In the world of custom pins, sometimes it’s not about what’s painted—but what’s revealed. At Hipins, we believe that materials tell stories, and our latest collaboration with a long-time client showcases how the stained glass enamel technique can completely transform the emotional impact of a design.
This is not just another pin—it’s a fusion of translucency, layering, and color theory. And the result? A winter scene with unexpected warmth and surprising visual depth.
🎨 The Client Vision: Whimsy, Contrast, and Light
The client behind this project is no stranger to the world of collectible pins. Over the past three years, they’ve worked with Hipins on over ten designs, each one more daring and detail-driven than the last. For this winter edition, their brief was simple yet ambitious:
“We want the background to feel soft, mystical, and alive—but without adding clutter. It should contrast with the character, yet still feel like one complete piece.”
They chose a character—an elegant cat wrapped in a cozy scarf—set against a snowy botanical background. The main challenge? Making sure the cat remains the focus, while the background subtly glows rather than competes.
That’s where stained glass enamel came in.
🔍 From Concept to Production: How We Made It Happen
Here’s how we turned that vision into a precision-built, emotionally resonant pin:
✅ 1. Precision Artwork Matching
The first step was understanding the artwork’s spatial relationship. In this pin, the background plays a huge role. By using a semi-translucent enamel (Color 538) over a hollow-cut area, we created a light-passing effect that mimics actual stained glass. It doesn’t just “sit” behind the character—it interacts with light to change subtly based on viewing angle.
✅ 2. Raised Metal + Enamel Partitioning
We used raised silver metal lines to define the edge of each color zone, giving structure to the delicate parts of the background—especially the flowers and leaves surrounding the character. These thin partitions are essential to keep the stained glass enamel contained while maintaining clarity in form.
✅ 3. Pearlescent and Glitter Details for Dimension
Complementing the glassy effect, we added pearlescent colors (705, 345, 573) to the foreground scarf and plants. This soft shine offsets the glassy finish in the back and draws the eye to the center.
✅ 4. Printing for Precision
To emphasize the character’s expression, we used offset printing (color 440) on the face and scarf edge—something flat enamel alone couldn’t achieve.
✅ 5. Backside Engineering
Even the reverse side got attention. The silhouette cut and recessed areas allow for easier mounting and better light diffusion, improving the stained-glass glow when held against backlight.
🌟 Innovation That Serves the Design
This project proves that glass enamel is more than a gimmick—it’s a design tool. It adds narrative, changes visual hierarchy, and opens creative doors that solid color enamel can’t.
By using translucent areas in a way that blends seamlessly with the theme (winter, snow, quiet magic), we helped the client elevate a cute character into a scene with emotional resonance.
And perhaps more importantly—it became one of their fastest-selling designs to date.
💬 A Word From the Client
“I’ve worked with other factories before, but Hipins was the first to really understand how to use stained glass intelligently. Not just for effect, but to serve the story of the pin.”
We love hearing feedback like this—not because it’s flattering, but because it confirms what we already believe: craftsmanship is about understanding the purpose behind every material choice.
📈 Why This Matters for Future Clients
If you’re looking to create pins that stand out in a saturated market, choosing advanced techniques like stained glass enamel gives your designs both visual distinction and emotional value. It makes your pin feel premium, without necessarily increasing unit costs significantly.
And with Hipins, you don’t need to worry about experimenting—we’ve done the testing, refined the layering process, and matched dozens of color schemes to stained glass effects. Whether you’re creating fantasy characters, seasonal motifs, or minimalistic designs with emotional impact, we can guide you from idea to flawless finish.
❓ FAQs: About Stained Glass Enamel Pins
Q1: What is stained glass enamel in pin production?
A: It’s a type of translucent enamel that allows light to pass through, similar to colored glass. It creates a glowing or backlit effect and is usually used in areas with no backing behind.
Q2: Does it increase the cost significantly?
A: Not drastically. The main factors are mold complexity and enamel type, but we offer stained glass as part of our advanced finishes package without major markups.
Q3: Can I combine stained glass with other effects like glitter or pearl?
A: Yes! As in this project, we often layer stained glass with pearlescent or glitter elements for a richer visual result.
Q4: What artwork file do I need to provide?
A: Vector files (like .AI or .EPS) are ideal. If you’re unsure, we provide free artwork setup and professional suggestions for the best use of special effects.