If you've ever found a bright, glossy little brooch shaped like a house, a cat or a woman in a big hat, it may be a Lucinda pin. These cheerful pins have a devoted following, and part of their charm is the story behind them.
Who Is Lucinda?
Lucinda pins were created by artist Lucinda Yates in Maine, starting in the late 1980s. Her first and most famous designs were House Pins, made as "cause" jewelry to raise money for housing charities and homeless shelters. The idea caught on, and her pins went on to support many other causes over the years.
How They're Made
Each pin is built by layering decorative paper over thin slices of wood or plastic, then adding paint, glitter and little embellishments, and finishing it all under a clear, glossy coat of resin. The result is a smooth, shiny pin with a dimensional, collage-like look. Because they were assembled by hand, no two are exactly alike.
The Different Series
- House Pins: the originals, houses of all kinds decorated with flowers, hearts, birds, rainbows and seasonal themes.
- Woman Pins and People Pins: women in hats and dresses, families, friends and "little people."
- Pet Pins: cats, dogs and other animals, much loved by animal lovers.
- Book Pins: book-shaped pins celebrating reading, popular with teachers and librarians.
- Music Pins: musical notes and instruments.
- Holiday Pins: Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and more.
- Awareness Pins: ribbons and designs supporting causes such as domestic violence awareness.
How to Identify a Lucinda Pin
- Check the back: most are signed or labeled on the back, often with "Lucinda" or the name of the series, such as "House Pins by Lucinda." Some also have a small card or tag explaining the cause.
- Look for the glossy resin finish over colorful paper and paint, often with glitter.
- Size: most are small to medium brooches, about 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
- Bar pin backs are typical.
What Collectors Look For
- Rare or unusual designs, especially early pieces, limited editions and pins with lots of glitter and detail.
- Themes collectors love: holidays, pets, music, books and occupations make great gifts, so they're always in demand.
- Condition: look for a clear, glossy finish without cracks, cloudy spots, scratches or lifting paper, and a working pin back.
- Original cards and tags add interest and help tell the pin's story.
Why People Love Them
Lucinda pins are wearable art with a heart. They're cheerful, affordable to start collecting, and every one was made to help someone. Many collectors wear them to match the season or give them as gifts to teachers, new homeowners and friends.
Caring for Lucinda Pins
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth.
- Avoid soaking, harsh cleaners and heat, which can cloud or crack the resin.
- Store them so they don't scratch against metal jewelry.
Browse our vintage brooches collection, and read our guide to signed vs. unsigned brooches and scatter pins.
See it in person: whimsical novelty brooches in the shop
Each one is a single piece, so when it's gone, it's gone.
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Do you collect Lucinda pins? Which design is your favorite, or the one you're still hunting for? Tell us!