When is a lapel pin more than a lapel pin?

Posted on January 24, 2013 by jessica.n@pinmart.net

I was an English major in college. One of the big cornerstones of that concentration is the study of metaphor, of symbolism. And perhaps that thought process has stuck with me more than with some since that time. But what I realized recently is that whether or not you’re aware, everyone recognizes symbolism, they just don’t realize they’re making that jump.

For example, I spoke to a woman yesterday who wanted to find a pin on our website that signified “strength, bravery, and fearlessness” because her son had been in Sandy Hook School the day of the shooting in December, and was now very nervous about “bad guys”. The woman had told her son that she was going to find him a lapel pin that when worn, would protect him from bad guys.

We had many options for her, from lion lapel pins, to the arch angel Michael, and we found one that she thinks will really help boost her son’s morale as he heads back to school now that they’ve relocated students to a different facility. It got me thinking that we all use these talismans, and that they are far more valuable than the materials used to make them.

Think of how many millions of Catholics religiously (excuse the pun) wear a cross necklace every single day. Or policemen who wear star badges on their uniforms. Diamond rings worn on the left hand symbolize marriage, and billions of Hindus wear the bindi (the red dot just between and above the eyes) to celebrate their Hindu faith and the all seeing eye.

Chances are every one of us has some talisman we carry around or keep safe somewhere. And this child wearing a lapel pin to ward off “bad guys” is no different. It’s a very powerful statement of how much stock we put into metaphor and symbolism.

Lapel pins are powerful stuff.

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Patch it up

Posted on January 22, 2013 by jessica.n@pinmart.net

I’m sure at least half a dozen individuals can lay claim to this quote, but it’s very true when it was said that “It’s all been done before.” From hair styles to fashion, from music to movies, everything sees a second coming. Skinny jeans were big in the 1980′s, and they’re back in a big way now. Swing music had a resurgence from it’s origin in the 1930′s. And personal expression seems to work the same way. When I was a kid, embroidered patches were all the rage. We had them on our backpacks, on our jeans, on our jackets, everywhere. Bands, slogans, beliefs, all were stitched or ironed onto our belongings, and not always with our parents’ blessings.

And now, in the 21st century, embroidered patches are on their way back. Interestingly, their style and slogans haven’t even changed that much. They still reflect the military, religion, pacifism, or patriotism. And despite the intervening years, their purpose has not diminished, nor has their impact. Big, bold, embroidered patches make a statement, and with as many options as there are, you can make nearly any statement you want.

Who knows what’s bound to come back next? I already see neon colors and crimped hair back in the mall and on the sidewalks, so who’s to say. But I tell you, I went through my stonewashed phase, and I think I’m over it now, no matter what the fashion magazines tell me. Embroidered patches however… well, I do have a pair of jeans with a hole in the knee that a patch would fit quite nicely.

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Historic Day

Posted on January 18, 2013 by jessica.n@pinmart.net

This Monday is a pretty big day in our country. Not only is Monday Martin Luther King Jr. day, which has been celebrate for decades and always provides a renewed perspective on the history of our country, on where we were and how far we’ve come, but Monday is also inauguration day!

While both of these days are important in their own right, it’s particularly poignant when you consider that our first African American president is being re-sworn in on the day we celebrate equality between all ethnic backgrounds. This is a wonderful time to remember that we’ve achieved much since protesters milled in the streets with passionate political buttons, but also a time to remember that those buttons are not useless yet, and we still have a long way to go.

Equality in our country is no longer quite as black and white as it used to be, if you’ll excuse the pun. The ways in which we discriminate are even more varied, and sometimes more subtle. Perhaps it was easier to protest back in the 1960′s because the lines were more clearly drawn. The fight was less diverse, even if diversity was the fight. The slogans on the buttons were short and to the point, whereas now the fight is so much more subtle.

Despite all this, Monday’s inauguration on MLK day is a reason to celebrate all our efforts have resulted in thus far. But keep the buttons nearby, because, to steal from Dr. King’s speech, we’re not at the mountain top just yet.

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The Global Religion

Posted on January 15, 2013 by jessica.n@pinmart.net

Happy World Religions Day! I’m sure many of you had no idea that was today, or even what it is, but every year on this day religious groups across the country and the world get together to discuss topics of dissent, points of commonality, and most importantly, peace. Because with roughly 80% of the world’s population believing in at least some form of a higher power, religion undoubtedly plays a very large role in our global relationship with each other.

