Sorry, that's a trade secret. I WILL tell you though, that I was initially dismayed by how LONG this process takes and still keep the quality... trust me, you DON'T want to know! There's a REASON why these things are so "Limited" - it would drive me crazy to commit to utterly unlimited manufacture of the Pins without compromising the high quality that I've managed to achieve.
Still want to know? Two words for you: "Dremmel Tool". That is part of the process. Nuff said..
It's been a few years since this pin project started. I have moved a few times, ran into a few hard times... and had to sell my pin-making equipment. So all that is left is just inventory. I have just a few of each kind of pin left, and as they are sold out, I will let you know on this web page.
Now class, we will explore THE most ultimately booooooring aspect of pin manufacturing, the FASTENER! Pay attention, there will be a pop quiz later. The fastener which is used on the original <*> Pin is called a "pinback." (No relation to the name of any character in the classic cult flick, "Dark Star")
The pinback is the type of fastener which works almost like a safety pin. I began my debut as a pin-maker by using a cheap, plastic, black pinback fastener that stuck on the back with peel-off adhesive. It turns out that first version quits being very sticky after about a year, which really pissed me off.
So then I discovered a new, more efficient type of pinback fastener to use for the Original pins. They glue on with clear, strong epoxy instead of tacky (in BOTH senses of the word!) adhesive. The new pinback holds the pin slightly closer to your shirt or jacket than the old version. Other than that's it's still another boring ol' pinback.
There is another fastener featuring one or two post(s) which pierce your clothing, and little round clips which hang onto the posts from the inside of the cloth. THAT is called a "military clutch". Those little clips that come with them are called "clutchbacks". Military clutch fasteners drive me completely nuts. It seems to be just too easy to lose those little round clutchbacks! That is why I have decided to include a spare, bonus clutchback with every <*> lapel pin sold. This a service which you would rarely find anywhere else, since I CARE about the handiwork I give to others.
I have to wonder some of the wierd jargon that the jewelry industry uses for some of these things... such as: did you know that the curlique little fastener that goes on the back of a post earring is called a friction nut? (No, I did not make that up!) GO FIGURE! :-)
Do you have any more questions about the creation of these pins? Just hit the "contact" button on this page and ask. You may see your question and my answer on this page.
