Flower Pin Creation: Structure and Decoration

flower-pin-creation


flower pin creation
A black and yellow flower pin composed of two petal layers with polka dots on the black petals.

There are two components in flower pin creation. They are, in fact, the flower pin structure itself and then the flower pin decoration afterwards.

For the purposes of defining the first aspect of flower pins, in other words the structure, there are one layer, two layer first, then three, four, and five petal layers next. The top three are usually embellishment layers without any structural function.

A further refinement of the decoration process is one or a combination of enamel spray, paint brush, polka dots, and embellishment layers. Descriptions of both components, structure and decoration are in this post.
flower-pin-creation
The basic flower power pin found on ebay and etsy is a one petal layer flower with petal spray in one color and the center in another color spray. Then the stem is green and tends to rub off over the years.

STRUCTURE

Primarily the pins are molded steel, not your typical metal for jewelry making. Molded steel is inexpensive and easy to use. During the time period that the pin creation is voluminous and very inexpensive, the molded steel pins are easily cranked out with a simple spray application of enamel paint consisting of one or at most two colors. The giant daisy pins are an outstanding example of this.

flower-pin-creation
Two layer complimenting petal colors of the very popular, giant daisy pin found on ebay

DECORATION

The earliest pins are simple sprayed enamel. But as time goes on and the pins become more decorative and less socio-political, both the structure and decoration become both more complicated and more expensive. In addition there are more layers or the two layers have decoration.

Polka Dots In fact, polka dots liberally come in to play in flower pin creation. WOW, how popular polka dots are. Actually, polka dots play a major design role in all kinds of fashions.

polka dot pins A collection of six polka dot decorated pins

Embellishment Layers To top this off, the extra embellishment layers create quite stunning pins. These usually third, fourth, and fifth layers are embellishment layers with no structural purpose at all but plenty of decorative appeal. The addition to base enamel spray are possible wisps of brush strokes, more layers of petals, hole punches in the outer layer and other adornment at the center to finish it off.

flower-pin-creation A collection of six, three and four layer embellished flower pins

CONCLUSION

The flower power pin is still both abundant and very popular today. Unfortunately, the major difference is the price. They are no longer socio-political hand outs but pricey collectibles. In fact, I gingerly collect them as I have to save up to purchase them.

Lenore-Dame-Brooch
Lenore Dame Metal Flower Brooch in Gold & Violet – One-of-a-Kind
And my newest purchase is what I believe to be a relative to the embellished flower power pin. It is in fact this three layer magnificent pin. You can learn more about these magnificent brooches at these links.

The Lenora Dame Jewelry Studio

Early Lenora Dame Brooches May Be Flower Power Pin Direct Descendants

 

 


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