Pretty Brooches

I have been attempting to make a couple of brooches, which are a bit of an addiction of mine. It's been a slow task. The one on the left below is a dyed crochet piece kitted out with gumnuts and guinea feathers. The gumnuts are of a common, plebian sort and from a neighbourhood tree. They were painted prior to affixing. I quite like this though it's probably best with bohemian togs. The one on the right is a rusted silver brooch that I found while walking that I gave a paint makeover. I might use it to make a larger piece but at the moment I am happy with it's coppery tones.

Of all the brooches I have, the Japanese ones that I picked up at a few art exhibitions are my favourites. On the left below is a brooch made from newspaper and dyed a powdery blue. On the right a brooch that I have had for a long time. It's soft and feathery and inspired by a peony.

The background pictures are all from the latest edition of Inside Out.