AY Honors/Pin Trading - Advanced/Answer Key

2. Identify factors that determine the cost and value of a pin.

Having a knowledge of the cost and value of pins can empower you by helping you to know how to make a fair trade and to decrease the chances of your being taken advantage of by others.

COST is determined by:

• Quality of the pin/what material it is made from: Metal pins costs more than plastic pins; there are different qualities of metal pins; buttons or handmade pins are usually less expensive.
• Size: Bigger pins cost more than smaller pins.
• The number of colors used: The addition of more colors can sometimes add to the cost.
• The type and number of pin backs used to hold it on: Locking clutches cost more than rubber or butterfly clutches; two pin backs cost more than one pin back.
• Accessories or embellishments, such as spinners, danglers, etc.: These can add to the cost of a pin.

VALUE may be determined by:

• The cost and quality of a pin.
• How rare a pin is or how difficult it is to get.
• How beautiful or interesting or desirable the pin is to YOU, regardless of the cost or quality.

Ultimately, YOU are the one who places value on a pin based on how much you like the pin, how special it is to you for whatever reason, and how much you are willing to trade for it. Just because someone tells you that a pin is valuable because not very many were made doesn’t necessarily make it valuable to YOU if it’s not a pin that you like or want to add to your collection.

3. Describe the following types of pins:

a. Cloisonné

Cloisonné pins continue the fine-art tradition of glass enameling started in China centuries ago. The pins are made by hand-pouring powered glass into the recesses of a die struck brass base. The brass can be plated in gold, silver, nickel, black nickel or bronze. After being baked at a very high temperature, the glass enamel is sanded and polished to be flush with the metal lines that separate the colors. This gives the pins a smooth and lustrous quality. Colors are limited with this technique.

b. Die Cast

Die cast pins are created by injecting liquid metal into a rubber mold which is then spun at a high revolution to ensure uniformity. As the metal cools and hardens, the lapel pins get their shape. Die cast pins can have intricate cut-outs and three-dimensional sculpturing that is not achievable with die struck pins.

c. Die Struck

The basic die struck pin is made by stamping an image onto a sheet of metal, cutting it out, and then plating it in a gold, silver, or nickel finish, giving it a classic dimensional look without adding color. The recessed areas can be antiqued or sandblasted to add texture, while the raised-relief areas can be polished.

d. Hard Enamel

Hard enamel pins are made in the same technique as the cloisonné, but the recessed spaces are filled with a hard enamel paint rather than glass. The pin is heated to a very high temperature to harden or cure the paint, and then it is polished smooth. The paint and the metal borders/ridges are at the same level. If you rub your thumb over a hard enamel pin it will feel smooth and you will not feel the metal borders/ridges. The hard enamel filling gives a beautiful, high quality look similar to that of the cloisonné, but at a lower price and with more color options.

e. Offset Printed

The offset printing process produces a full-color reproduction of a photograph or full-color artwork with outstanding detail and accuracy. A protective coating seals the design and protects it from scratching and fading.

f. Photo Etched

Photo etched pins are made by using an acid-reaction process to transfer the image onto a thin metal plate. Each color is then applied by hand to the pins, and finally the pin is cut out from the metal sheet. Photo etched pins tend to be thinner than other metal pins.

g. Silk Screened

Similar to photographic (offset printed) pins, silk screen pins produce an exact replica of a design on the pin with a great deal of detail and full color. The process of creating silk screen lapel pins is almost identical to that of silk screen t-shirts. A base coat is laid over the pins, then one at a time, each color is pressed through a screen with the help of a roller and allowed to dry. When each color has been applied, a protective coating seals the design and protects it from scratching and fading.

h. Soft Enamel

Soft enamel pins are die struck pins with the recessed areas filled with paint. They are air dried which causes the paint to settle, creating a dimensional look, meaning the paint is at a lower level than the metal borders surrounding each color. If you rub your thumb over a soft enamel pin you will feel the metal ridges. This type of pin is a less expensive version of a hard enamel pin.

