Custom Enamel Pins Case Study: Deer & Branch Design with Hard Enamel and Gold Plating
This project focused on designing a whimsical collection of enamel pins featuring adorable woodland characters, including deer, rabbits, and birds. The pins celebrate nature with a charming yet elegant aesthetic and were crafted with precision using high-quality hard enamel, screen printing, and gold plating.
Client Requirements: The client requested four distinct pin designs:
- Deer & Rabbits Pin: A 3-inch pin featuring a deer frolicking with bunnies.
- Single Rabbit Pin: A small, simple design with a playful rabbit.
- Multiple Rabbits Pin: A composition of several rabbits interacting together.
- Branch & Birds Pin: A 3-inch tree branch adorned with bluebirds.
Key specifications included gold plating for a premium finish, hard enamel filling for a polished surface, screen printing for intricate colour details, especially on small elements like eyes and feather textures, and a quantity of 20 pieces per design. The client also requested samples for final approval before mass production.
Design and Production Specifications: The base material was zinc alloy, chosen for its versatility and strength, with a high-shine gold plating to enhance the design and create a luxurious feel. Colours were matched using the Pantone Matching System (PMS) for precision. Hard enamel and screen printing ensured vivid, long-lasting colours and precise linework, particularly for details like the bird’s wings and the deer’s delicate face. Rubber clutches were used for comfortable, secure wear, with multiple clutches added for balance and stability.
Communication Process: The project involved consistent communication to ensure the client’s vision was fully realized. The initial order was for 15 pieces per design, but this was increased to 20 pieces per design after revisions. The client approved the setup fees and unit costs via email, and the final price was updated to reflect the quantity increase.
“I’d like the main pin to be 3 inches and the separate bunny to scale. Can you confirm that?”
The client was thrilled with the initial designs but requested minor adjustments, such as ensuring proportions between the branch and deer pins were accurate. The client approved the samples before moving forward with mass production. Shipping was handled via FedEx, and a tracking number was provided for the client’s convenience.
“These look so good! Thank you so much! Can you please send me the invoice for the final payment?”
Production Process: The custom mould was created for each design, and the metal base was stamped and cut to shape for clean outlines and consistent details. After stamping, the base was polished and gold-plated. Enamel colours were applied and hardened at high temperatures, resulting in a durable, polished finish. Screen printing was used for fine details such as the eyes of the animals and the veins in the birds’ feathers. Each pin was assembled with rubber clutches and underwent a rigorous quality check to ensure no loose components or colour inconsistencies.
Post-Production and Client Feedback: After receiving the finished pins, the client was delighted with the final results:
“The pins turned out amazing! The branch and bird pins, in particular, captured the exact look we envisioned.”
All shipping and payment transactions were completed by January 2025, confirming the client’s satisfaction.
FAQs:
1. Why use hard enamel for this project? Hard enamel provides a smooth, high-gloss finish and is more durable than soft enamel, making it ideal for detailed designs.
2. What is the purpose of screen printing on enamel pins? Screen printing allows for fine details and additional colours that may not be possible through enamel filling alone.
3. How long does the production process take? The full process, from mould creation to final shipment, typically takes 4–6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the designs and the approval milestones.
4. What packaging options are available? Standard packaging includes individual PVC bags, but premium packaging options such as gift boxes and velvet pouches are available upon request.
Contact Us: For more information on creating your own custom enamel pins, contact HIPINS for a free quote and design consultation.