This Pin's for You

A photo posted by @strikegentlyco on Jun 22, 2016 at 9:00am PDT

As the founder of Strike Gently Co, I deal in pins and patches daily. The Creators Project asked me to pull together a weekly roundup of the best newly-released pins. Most of these will probably sell out. If you like them, smash that “add to cart” button. Every Wednesday, you can head to the bottom of this article for an exclusive discount code so you can keep your pin game sharp.  

Gather round, folks. This is my 21st pin roundup for The Creators Project. That means a few things—primarily, it means that enamel pins have officially transcended 'trend' status. These trinkets that used to be the relics of tourist hippies and biker gangs have now thoroughly permeated the mainstream, thanks not least to Instagram. The opportunities are as endless as the ideas of the various small artists and companies designing pins, and they are legion. The output hasn’t slowed down since Week One, so congrats to the World of Pins: you’re here to stay. In honor of the big Two-One, you will find a special code at the end of this post good for 21% off any order from my shop, Strike Gently Co.

A photo posted by @poke_daddy on Jun 16, 2016 at 3:29pm PDT

There’s nothing terribly original about a switchblade; they're practically synonymous with Edgy Bro Chic. Everyone knows at least one Australian moto dude who has this tattoo, right? But this switchblade pin is different; it’s a beautifully-crafted 3D pin. You don’t see 'em very often, and when you do, they’re usually either poorly designed, poorly manufactured, or both. This 2" pin from Poke Daddy (a possible nickname for that breed of edgy Australian dude) is sure to last and look good in the process.

$15.00 here.

A photo posted by @unhappymedium on Jun 16, 2016 at 8:47am PDT

The sheer marketing perfection of this one left me no choice but to include it. What do coffee shoppers love more than Wu-Tang Clan? Joy Division. It only makes sense to combine what are probably the two best-selling graphic tees of all time into a pin that’s guaranteed to sell out. Take notes, folks.

$8.00 here.

A photo posted by Deja Pins (@dejapins) on Jun 17, 2016 at 11:35am PDT

When Spongebob first aired in 1999, the world was a much simpler place. The youth were slightly less corrupt; cell phones were still bricks; pants were larger; and celebrity murders and sex scandals were big news, instead of terror and trash politics. This pin pays homage to Spongebob better than any pin I’ve seen yet. It just came out really well; the design translates into a beautiful looking pin. In the name of pop appropriation, thank you Deja Pins.

$9.99 here.

A photo posted by Dropped Pin  (@dropped.pin) on Jun 19, 2016 at 11:29am PDT

I’ve been trying to make a bagel pin for months. The designs never come out quite as good as I hope, and so it's back to the drawing board (tablet). This design by Dropped Pin is funky, but in a good way. Look at that schmear! You can’t have a bagel without it, honey. Maybe that’s what my design was missing—an overabundance of creamy goodness. Definitely gifting this to my Jewish relatives this Hanukkah. L’chaim.

$10.00 here.

A photo posted by @cultural.void on Jun 21, 2016 at 5:55pm PDT

I include a lot of bootlegs and various culturally referential items in these posts, because, hey, it’s what the people thirst for. I’m a populist, in the best sense. But there are also a lot of original pin designs worthy of mention, like this one from Cultural Void, a growing company with some really noteworthy designs. I didn’t know about them until today, but will definitely be picking some stuff up. This pin is a little bit Classics Studies, a little bit rock and roll. Get it? Get it.

$8.00 here.

Thanks for reading. Head to Strike Gently Co for a 21% off discount with code COOL.

Related:

All the Enamel That's Fit to Pin

These Are the Pins You Should Be Wearing This Week

The World's Best Pins: #18