Project Overview
This project brings together mythical storytelling and high-precision enamel pin production. Commissioned by a creative client with a passion for fantasy and folklore, the Kelpie enamel pin was designed to embody the mystery and haunting beauty of this shape-shifting creature from Celtic legend. The final product—a 54mm × 53.5mm silver-plated hard enamel lapel pin—blends intricate design, advanced colorwork, and artisan-level finishes.
This enamel pin captures a moment frozen in time: a ghostly horse’s skull emerges from the water, entangled in lilies and foliage, framed by spectral waves and the suggestion of decay and rebirth. It’s both elegant and unsettling, and it demanded a manufacturing process that could handle fine lines, subtle color transitions, and complex metalwork.
Pin Design Details
Details of this enamel pin included:
- Pin Style: Hard enamel, for a polished, long-lasting finish
- Material Finish: Silver plating, to contrast with the muted tones of the enamel
- Size: Approximately 54mm x 53.5mm – considered large for a lapel pin, which allowed room for complexity
- Effects:
- Design Elements:
- Skeletal horse skull as central motif
- Rippling water, vines, and floral overlays
- Backside: Custom backstamp
- Attachment: Black rubber clutches
- Packaging: Each unit individually packed in a PVC bag and bubble wrap
These details demanded careful coordination between design and production, particularly in managing the fine line work and color layering inherent to the concept.
Crafting the Enamel Pin
The project utilized the hard enamel process, which is ideal for designs that require a smooth, glassy surface where enamel colors and metal outlines sit flush. This method involves multiple rounds of enamel filling, kiln baking, and surface polishing, resulting in a jewelry-like finish that’s both vivid and durable.
Production Steps:
- Mold Engraving
A custom steel mold was created based on vector artwork. The fine metal lines separating the enamel zones were carefully engraved to ensure fidelity to the original design.
- Cutouts
Each pin was die-struck on a base metal sheet, followed by precision cutting to achieve the intricate outer shape and internal cutouts.
- Enamel Application
Multiple color fills were performed using Pantone-matched enamel. Translucent and gradient areas were especially challenging, requiring experienced colorists to control the opacity and smooth transitions manually.
- High-Temperature Curing
These enamel pins were fired in a kiln at high temperature after each color fill. This step solidifies the enamel and bonds it permanently to the metal.
- Polishing & Finishing
Once the enamel work was completed, the pins were polished to a mirror-smooth finish. This revealed the fine silver outlines and enhanced the clarity of the design.
- Plating
A silver finish was applied to highlight the contours and create contrast with the muted enamel tones.
- Backstamp & Attachment
The client’s brand mark was engraved on the reverse side. Each pin was then fitted with a rubber clutch, which offers both comfort and a secure hold when worn.
- Quality Control & Packaging
Each unit underwent individual inspection for enamel integrity, plating consistency, and pin back adhesion. Approved pieces were packed in PVC bags and bubble wrap for safe delivery.
Design Details That Made a Difference
Several features pushed this pin beyond standard manufacturing:
- Gradient Enamel Transitions
Achieving soft fades from bone-white to seafoam green in the skull and water areas required skilled, layered application—particularly difficult in hard enamel due to its curing process.
- Stained Glass Effects
The partial use of translucent enamel in the lilies and water emphasized fluidity and light. This created a glowing, spectral feel in certain lighting.
- Large Format Precision
At over 53mm wide, maintaining sharp linework and consistent plating was essential. The larger surface also allowed for subtle storytelling through overlapping elements like vines and waves.
Client Feedback
“We’re in awe of how closely the final pin matched the concept art. The gradients and translucent fills turned out exactly how we’d hoped.”
“Collectors loved the pin’s scale and detail—it really stands out as a centerpiece.”
The final product has become one of the standout releases in the client’s fantasy-themed enamel pin series, with strong pre-order sales and social media engagement.
Why This Case Matters
This project demonstrates how a high-concept design can be faithfully translated into a physical product when paired with the right materials and process. Through expert use of hard enamel, detailed die-striking, and thoughtful plating choices, we brought a complex mythical subject to life.
It also shows the power of close client collaboration—from refining the artwork and selecting the plating, to test-fitting color fills and verifying fine lines.
Ready to Create Your Own Pins?
Whether you’re crafting characters, band merch, or commemorative designs, we specialize in premium custom hard enamel pins with advanced effects like gradients, translucent fills, and die-cut shapes.
📩 Get in touch today to start your own custom enamel pin journey. We’ll guide you through every step—from concept to final shipment.