Long before the rise of the ubiquitous swag table, artisans were fusing glass onto metal. The earliest examples date from the 13th century BC, to Cyprus and six enameled rings. Enamel pins started gaining popularity around the turn of the 20th century, and really boomed during the 1950s and 1960s, thanks to the miracle of mass production. More recently, they’ve become the swag item du jour.
“Enamel pins are like instant, vintage little treasures,” said Minneapolis designer Adam Brackney. “It’s fun to think that someday, someone will be rooting through a thrift store and possibly come across one of my pins mixed in with countless other timeless designs.”
Top: Matt Carlson for Grain & Mortar, Ellen Wilde, David M. Smith. Middle: Adam Brackney, Jon Testa, Rachelle Letain. Bottom: Matt Lundahl, Daria Tokranova, Vincent Conti.
Shot Blocks offer 9 shots sharing a theme, a product, a method … whatever catches our fancy. We’re open to suggestions; email stories@dribbble.com.
Find more Inspiration stories on our blog Courtside. Have a suggestion? Contact stories@dribbble.com.
