How to Use Brooch Blanks in Jewelry Making

Create a beautiful brooch from scratch with your original ideas and design. A brooch blank is a pre-made metal shape on which bead work may be mounted and attached in an attractive pattern or design. Read on to learn how to use brooch blanks in jewelry making.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blank brooch
• Beads
• Stones
• Bar pin
• Glue
• White cloth

1. Shop for a supplier. Check out your local craft supplier or jewelry and bead supplier. Also look online for jewelry suppliers or brooch suppliers.

2. Purchase a blank brooch or multiple blank brooches.

3. Layout a white cloth as your working area. A white cloth will help you find beads or stones if they are dropped.

4. Examine patterns or designs in brooch to help you envision what it will look like once complete.

5. Chose bead or stone colors, sizes and styles. Chose your favorite color or colors that will go with particular outfits.

6. Organize all supplies and place beads in a bead organizer in groupings.

7. Start in the middle and work your way to the outside of the brooch.

8. Glue your first stone or bead in the center mounting.

9. Follow the pattern and layout of the blank brooch.

10. Apply glue to each bead or stone to create the beautiful pattern and design of the brooch. Allow glue to dry.

11. Glue a bar pin to the back of your complete brooch. Allow glue to dry for the bar pin.

12. Wear your brooch or give it as a special gift.

Tips & Warnings

• Chose bead sizes, styles and quantities upon choosing your blank brooch.
• Chose a bar pin that is appropriate for the finished size and weight of your brooch.

[katelowe1]

on 10/15/2008 Hi, Can you steer me in the direction of a brooch blank supplier? I have spent hours on the internet trying to fine one. Thanks, Kate