View Full Version : Creative ideas for park sticker/patch collection?
I've started collecting a sticker and/or patch for parks that I've visited, but I'm struggling for a good idea of how to display them. I don't want to stick them all over my car. The idea of framing the patches is okay...I dunno. Has anybody come up with a cool/fun way to show off all the national & state parks you've visited? I thought about buying a map and sticking them on it, but once I start going cross-country that'll be space-prohibitive.
I recall having a fun conversation with a hiker because she had patches from all around the world sewn on her backpack.
They would have looked equally great on a day pack — but all of them probably would not have fit.
I have a 4' x 7' US map including AK and HI I place various colored flag push pins of the 49 of the 60 NP's, NOT historical sites, battlefields, National Monuments, etc I've visited. The Nat Monuments are a different colored flag push pin. Nat. Seashores are a different color. etc, etc, etc
Hikes in Rain
05-19-2019, 21:36
We've started sewing patches on an inexpensive plain fleece throw. We don't have a lot yet, but it doesn't take much to make it interesting.
Maui Rhino
05-20-2019, 00:05
Google Velcro patch panel.... It's easy to sew Velcro hook to the back of your patches. A small panel of loop sewn to your pack lets you swap out patches any time you choose to, and large ones are available to hang on your wall land display your patches.
T.S.Kobzol
05-20-2019, 09:13
Also what are alternative ways to affix a patch besides hand sewing it on ( like I do)?
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Pringles
05-20-2019, 09:22
Also what are alternative ways to affix a patch besides hand sewing it on ( like I do)?
I don’t remember what it’s called, but there’s some stuff that scouts use to attach patches. I asked at Hobby Lobby, a nice lady ushered me to the fabric area, and handed me a packet about 6 inches by 6 inches. Inside are some sticky tape sheets you can cut to the size of the item you want to attach. I think it was about five or six dollars for 5 of the stickers. The packaging says they should go through the wash. I haven’t tried it yet, but after I looked it up on Amazon, the reviews were good.
I don’t remember what it’s called, but there’s some stuff that scouts use to attach patches. I asked at Hobby Lobby, a nice lady ushered me to the fabric area, and handed me a packet about 6 inches by 6 inches. Inside are some sticky tape sheets you can cut to the size of the item you want to attach. I think it was about five or six dollars for 5 of the stickers. The packaging says they should go through the wash. I haven’t tried it yet, but after I looked it up on Amazon, the reviews were good.
I believe the official name is Badge Magic, but there may be other brands now as well. One thing that I've seen is that it tends to leave a mark on the underlying item should you ever want to remove a patch without putting another over it.
T.S.Kobzol
05-20-2019, 14:17
Thanks for the tip. I bought Badge Magic and will give it a try. :-)
BlackCloud
05-22-2019, 17:26
You can purchase velcro by the roll @ Walmart. Sticky on one side and hook-and-loop on the other. It then attaches to fabric, like a cubicle wall. Framing is very expensive, but I did that for my best patches and it looks very good. The Boy Scouts also sell a patch display book with plastic page inserts. I imagine hobby stores do as well.
As for decals, they go on my equipment boxes.
TexasBob
05-22-2019, 21:20
Fabric adhesive might be another option. https://www.amazon.com/Beacon-Fabri-Tac-Permanent-Adhesive-BOTTLE/dp/B00PCD47FO/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=F09JVQ41R7PPTK7TF9MS
I'm a long time Boy Scout leader who has way too many patches. There have been many great suggestions on this post. Here's a few I have seen through the years.
Badge Magic - Works ok but will eventually come off in the wash. It will leave a stain on the material. Also, the patches will fall off if the item is drycleaned.
Patch blankets are an easy and fun way to display.
Patches can easily be sewn onto fleece jackets and vests.
Patches can be sewn onto day packs and back packs. However, they will get dirty and hold moisture.
Patches can be displayed in picture frames with felt backing cut to fit inside the frame (I think black felt looks the best). Two sided tape or velcro, with the patches pressed up against the glass, will hold them in place.
If you are collecting patches but do not want to display them, then I recommend a three-ring binder. Use clear sheets, a heavy stock piece of paper, and tape the patches to the paper. Or you can buy collector sheets at your local Boy Scout Service Center or craft store.
Many scouts keep their patches in a plastic container with locking lid, or a large ziploc bag.
Regarding stickers, most of them go on water bottles, coolers, and metal drink holders, wine glasses, and highball glasses. Putting them on my water bottle has two benefits. First it makes it easy to identify when I'm with a group. Second, it is a great conversation starter when people recognize a place or activity.
If you use a three ring binder for your patches, you can use stickers on the spine or the front to identify the contents of the binder.
Has anybody come up with a cool/fun way to show off all the national & state parks you've visited?
Clearly you need a travel trailer. The rear end is the perfect canvas for your stickers. If your inclined towards the UL lifestyle, get a Scamp!
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