Started almost a century ago, this day is designated as a method of getting groups of different religions together to work together towards creating understanding between them, and also to simply promote inter-faith initiatives towards reducing issues of poverty, hunger and violence in local communities.

Personally whatever you believe, I think it’s important to take an oath of compassion, peace, and understanding. No matter what faith you follow, those are core beliefs that you will find in each and every one of them. Icons like doves, hearts, peace symbols or laurel leaves can be incorporated onto lapel pins, lanyards, coins or embroidered patches. Taking the pledge and providing things like embroidered patches means you’re not only saying with words that you will work with all faiths to promote peace and well being, but by having that patch, you’re showing the world as well.

Symbols are powerful statements that start conversations and even revolutions sometimes. Simple embroidered patches with a recognizable icon on them can be a step towards a new non-profit, a soup kitchen, an after school program, or at least a conversation. Because we’re all in this together, and World Religion Day reminds us of that.

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It’s a dirty job… but someone has to do it!

Posted on January 10, 2013 by jessica.n@pinmart.net

I promise not to go into detail, but recently I had a run in with THE FLU. Many of you undoubtedly know exactly what I’m talking about, and for this, I’m sorry and I do feel your pain. The coughing and the chills, the congestion and the fever, it was nobody’s idea of a good time. But one of the things that got me through it, other than lots of sleep and fluids, was my local pharmacist. She knew exactly what was going to combat my symptoms the best and she made sure I was back on my feet as soon as possible.

Why am I telling you this on the company blog? Because this Saturday is National Pharmacists Day. And with the flu spreading like wildfire across the country this season, there has never been a better time to thank the men and women who deal with us sick people in our hour of need. Personally, I don’t think spending all day around contagious individuals is my idea of a good time, but pharmacists show up every day and help folks like you and me with a smile on their face and an answer for every question.

So this Saturday consider thanking your local pharmacist with a card, a (non-contagious) treat, or perhaps lapel pins. These individuals are really unsung heroes, lost behind doctors, nurses, and many times, online medical advice websites. So put a smile on their face Saturday for keeping you well and restoring you when you’re not. I sure as heck plan to, and while I’m there I think I’ll get a flu shot, you know, just in case this flu strand is recurring.

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Inauguration Day

Posted on January 8, 2013 by jessica.n@pinmart.net

With the inauguration coming up in a few days, both civilians and those working on Capital Hill are abuzz with preparations and excitement. And rightly so! In our country’s history, Barack Obama is only our 44th president, and with inaugurations taking place only every four years, the hype is palpable. Here at the office we’re getting calls from all over the country from individuals looking to buy Obama lapel pins and other various souvenirs, especially challenge coins.

Did you know that ever since President Clinton, each president has had his very own challenge coin minted, and that it is his discretion whom they go to? As the Commander and Chief it’s fitting that he get to participate in the time-honored military tradition, and each president has been very humbled when they receive their challenge coins. And for those who receive the official presidential coin, the humbling feeling is shared. Because when you receive a presidential challenge coin, it’s coming directly from the president, often in person. That’s not a bad deal!

So this Sunday the president will again take the oath of office, go to the parties and the parades, and he will also get his new challenge coins. But for those of you out there who aren’t on the president’s speed dial, the White House gift shop apparently carries a version created for the public that while not rare, is still a priceless memento of an historic day.

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They want to suck your blood… The Red Cross, not vampires.

Posted on January 3, 2013 by jessica.n@pinmart.net

Happy New Year! Tis the season for resolutions, and I think something like that coincides perfectly with January being Blood Donor Awareness Month. Now that I type that it sort of sounds like we should be aware of people who donate blood, and not actual donation, but either way, January is the month we consider donating blood and thank those who do if we can’t.

When you consider that only about 37% of Americans are actually eligible to donate blood (due to age, weight, wellness, etc) it’s vital that all of us who are capable to give blood do so and do so often! It’s estimated that roughly every 2 seconds someone needs blood, which puts everything into perspective.

So this January, donate blood, or if you’re one of the 63% who cannot donate blood yourself, consider working at a blood bank or organizing a blood drive yourself! Your local Red Cross would be happy to help you, and consider doing something for donations that goes above and beyond the typical juice and cookies and hand out red cross lapel pins to individuals who donate. It’s a great way to share with others your story of donation and to inspire them to join you.

