I was thinking about my very favorite projects for the kids the other day, and it’s hard to put a finger on just one. From big to small, we have a lot that we’ve done with them over the years. Some they could care less about, if we’re being honest, because kids. And then some that probably made some core memories, because they’ll bring them up on occasion. One of my very favorite projects ever for our kids {besides the hideaways we cooked up, and their own rooms} is this simple dress form that holds a vintage brooch collection. Because it’s ongoing, this is something we both love to hunt for together, whenever we frequent an antique shop or flea market. It’s an ongoing collection that never ends, and we just keep adding. I’m sharing it today in case ya missed it… and a link to her space with all the details, too! So here we go… a vintage brooch collection.
psssst… see her final room reveal, here.
I spied a similar idea at a hotel five years ago, and I’ve been collecting for this project, {see: planning, plotting and stalking the flea markets + Etsy + Ebay} ever since.
I’m here for a slow burn, y’all. I can honestly say I’ve been talking about it for so long, Emerson was a bit perplexed about what on earth I had up my sleeves. But once it all came together…
Oh the stories these vintage pieces could tell! The women who wore them and walked before us could probably give us some interesting perspective on life.
My personal faves are the micro mosaics, and hers are the victorian cameos. I’m in love with all of it.
So when I finally found the perfect dress form, {it took me a while because I knew I wanted these pieces to pop} we got to work putting it all together! I love that this one can be table top, or tall and pretty in the corner of her room.
But the truth of the matter something like this takes time and patience and funds to execute. We’ve been working on it for a while. Here are a few things I did to get it jump started.
I used a combo of old and new, baubles and real pins, while we slowly but surely fill them in.
I also found a “lot” on Ebay that combined old jewelry pieces. Some of them were clip on earrings and some of them were old necklaces. They were listed for cheap, so I scooped them up, removed excess wires with a wire cutter, and added pins to the back. Still vintage. Just a bit of a cheat and a lot more affordable. {People be proud of those vintage flower pins online.}
In the meantime, so that the bust is fun and presentable to fill in as we go, I even used a few cheap-o finds as well.
Then I “aged” them with your common, found-in-the-wild furniture stain, so that we could piece it all together.
See the difference with that one in the middle? I just took a q-tip and TADA! Game changer after it had about three days to harden.
The truth of the matter is, with all of them combined… ya can’t tell which are old and which are new. She loves them all just the same, and the cheap ones make great filler pieces for our in-the-meantime-collector phase.
We still have a lot of blank spaces, and an entire backside to fill.
I’m sure they’ll slowly but surely be replaced over time.
The idea is that this is pulled together with memories, meaning, and love for years to come. Something she just may hand down to her own daughter. Something with layers and a story.
Not to mention the color. Always here for the color.
I think this is a really fun start, and now our flea market adventures will take on a whole new meaning. A great way to infuse a love of old things into your kiddo.
We’ll be searching again in just a few weeks, on our next flea market adventure!
It truly is a one of a kind, collectible piece of art for your own home.
Such a fun project to do together! As always, let us know if you try it. We would love to see all the different versions of collectibles you have. Our boys have slowly but surely been harboring marbles and their own versions of fun finds {like records and spinning tops} all these years. You never know what you’ll find that they love. There is nothing cooler, in our book.
Have an inspired day!
Kim Hayes says
You are BRILLIANT and I’m BEDAZZLED by it and excited to create my very own Queen of BLING to display my grandma’s jewels! Oh isn’t she going to be FUN? Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe I am so glad! Happy creating! I can’t wait to see, so feel free to shoot some pics my way!
Cheryl says
I have a manican at home And on her is over 80 vintage broaches.i have been collecting them for awhile and I bought this beautiful girl magical who I named Beth and she is filled with these broachs.i wish I could send you a picture.
ashley @ the handmade home says
I love this! And I’d LOVE to see! These collections are so fun! Send it to me on Facebook or Instagram or Ashley @ thehandmadehome.net
Barbara Leavitt says
I started my own brooch collection on my old dress form. It stands alone , my brooches are put together by color. I have many of my Mother’s brooches, they are very special to me. My Mother lived to be 107 years, so I cherish each one!❤️
ashley @ the handmade home says
That is wonderful! I would love to see this! Feel free to send me some photos! That’s amazing. And what a wonderful, full life!
Audrey M says
So fun! I have been looking for a way that I could display some of my mom’s old brooches so they don’t have to hide away and this would be amazing! I also love your idea of converting other pieces so I’ll have to dig back into the old jewelry box and see what else will work. And start looking for the right dress form!
ashley @ the handmade home says
YES! So much fun. Brooches can get pricey so it’s fun to fill them in, in the meantime. Check out the link I provided above because they have different forms for great prices. I hope that helps!
Pamela Smith says
Very pretty! My daughter and I have been collecting brooches for her bride bouquet. We used cheapie ones too and then add ones with meaning for each person that is important in her and the groom’s lives. It’s definitely going to be a keepsake for a long time!
ashley @ the handmade home says
That is so special! Love this.
Sara's Art House says
I love this so much!!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Sara! It was so fun to create this with her, and I’m so glad we can keep going!
Bar Jess says
aooohhh. Truly lovely. I am softened and strengthened by everything in this story. Thank you and your lovies.
Donna Marie says
What a wonderful idea. It brings you and your daughter together, as well as decorating her room!!!
Cyndi Boulden says
Thank you for this wonderful idea, my grandmother’s were avid collectors of “RineStone” pieces. Some incredibly fancy. I can’t wait to try this !!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Love this! And they really are!
Paige Fletchall says
I’ve been doing this for 14 years for my granddaughter. Wish I could post mine and show you. ❤️
ashley @ the handmade home says
I’d love to see! Ashley @ thehandmadehome.net or send it to me on instagram!