4. What is an epoxy dome, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

An epoxy dome is a clear plastic coating that can be added as an option to soft enamel or photo etched pins, providing a lustrous shine and adding additional depth to the overall design of the pin. Silk screened and offset printed designs can be very delicate, so these pin types have an epoxy dome which acts as a barrier to protect the pin design from being scratched or scraped off. Disadvantages are that they tend to turn yellow over time, and occasionally they come off.

5. Identify the following types of pin accessories or embellishments:

a. Blinker

A pin that has a blinking LED light or lights added. It has one or more batteries which makes it a fatter pin.

b. Bobble Head

A second pin attached to the main pin with a spring so that it “bobbles” or moves.

c. Dangler

A second pin attached to the main pin by one or more rings or a small chain.

d. Glitter

Sparkly colors added to a pin.

e. Rhinestones

One or more fake gemstones attached to a pin.

f. Slider

A second pin that slides along a slot cut in the main pin that gives a sense of action.

g. Spinner

A second pin attached to the main pin that can be spun around with your finger.

h. Twirler

A second pin attached to the main pin by a post so it can be twirled front to back with your finger.

6. Identify the following types of pin backs, and demonstrate or describe how to safely attach and remove them:

a. Locking Clutch

To attach: Carefully align the hole on the bottom of the clutch with the point of the pin and push clutch straight down while pulling up slightly on the spring-loaded top part. To remove: While holding the bottom part of the clutch down, pull up on the spring-loaded top part, then slide the clutch off of the pin.

b. Locking Safety Pin Clasp

To attach: Make sure lock is rolled to the “open” position, push the long stick pin down and into the slot, then roll the lock to the other side to lock the pin in place. To remove: Roll the lock to the “open” position and push the long stick pin down and out of the slot.

c. Magnetic Back

To attach: Line magnet up with metal back until they join together. To remove: Pull magnet apart from metal back.

d. Safety Pin Clasp

To attach: Push the long stick pin down and under the hook. To remove: Push the long stick pin down and out from under the hook.

7. Discuss how the “Golden Rule” applies to pin trading etiquette.

The Golden Rule comes from Matthew 7:12:

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
— Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

When pin trading, you should always treat other pin traders the same way you want to be treated. If you don’t want to receive a broken pin, then don’t give someone else a broken pin. If you don’t want your pins stolen, then don’t steal someone else’s pins. If you don’t want to be pressured to trade a pin, then don’t pressure someone else. If you don’t like being interrupted during a trade, then don’t interrupt others. If you don’t like people grabbing or touching your pins without permission, then don’t do that to others.

8. Complete two of the following activities related to pin trading:

a. Collect a complete “set” of pins at one of the pin trading venues.

If you are trying to collect a complete set of pins, it is important to find out how many pins there are in the set you are interested in. Sets may range in size from two pins to ten or more pins. In some sets, the pins are all alike except that they come in a number of different colors, and sometimes there may be one special pin that contains all the colors. In other sets, each pin in the set is different. In some sets, each pin can stand alone, and in other sets, you need the whole set in order to have a complete picture, because the pieces fit together like a puzzle. Sometimes one pin in the set will have a higher value than the other pins in the set because there were fewer made, and so it is harder to find. You may have to trade extra pins to get that one more valuable pin in order to complete the set.

b. Collect at least two free pins from exhibit booths at a camporee, convention, trade show, or other event.

Trade shows, conventions, or special events often have exhibit booths that give out free items, and some of these booths may give out free pins. SDA organizations and institutions, such as academies, colleges, universities, TV stations, ADRA, food industries, or publishing institutions often set up exhibit booths at places such as Pathfinder Camporees, Camp Meetings, ASI, or General Conference sessions, and some of these booths may give out free pins. This is a great way to get some free pins for trading.

c. Make a pin display book for displaying your collection of pins.

One way to do this is to buy pieces of felt or craft foam, put tape along one edge to make it stronger, then punch holes in the edge with the tape. You can then put the pages in a three-ring binder. It is a good idea to put extra felt or foam pages between the pin pages so your pins won't get scratched. If you like you can decorate your binder. Or you can come up with your own design for making a pin book.

d. Make two or more handmade pins for trading.

