Recession Challenge: Make Your Own Brooch

Ahhh…2009. Somehow, ringing in the New Year didn’t seem as sweet against the backdrop of unemployment and economic depression. At risk of sounding hopelessly Pollyanna-ish, I’m going to join a number of other folks in suggesting that the economic situation is an opportunity; it's a chance to do more with less.

In that spirit, I will post a challenge each month in which I’ll ask my readers and fellow bloggers to do more with less in their wardrobe. It might be refashioning pieces you already have or creating something brand new with a few items from the craft store and your junk drawer.

The January challenge is to make your own brooch. Yesterday, I wrote about the great ways you can wear a brooch. What I didn’t mention, though, is how easy it is to make your own. You can buy a great big box of brooch fastenings at your local craft store for a couple of bucks. Your imagination (well, and weight) is the limit as to what you can glue on the front. Inspiration items might be a poker chip, dyed feathers, a collection of unmated earrings, or a silk flower. I’ve even made a brooch by gluing two pin backs to an appliqué.

As you complete the challenge, either leave me a comment or send me an email. If you blog about your creation, send me the link. If you’re not a blogger, feel free to send a picture and/or description and I’ll include it in the final round-up at the end of the month.

I’m so excited to see your beautiful brooches!

P.S. And I resolve to post the challenges by the first of the month of all of the coming months.