Donating blood only takes about 15 minutes, is almost entirely painless, and is completely safe. The human body has about 10 pints of blood at any time, and donations are normally about 1 pint. Your body makes up the difference again in a matter of weeks, so you’re welcome to donate every two months. Think of all the red cross lapel pins you could wrack up in a year?

Whatever reason you have for donating blood, do it. With blood shortages a constant fear at hospitals, you will be saving up to three lives every time you donate. Do it for you mom, your sister, best friend, son, or just your fellow man. How many other things can you do in an hour that save up to three lives?

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“Hello, my name is”

Posted on December 28, 2012 by jessica.n@pinmart.net

“I survived Hurricane Sandy”, “I’m with stupid”, “I’m Team Edward”. We are a country of proclamations. We are what we live through, what we love, what we hate, what we believe. These proclamations help us distinguish ourselves from the billions of other people on the planet, and they also help us connect with others on the planet like us. These statements of fact are as much ‘us’ as our physical blood, sweat, and tears.

It’s for this reason that millions of Americans plaster their cars with bumper stickers, sport tattoos, and less drastically, wear lapel pins. Not everyone of course is eager to be an open book, but many out there really do wearing their hearts on their sleeves, or their slogans on their lapels, and I personally think that’s very brave. Because when you put yourself out there, other people are bound to respond, and you’re opening the lines of communication up when you share your beliefs right out in the open.

Whether you’re a democrat, a Catholic, Irish, gay, or a marine, if you’re proud of it, we’re proud of you for sharing it. Because this country was built on our unique differences, and even though it’s a struggle, we have to keep fighting to keep it that way.

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Have yourselves a merry little holiday…

Posted on December 21, 2012 by jessica.n@pinmart.net

Tis the season. The season we tell the people in our lives that we’re grateful they are in it, and try to return the favor with gifts and well wishes. And while we’re not family persay,
with everyone who visits our website, buys our lapel pins, or works with us on custom projects, we at PinMart wanted to wish each and every one of you a very Happy Holiday!

Every year is a challenge, filled with new opportunities and also with second chances. We have new ways to celebrate, and unfortunately, but expectantly, new ways to mourn. From awareness causes to school sport tournaments, our products have helped you achieve the goals you set out to accomplish, and we’re genuinely honored to have been a part of all of your lives in some small way.

Creating custom lapel pins for family reunions, for fundraisers, for the 2012 elections, for the hurricanes and the school tragedies, we’ve seen you all through the biggest moments in your lives this year. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share in on these moments with you, and we hope that you give us the opportunity to share in even more in the coming years.

Be safe this holiday season, be merry, and most of all, be yourselves. We love all the unique reasons you’ve come to us. You’ve made our year and we hope we’ve helped make yours. Happy, happy holidays.

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It’s the little things…

Posted on December 17, 2012 by jessica.n@pinmart.net

This last Friday our country was faced with another unimaginable tragedy out in Connecticut. A grade school in the small town of Newtown was attacked by an angry young man, and it resulted in a heartbreaking 26 fatalities, mostly children the age of six. Like I said, it was unimaginable. And yet here we are, trying to unravel the horrible details and come to terms with this new reality. But like our country always does, people from all over the nation are making their way to Connecticut to offer up whatever they can in the way of help and comfort.

One particularly unique story was of a man from PinMart’s hometown of Chicago, who headed out to Newtown this weekend with four “comfort dogs” as he called them. They were four golden retrievers who all had vests on proclaiming “pet me!” and no one who saw them needed a second request. The gentleman who had brought them explained how valuable it was to have something comforting like this during a time of tragedy, and how a small gesture, like petting a dog, could calm a person down in a way that nothing else can.

The same goes for the other small tokens that were being shared amongst the town’s residents, such as awareness ribbons and the handmade memorials that were being put up outside Sandy Hook school. The solidarity that awareness ribbons bring is something intangible and yet extremely powerful. Like petting a dog, hugging a stuffed toy, or pinning on awareness ribbons, these are all seemingly small gestures that have such a great impact.

Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved in last week’s tragedy, and hope that we can heal from this and come out the other end stronger.

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