I first saw this beautiful brooch tree on my sister-in-law’s wall a couple of years and loved it so much I was determined to make one. She purchased her brooches and pins at an antique fair in Texas and had wonderful unique pins to work with. Some of you may have some of these passed down from grandma’s and aunties. If so, lucky you! It’s worth scouting around at local thrift shops and you might find some sold in bulk.
I looked anywhere I could and started collecting. I found some vintage ones on Etsy. And surprise, surprise I found a LOT on Amazon.
Along with that you will need:
A frame (mine is 11×14), velvet fabric and some glue.
I have created a shop with everything that you need here: Most Delicious Life’s Amazon Page
Here are some other pieces I found that went a different direction.
This craft is great for any age. Sophie made a snowflake (I got in trouble for calling it a star) and Norah”s is beautiful. Corinne is ready to go with her’s.
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Start by using a wire cutter to cut all the backs off the pins/brooches. This is easier than you think so don’t worry.
Remove the backing of your frame. If necessary cut it out where attached.
Cut a piece of velvet a few inches larger than the board backing.
Hold the fabric up and turn each way to see if it has a nap. You will be able to tell…the fabric should look richer and darker when held correctly. Make sure to cut the velvet accordingly.
Lay the velvet right side down on the table and place the backing board on top. Use craft glue or a hot glue gun. Glue each side pulling fabric tightly. Don’t go all the way to the corners. Add Duct tape if you are neurotic like me.
Pull the corners of the fabric straight up and cut the corner down to about 1/8″.
Glue down one side the corner. Put a small dab right in the corner and pull the fabric in tightly over.
Finish by gluing the second side over the top. If you like add a strip of duct tape over the corner. (neurosis)
Lay the frame face down and place the board into the back. Use the metal fasteners if possible. The board may be a little large because of the added velvet so get it in as well as you can and tape into place.
JUST MAKE IT WORK!
Play around with placement of pins until you get it like you want. Then start gluing.
And there it is! Beautiful!
New Family Heirloom.