Pin It Forward

A Bellevue Forward community pin project

Pin It Forward is a community storytelling project by Bellevue Forward that turns local businesses, events, programs, memories, and children’s artwork into collectible enamel pins.

Participants donate a dollar, receive pins, and are encouraged to trade them throughout Bellevue — creating small moments of connection, curiosity, and shared pride.

This project is about participation, not profit.

What Is Pin It Forward?

Pin It Forward uses small objects to tell big local stories.

Each pin features artwork inspired by:

• Bellevue businesses

• Community events and programs

• Neighborhood landmarks and memories

• Original artwork created by local children

Pins circulate through the community — passed hand to hand, traded at businesses, and rediscovered in new places — creating a living, moving portrait of Bellevue.

How It Works

Donate & Receive
Participants donate $1 and receive two randomly selected pins.

Trade & Explore
Pins can be traded at participating Bellevue businesses and events.

Share the Story
Some pins can be registered online so we can see how they move through the community over time.

Repeat
Every trade adds another chapter to the story.

There’s no right or wrong way to participate — just curiosity and generosity.

Why Pins?

Pins are:

• Small enough to give away

• Durable enough to last

• Personal enough to keep

Unlike flyers or giveaways, pins travel. They get worn, collected, traded, and remembered.

Pin It Forward treats each pin as a tiny piece of civic storytelling — accessible, affordable, and meaningful.

Community Values

Pin It Forward is built around:

• Creativity — showcasing local art and imagination

• Accessibility — low-cost participation for all ages

• Connection — encouraging movement between people and places

• Pride of Place — celebrating what makes Bellevue Bellevue

Children’s artwork is included with care, consent, and respect — emphasizing creativity over identity.

Where You’ll Find Pins

Pins appear at:

• Participating Bellevue businesses

• Community events

• Pop-ups and special programs hosted by Bellevue Forward

Trading locations change over time, encouraging exploration and repeat visits.

Get Involved

Want to:

• Host pin trading at your business?

• Contribute artwork or ideas?

• Help distribute or document pins?

• Support the project with a small donation?

We’d love to hear from you.