Brooches can be small and elegant or large and extravagant.
Of all areas of jewelry making, the creation of brooches or pins is one of the most versatile. Almost any small, lightweight object can be transformed into a brooch for a scarf, hat or lapel. Though there are a few different basic techniques for creating a brooch, the basic supplies you'll need are similar for most projects, changing only slightly depending on design and the materials you'll be working with.
Findings
Almost any small, interesting or decorative object can be transformed into a brooch using a bar pin as a backing. Common options include jewelry findings like large cabochons or old earrings, dried or fake flowers, feathers, buttons and bottle caps. Often, the hard part of making a brooch from whatever object you find is finding a way to mount it if it has an unusual shape; a bottle cap, for instance, needs to be filled with something if you want to display its decorated top. Try cardboard, craft foam and tag board to help with these problems.
Safety Pin
Use a large safety pin for designs using short lengths of dangling chain. These designs are meant to use the safety pin as part of the visible front with the dangling beadwork attached to the bar side of the pin, (opposite the opposable portion with the sharp end). You can use a regular sewing safety pin for this purpose, or look in craft stores for a decorative pin made especially for this purpose. Decorative pins may also come in brass or gold colors and be fitted with rings for hanging the beadwork.
Bar Pin
Bar pins are typically used to make homemade brooches that are designed to hide the pins. These metal fittings have a wheel-like mechanism designed to hold the pin in place while you wear it and release it when you remove the pin. The portion of the pin that attaches to the rest of the brooch is a metal bar with holes in it; the holes are designed to allow glue to seep through, creating a stronger bond with thick glues like hot glue or silicone adhesive.
Glue
The type of glue you want for your pin will depend on what kind of materials your findings are made from. For soft goods, such as cloth, yarn or ribbon, hot glue will create a secure hold because it will bond with the woven fibers. For porous, harder materials, such as wood or cardboard, use a flexible white glue. If using hard, non-porous materials like hard plastic, stone or metal, use a quick-set epoxy.
Soldering Iron
If the finding you're attaching your bar pin to is made of metal, consider soldering the pieces together rather than gluing them for a secure hold and professional look. Use a standard soldering gun and solder wire to join the pieces together. Use a needle-nosed pliers, metal vise or "helping hands" grip tool to hold onto the pieces while you join them, since they'll get quite hot.
Related posts
Creating your own fishing lures can be a fun and rewarding hobby. The basic premise is simple: create something that a fish would want to eat and put a hook on it. But the materials that can be us...
Hats are as much a part of the Kentucky Derby tradition as the horse race and mint juleps.On the first Saturday in May, celebrities and average citizens gather to watch the Kentucky Derby. Whether...
Let dogs inspire your jewelry making for a gift.A friend or family member who loves dogs, or one breed in particular, is often an easy bet when purchasing gifts. Dog paraphernalia is available in...
About Costume JewelryJust because an accessory is called costume jewelry does not mean it is only worn on Halloween. Costume jewelry can be defined as basically any type of jewelry that is not mad...
A taxidermist's collectionTaxidermy is a hobby and craft that dates back ages and is both technically challenging and artistically rewarding. Because it requires not only the preservation of tissu...