You can make your own pins for trading. You can turn just about any small item into a pin by attaching a pin back or safety pin to it. Pin backs can be purchased online or at a craft store. One idea is to make beaded safety pin designs. If you do an Internet search for “beaded safety pin flags” or “beaded safety pin patterns” you can find lots of free patterns for flags or other fun designs. For more ideas on how to make other handmade pins, you can do an Internet search for “Girl Scout SWAPS.” Get creative!

e. Set up a display of your pin collection at church for Pathfinder Sabbath, at a Pathfinder Fair, or at another event like a state or county fair.

If you want to display your pins for Pathfinder Sabbath or at a Pathfinder Fair, check with your Pathfinder Director to see if you can do this. Set up your display of pins in an appealing way so you can get other Pathfinders or Adventurers excited about getting the Pin Trading Honor someday. If your state or county has a fair, you may be able to display your collection of pins there.

f. Submit a design to your club or conference for a camporee trading pin.

If your club or conference is planning to design a pin for a camporee, and if you are creative and have a good idea, you can draw your design and submit it to your club or conference. This requirement will be fulfilled just by submitting your design, even if your club or conference chooses a different design to actually use for the pin.

Tips for Writing Letters

• Many companies and organizations will send you a free pin(s) by simply writing them a letter.
• Get your parents or Pathfinder staff to help you find the names and addresses for sports

associations or federations, National Olympics Committees, and companies who sponsor events like the Olympics or other sporting events. Many will send you a free pin if you write and ask.

• You can go to the Olympics web site and see who the sponsor companies are.
• The more letters you send, the more free pins you are likely to receive. One girl wrote to 77 companies, and 55 of them sent her over 250 pins!
• Write your letter by hand and send it the old-fashioned way, in a stamped envelope.
• Tell the company how old you are, what you like to do, what you like to collect, and that you would love to have one of their pins.
• Always offer to pay for the pin. Most companies will not ask you to pay but will send you a pin for free.
• If you are writing to other countries, make the letter simple and try to say something nice about

their country. It helps you learn about other countries too.

• If you are writing to other countries, be sure to use the proper amount of postage. (Check wit the Post Office.)
• If you ask nicely, the pins will start coming. Then it's so much fun to get mail!
• Always be sure to write a thank you note if you get a free pin.

9. Do one of the following to help a new pin trader, then discuss your experience with someone else or in a group:

a. Be an advocate for a new pin trader and help in the trade using the “Fun, Fair, and Friendly” principles of etiquette.

ADVOCATE

A person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person, cause, etc.; a person who pleads for or in behalf of another; intercessor.

If you observe someone trying to take advantage of another, respectfully approach them and remind them of the reasons why we engage in pin trading. Help in the trade so that everyone ends up happy. It’s not fun to be pressured into a trade. It’s only a good trade if both parties are satisfied after the trade. It is always acceptable to suggest another pin or to politely say, “No thanks,” if you are not happy with the proposed trade. Always encourage young and new traders when you can.

b. Give away one of your pins to a new pin trader in order to help him or her get started in pin trading.

As you get more pins, try giving some away. You will discover that it can be as much or more fun to give pins away as it is to add pins to your collection. The Bible says that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Making others happy is very rewarding!

10. Trade pins with at least fifteen people you don’t know at a venue or event where pin trading takes place, using the “Fun, Fair, Friendly” principles of etiquette. Keep a diary of the people you trade pins with and any interesting things that happen during your pin trading experiences.

This can take place at a Pathfinder camporee, Disneyland/Disney World, the Rose Parade, the Olympics, sporting events, or any other venue where pin trading takes place. Remember to talk to the people you are trading with and to practice the “Fun, Fair, and Friendly” rules of etiquette that you learned. Learn interesting things about the people you trade with like their name, where they are from, how long they’ve been trading pins, what they like to collect, etc. Having a diary will help you remember to talk to the people you trade with. You can make your diary as elaborate or as simple as you want.