Monday, January 19, 2009

Gothic Cameo Brooch

I got crafty and tackled my January recession challenge this weekend. I am a cameo nut and I’ve been searching for a cameo brooch in the thrift stores for ages. I’ve also become lately enamored of moody, gothic-inspired clothing. And you KNOW I love feathers. I combined all three elements in my creation.

Ideally, I would have made this brooch with only the things I had on hand (like Deborah-Lee)…but I didn’t have a cameo or any black feathers, so I bought those items, along with some black felt, at Michael’s. I already owned the black ribbon, brooch backs, glue gun, and glue.

First, I traced the cameo’s oval onto black felt and cut out the shape. Then, I glued two of the fluffiest feathers to the back of the cameo face. Next, I cut four pieces of ribbon and doubled them over (joining them in the center) and secured them with glue. I later stacked the ribbon and sewed them together. (Alligator clips were handy for holding the ribbons together as the glue dried and as I sewed the stack.) Finally, I sandwiched it all together between the cameo and felt and glued the pin onto the back.


Don’t forget to send me a link to or a picture of your own brooches!

7 comments:

*kate* said...

i love this!! plus it would look amazing pinned in your hair :)

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Alison said...

Ooo, that is crafty! I can't wait to see how you wear it. Hopefully this week I'll get my brooch put together. I'll be sure to send pictures. Very nice brooch!

Unknown said...

LOVE IT!!

wendeeB said...

Nice work and excellent creativity. I like the vintage brooch with the feathers. Very nice

Unknown said...

I have brooch envy! I've looked everywhere for a cameo...well, okay Michaels and Hobby Lobby. :) I love the cameo, feathers, and black ribbons. Lovely!

Cathryn said...

Crafty! I have a brand new (to me) vintage cameo, but I can't alter it since it came from my Great-Grandmother. I have other plans for my recession brooch.

Michelle Vandepol said...

I am going to try this. Another blogger I read made feathered barrettes so I may combine both projects into one afternoon. you did a beautiful job!