The seeds of my Mississippi magnolia pin

In 2020, I helped design Mississippi's new flag. Dubbed the New Magnolia Flag, it replaced Mississippi's Confederate-themed banner that had been around since 1894. My contribution to the new design is the magnolia in the middle of the flag.

When the Mississippi Legislature passed a bill that removed the old Stars and Bars flag, it also established a flag commission that was tasked with creating a new one. The commission combed through 2,700 designs from the public to find a replacement.

Before we get to pins, let's design a flag for Mississippi

I submitted a flag design as well. I called it the New Century Flag, and my magnolia is its centerpiece.

A symbol of longevity and perseverance, magnolias embody the spirit of Mississippi and her people. And because it's our state tree and flower, it simply made sense to make it the primary graphic of my flag.

My magnolia vs. the final one

Eventually the flag commission chose my flower for Mississippi's new flag. The flag also incorporates elements from other designers.

The flag commission modified the center of my magnolia on the flag's final version. It's solid, whereas my original is comprised of small elements depicting carpels in the middle of magnolia blossom.

I prefer my original flower, but the change wasn't my decision to make.

The basics of my Mississippi magnolia pin

While designing my Mississippi pins, I decided to create one using my original magnolia. I wanted to keep the pin simple, so I used white enamel for the magnolia on a gold-plated background. (Fun fact: gold is Mississippi's state mineral.)

I also added a white border close to the edge of the pin to elegantly frame the flower. The pin is made from an iron base and has two pin backs instead of one to keep it from rotating.

Gift ideas for this pin

Gardeners and flower lovers would love this pin. It would also make a great gift for Mother's Day. But, my magnolia pin is popular with men too. So don't forget about Father's Day or any occasion for the him in your life.

Pin a magnolia on your chest, keep Mississippi close to your heart

Out of all my Mississippi pins, this is one of my favorites. Of course the magnolia is very personal for me, and anytime I see one in real life or in photos, I always think of home. So my hope for this pin is that all Mississippians, regardless of where they might be, can carry a piece of home with them wherever they go. ❤︎