From design to product

A new year needs a new product (well, at least one), so trying to build on the ideas behind my brooches, keyrings and bag charms I wanted to move forward with brooch pins that have that kind of casual/boho layered look.  I love colour, and I love the boho chic style, but finding the confidence to design something like this is, for me, quite hard.

As with all new ideas, I started off with a sketch and then have a play with materials.  In the case of my first brooch pin, I had Valentine hearts in mind but I didn't want it to turn out completely pink and too girly.

It took me a while to find the base colour (the adorable light olive green felt) but the other two main layers came together quite easily.  The olive gave the brooch a vintage feel, so choosing lace as part of the trims seemed to be a natural choice.  Using grey lace with the green really highlighted the vintage element, with the gold edged gossamer green ribbon behind the cream lace adding a hint of bling.  I had decided on using the coat hanger charm right from the start, they are very prettily decorated and quite unusual.   Hanging the three felt hearts looked quite cute, although in hindsight I'm wondering if mini button hearts would have looked a little sharper.

Time to add embellishments - the best part! A clear teardrop bead, seed bead and mini heart button really made the brooch look special and that final decision - brooch back or brooch pin - brooch pin it was and I'm really happy with how it looks.

Ideal for pinning to a favourite outfit or jacket - now available at Ellie's Treasures.