and a enamel coating. They are usually shaped like objects, animals, or characters, and have a glossy and durable finish. They can display intricate details and vibrant colors, and are more expensive and difficult to make than traditional button pins. They are often used for collection, appreciation, or recognition.

Magnetic button pins

These are button pins that have a magnet on the back instead of a pin or a clip. They are usually round, but can also be other shapes. They can display any image, text, or color, and are easy to make and wear. They are often used for decoration, identification, or promotion, without damaging the fabric or surface they are attached to.

LED button pins

These are button pins that have a LED light on the front. They are usually round, but can also be other shapes. They can display any image, text, or color, and have a flashing or steady mode. They are powered by batteries or solar cells, and are more noticeable and attractive than regular button pins. They are often used for entertainment, celebration, or safety.

How to Use Button Pins

Button pins are versatile and fun to use. They can be used for various purposes, such as:

Decorating

Button pins can add color, style, or flair to any item or outfit. They can be attached to clothing, bags, hats, jackets, scarves, or shoes. They can also be arranged on a bulletin board, a cork board, a wall, or a frame. They can be mixed and matched, or themed and coordinated, depending on one’s preference or mood.

Identifying

Button pins can show one’s name, role, group, or organization. They can be worn on a shirt, a badge, a lanyard, or a backpack. They can also be used as tags, labels, or markers for different items or places. They can help one to introduce oneself, to belong to a community, or to find something or someone.

Promoting

Button pins can spread a message, a logo, an image, or a symbol. They can be worn on a public event, a rally, a march, or a protest. They can also be given away, sold, or traded as souvenirs, gifts, or incentives. They can help one to advertise a product, a service, a cause, or a campaign.

Expressing

Metal badges can reflect one’s personality, interests, opinions, or affiliations. They can be worn on a daily basis, a special occasion, or a specific situation. They can also be collected, displayed, or exchanged as hobbies, collections, or memories. They can help one to communicate one’s feelings, thoughts, values, or beliefs. LikhaDito Arts and Crafts Philippines uses button pins as the centerpiece of our rosette leis. The button pin is a perfect way to showcase the client’s company or event logo, thus making it more personalized and truly a part of their event.

Conclusion

Button pins are more than just simple accessories. They are powerful tools that can be used for various purposes, such as decorating, identifying, promoting, or expressing. They have a long and interesting history, and they come in many types and styles. They’re easy and fun to make and wear, and they can show one’s creativity, individuality, or solidarity. Button pins are not only pins, they are also statements.