Brass, Lead & Sustainability: What to Know About the Metals in Your Flower Frogs

When it comes to choosing sustainable tools for floral design, materials matter. And if you’ve worked with flower frogs or pin cups, you may have noticed something about the bases—they’re heavy. That’s because many of them are made with solid lead bases, combined with brass pins or hairpin loops.

This might raise some questions:

Is that safe? Is it sustainable? And why choose metal at all?

Let’s walk through the facts about brass and lead, and how to work with them safely, responsibly, and sustainably in your floral practice.

First, What Are Floral Genius Flower Frogs Made From?

Most high-quality flower frogs (like ours!) are crafted with:

• Brass pins or hairpin loops: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, known for its strength and rust resistance.
• Solid lead bases: Lead provides weight and stability, keeping the frog anchored even in top-heavy arrangements.

This combination has been used for generations—long before floral foam was introduced—and is still the preferred choice for many sustainable floral designers today.

Why These Metals Are Surprisingly Sustainable

Brass

• Infinitely recyclable without losing quality
• Often made with high recycled content
• Corrosion-resistant and ages beautifully over time
• Perfect for tools meant to last a lifetime

Lead

• Highly recyclable and often repurposed from other industries
• Offers durability and weight, reducing the need for adhesives or plastic anchors
• Because it’s used in solid form, there’s no flaking or dust during normal use

In short: When metals like brass and lead are used in long-lasting, non-disposable products, they become part of a more circular and responsible system of manufacturing.

Is Solid Lead Safe?

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that must be handled with care. It becomes dangerous when it’s ingested or inhaled—not simply touched. In the case of flower frogs, the risk is extremely low with proper use.

Here’s what to know: 

The solid lead base is stable and non-reactive

Lead is not absorbed through the skin. The main risk is from lead dust or residue, which can happen if the surface is deteriorating or frequently handled without washing hands.

Painted flower frogs offer an extra layer of protection

Many Floral Genius pin holders come in painted finishes (black, green, rainbow, etc.). These coatings create a barrier between the lead base and your hands—adding both safety and aesthetic appeal.

How to Handle Flower Frogs Safely

You can safely and confidently use lead-based floral frogs in your designs by following a few simple precautions:

1. Wash your hands after handling

Especially before eating or touching your face, just a quick rinse with soap and water is enough. When handling flowers, particularly ones purchased from a store or florist, you should always wash your hands regardless of your floral mechanic. Many flowers, particularly imported ones, have been treated with harsh chemicals, so hand-washing is always a good idea!

2. Avoid sanding or scraping the base

Never file, grind, or intentionally wear down the lead surface.

3. Choose painted options when possible

Painted bases provide a physical barrier, reducing contact with the metal altogether. All Floral Genius kenzan come with a painted option; only our Natural finish (gold and silver) is unpainted. 

4. Store away from food or children

Just like any other tool, keep flower frogs in a dedicated floral kit or drawer, not your kitchen shelf. Never put your flower frogs in a dishwasher. You can clean them by soaking them in denture tablets or scrubbing with mild soap and an old toothbrush. 

Why Choose Metal Flower Frogs Over Floral Foam?

• 100% reusable—no single-use waste
• Fully recyclable at the end of life
• Free from microplastics and chemicals
• Safe for composting flowers after use
• Durable enough to last a lifetime (or more)

Compare that to floral foam: a petroleum-based product that crumbles into microplastics, isn’t compostable, and ends up in landfills after one use.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable floral design isn’t just about what we use—it’s about how we use it.

Brass and lead, when handled responsibly, are incredibly durable, recyclable, and effective materials that support foam-free floral design.

By choosing quality tools, caring for them properly, and understanding what they’re made of, we can create with confidence—and with less waste.