DIY Trendy Pins + Ideas

Ember
May 26, 2018
2 min read

Have you ever fallen in love with a cute trend or item thats just too expensive to buy? Well, for a long time that was me with enamel pins. I could never bring myself to spend $15 on the tiny trinkets, no matter what adorable food item they were shaped as. Luckily, I discovered multiple tutorials about how to DIY them!

These pins are so easy and fun to make (not gonna lie, I'm kinda addicted)! They are also super customizable and make great gifts!

Step 1: Gather Supplies

-shrinky dinks

-oil based markers

-pin backings (or earring backings)*

-white paint + brush

-scissors

-hot glue (or E600)

*I recommend pin backings because they are more secure but I've used both!

Step 2: Trace and Cut Out Designs

Using a pen or marker, begin to lightly sketch out your design. When doing this, keep in mind that it will shrink a lot in the oven! Mine shrinks to about 1/3 of its original size.

If you don't feel confident in your free-handing abilities then print out your design and place it underneath the shrinky-dink sheet and trace!

P.S. the colors of the pin will also get fairly darker in the oven too!

Once you've colored in your designs, cut them out! I found it easier to cut a couple millimeters around the design, not exactly on the lines.

Step 3: Bake And Assemble!

This step will vary depending on what brand of shrinky-dinks you have, just be sure to read the directions! Regardless, they will only take around 2 min in the oven so keep a close eye on them!

P.S Immediately after taking them out of the oven, use the bottom of a glass to flatten them down for a few seconds

Now its time to assemble!

1) Paint the back of the pins with white paint in order to make your designs more opaque.

You can also use a paint pen or even nail polish to do this!

2) This is optional but I like to use metallic sharpies to line the edges of the pin for a really finished look! You can totally skip this since its just a small detail.

3) Using hot glue or another strong glue, attach backings to your pins and thats it!

Step 4: Show Off Your New Pins!

Now you have unique pins that you made yourself! They are perfect for personalizing your favorite denim jean jacket, backpack, or anything your heart desires!

Let me know in the comments if you're considering making these! If so, what are your designs?