I love pin badges, they can completely change the vibe of an outfit or accessory and are a really fun way of showing off your personality. Naturally, the pins that I design here at The Kindest are all based around life in Switzerland, being out in nature and.. well.. cows!
My pin badges are printed onto responsibly sourced, fast-growing wood (Maple veneered MDF) and are produced by a small, independent company in the UK. I chose wood for my pin badges not only for the environmental aspect (they use 20-24 times less energy to produce than enamel pins!) but also for the aesthetic and feel. The great outdoors is very much at the heart of The Kindest and using wood for my products just really encapsulates the lifestyle that I live and that I am promoting.
I love the pin badges because they are a small and affordable treat for yourself or for a loved one, they can easily be sent as a gift by mail and they are such a fun way to add a pop to your accessories or clothing.
This year I added a couple of new designs to the collection which I think really completes it: The Hiking Boot, The Swiss Cow Bell, The Pocketknife and Wanderweg
The edelweiss pin had a little facelift too! I redesigned my edelweiss illustration and now I am slowly updating it across my product line when something needs restocking.
This pin badge collection, "A Swiss Summer", is inspired by exactly that. Sunshine, mountains, the sound of cowbells, adventures, traditions and new experiences. They can be worn separately, on your hiking bag, your cap, a light jacket and picnic bag, or they can be combined and worn together, like
The Black Cow and
The Swiss Cow Bell
The
Wanderweg pin might look a little familiar! This design is inspired by the Swiss hiking trail signs that can be found all over the country, but my first version of this was actually the
Floral Wanderweg pin badge which has delicate alpine flowers in the background. I then produced the
Hiking Companion pin which has the traditional layout of the sign but with the added icon of a dog for those that love to explore the alps with their best friend! I then decided to add the traditional version of the wanderweg pin, for those that did not want the floral option. I wanted to make sure that there is something for everyone and that no one was alienated. I also did this with some keyrings this year, for example the
Hiking in the Alps keyring now has matching friend in the
Exploring the Alps keyring which features less floral decoration and more neutral patches and compass.
I’m so proud of how this collection has grown, and it means the world to me that my products can spark memories, celebrate adventures, or simply bring a smile to your face. Whether you're a longtime hiker, a lover of Swiss traditions, or just someone who appreciates the charm of a well-designed pin, there's something in this collection for you. Each piece tells a little story of alpine life and the joy of being surrounded by nature.
Take a look at the full "A Swiss Summer" pin badge range here — and let a little bit of the mountains come along for your next adventure! And let me know in the comments which is your favourite!
