Premium Pin-on-Pin 3D Hard Enamel Project by HIPINS
Project Overview
Enchanted Blooms – Tohru is a premium collectible enamel pin project produced by HIPINS, designed to showcase how illustration-driven artwork can be translated into a highly dimensional metal product without losing artistic emotion. This project combines pin-on-pin construction, 3D hard enamel, translucent and pearl effects, and UV printing, resulting in a layered art pin with strong visual depth and refined detail.
Created as a limited-edition piece, this design targets collectors who appreciate storytelling, craftsmanship, and high-end finishes. From the initial sample stage to production planning, every step was carefully controlled to ensure the final pin faithfully reflected the original artwork.
Character Introduction: Enchanted Blooms – Tohru
At the center of the design is the illustrated character Tohru, part of the Enchanted Blooms series. Tohru is portrayed as calm, gentle, and quietly resilient, framed by blooming sunflowers and decorative botanical elements. Her expression and posture communicate warmth and inner strength, while the surrounding flowers symbolize protection, growth, and continuity.
The character’s name, Enchanted Blooms, reflects the magical atmosphere created by layered metal textures and soft color transitions. The marking “LE 20” on the back emphasizes the limited-edition nature of the pin, increasing its appeal among collectors.
Design Concept & Pin-on-Pin Structure
This project uses a two-layer pin-on-pin construction, a technique that significantly enhances depth and perceived value.
Bottom Layer (2.5mm thickness):
The bottom layer forms a rectangular ornamental frame with rounded corners. It features sunflowers, leaves, and flowing decorative lines arranged symmetrically. Raised metal outlines are polished, while recessed areas are sandblasted to create contrast. Select areas are filled with translucent and pearl enamel, allowing light to interact with the metal texture beneath.
Top Layer (2.0mm thickness):
The top layer focuses entirely on Tohru’s figure. Her silhouette is cleanly cut to preserve the flow of hair and clothing. This layer is mounted precisely on the base, giving the impression that the character stands slightly forward from the floral background.
This pin-on-pin structure not only adds visual depth but also strengthens the narrative composition by clearly separating character and environment.
Enamel, Printing & Color Strategy
The color palette is dominated by warm yellows, golds, soft browns, and muted pinks, echoing the sunflower theme and enhancing the emotional tone of the artwork.
Multiple techniques were combined to achieve the desired result:
- 3D Hard Enamel: Used for flat, polished areas requiring durability and a smooth finish
- Translucent Enamel: Applied over textured metal in floral sections to create layered depth
- Pearl Enamel: Used selectively to soften highlights and add elegance
- UV Printing: Essential for facial features, hair gradients, and delicate shading that enamel alone cannot reproduce
This hybrid production approach allows fine illustration details to coexist with traditional metal craftsmanship, ensuring both visual accuracy and long-term durability.
Plating, Backside & Attachments
The entire pin is finished with gold plating, chosen to complement the sunflower motif and enhance the premium feel. Polished raised metal contrasts with matte sandblasted areas, adding tactile richness.
On the reverse side, the pin features:
- A clean backstamp with the design logo and “LE 20” marking
- Dual posts to improve stability and prevent rotation
- Rubber clutches, selected for comfort and collector preference
Each pin is individually packed in a PVC bag with bubble protection, ensuring safe handling and delivery.
Production Workflow Highlights
HIPINS followed a structured workflow to maintain consistency and quality:
- Artwork analysis and layer separation
- 3D mold development for raised and recessed metal
- Enamel + print sample production and approval
- Electroplating and controlled color filling
- Pin-on-pin assembly with manual alignment
- Final inspection and individual packaging
“Our client said: ‘The balance between metal depth and printed detail is excellent. Tohru looks exactly as intended, with a strong sense of presence.’”
Why This Project Stands Out
- Sophisticated pin-on-pin architecture without visual clutter
- Successful integration of UV printing with hard enamel
- Clear collectible identity reinforced by limited-edition marking
- Careful surface treatment enhancing both aesthetics and durability
This project demonstrates HIPINS’ capability to handle complex art pins while respecting the original illustration style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why use pin-on-pin construction for this design?
Pin-on-pin allows the character and background to be separated physically, increasing depth and improving visual storytelling.
Q2: Is UV printing durable on enamel pins?
Yes. When properly cured and combined with hard enamel, UV printing is stable and suitable for detailed illustration work.
Q3: What is the advantage of translucent enamel?
Translucent enamel allows metal texture to show through, creating depth and a more refined finish compared to solid colors.
Q4: Why choose gold plating for this project?
Gold plating enhances warmth, complements floral themes, and elevates the overall perceived value of collectible pins.
Q5: Can this type of design be scaled for larger quantities?
Yes. With proper sampling and mold planning, this construction can be produced consistently at scale.
Conclusion
Enchanted Blooms – Tohru is a strong example of how thoughtful design and advanced manufacturing can transform an illustration into a premium enamel pin collectible. Through layered construction, refined color application, and precise finishing, HIPINS successfully delivered a piece that balances artistic expression with production excellence.
For creators seeking high-end enamel pins that preserve illustration detail while achieving strong physical presence, this project highlights what is possible when design vision meets experienced craftsmanship.