How to Start an Enamel Pin Collection
By Frog & Toad Press | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to start an enamel pin collection with practical tips on choosing, displaying, and caring for pins, plus decision rules for beginners.
Quick Answer
To start an enamel pin collection, choose a theme that excites you, pick quality pins that fit that theme, and set up a display that lets you enjoy them daily.
Why Start with a Theme
A focused theme gives your collection direction and makes it easier to decide which pins to buy. Whether you love nautical symbols, positive messages, or floral designs, a theme helps you avoid impulse purchases and build a cohesive set.
Quality vs. Price: What to Look For
Not all pins are created equal. Hard enamel pins typically have a smooth, polished surface and are more durable, while soft enamel pins have a textured finish and are often more affordable. Check the backing: butterfly clutches are secure for fabric, while rubber backers are gentler on paper and less likely to scratch surfaces.
Display Options and Trade-offs
Your display choice affects how you enjoy your collection. Fabric surfaces like backpacks and jackets show off pins but expose them to wear. Corkboards and framed displays protect pins but keep them out of daily sight. Rotating your displayed pins keeps the collection fresh and lets you highlight different favorites.
Decision Rules for Starting Your Collection
- Choose a theme: Pick a subject you love, like animals, landmarks, or positive messages. This guides your purchases and makes your collection feel intentional. Write down your theme and stick to it for your first five pins.
- Set a budget: Decide how much you want to spend per pin. Quality pins range from $6 to $12, so plan for a few pins at a time rather than buying everything at once. Track your spending to avoid overshooting your budget.
- Check the backing: For fabric, choose butterfly clutches for a secure hold. For paper or delicate surfaces, rubber backers are safer and won't scratch. Match the backing to where you plan to wear or display the pin.
- Start with versatile pins: Begin with pins that work in multiple places, like a small anchor that fits on a lapel or a sunflower that brightens a backpack. This gives you flexibility as you experiment with placement. Choose pins that you can easily rotate between different items.
- Display with purpose: Use a corkboard, fabric frame, or dedicated jacket to show off your pins. Rotate them monthly to keep your display dynamic and prevent wear on any single piece. Set a reminder to rotate your pins each month.
Pins That Fit a Beginner Collection
- Rhode Island Anchor Enamel Pin: The Rhode Island Anchor Enamel Pin is a .75-inch design in antique brass with soft enamel and a gold-metal butterfly clutch. Its compact size and secure clutch make it a sturdy starter pin for lapels or bags, and the nautical theme works for a coastal or travel collection.
Rhode Island Anchor Enamel Pin - Just Be Nice Enamel Pin: The Just Be Nice Enamel Pin features a soft enamel finish with a sandblasted back and rubber backer. The rubber backer is gentle on paper and fabric, so this pin is a safe choice for decorating notebooks or jackets without leaving marks.
Just Be Nice Enamel Pin
Who Should Start a Pin Collection?
Best for
- People who enjoy small, affordable collectibles and want to express personal interests
- Those who like to personalize bags, jackets, or stationery with unique accents
Not for
- Collectors who prefer large, display-only items like art prints or pennants
- Those seeking investment-grade items, as enamel pins are primarily decorative and not typically resold for profit
