Project of the Day :: Monogram Brooches

One of the things I admire most in other people’s art and creative work is simplicity. Clean lines, striking colour combinations, pared-down style and the absolute minimum of fuss = (for me) heaven! Blessed as I am with a horrible tendency to overcomplicate just about everything, it’s something I both strive for and struggle with in my own projects all the time. So today, in the name of making a concerted effort to just get on with it already (and hopefully snag some of that pared-down goodness), both my project and this post are brought to you by the letter ‘S’ for simplicity.

Monograms are pretty much the definition of simple, don’t you think? Single letters standing plain and tall. Quick and easy to stamp, and just perfect for a wearable autumn project. To make these pretty-but-simple brooches, I used letters from the Pharmacy Large and Rosecube sets, stamped with black permanent ink onto scraps of fabric. I then followed a few (simple) steps to turn them from scrappy to striking.

:: Iron fusible webbing (e.g. BondaWeb or Wonder-Under) onto the back of each stamped monogram. Cut out a circle.

:: Peel backing off the webbing and iron the circle onto a second fabric scrap.

:: Add more webbing to the back of your second piece of fabric. Cut out a circle, slightly larger than the first one.

:: Peel backing off the webbing and iron the circle onto a third piece of fabric.

:: Cut out a circle, slightly larger than the second one.

:: Machine-stitch all three layers together, going round and round the circle, using a mixture of plain and zig-zag stitches (don't worry about making it too neat - random is perfect for this project).

:: Glue or sew a brooch-pin to the back.

:: Wear.

If you fancy something fancier, they’re just as simple to alter and adjust.

Try ironing on just one extra layer to add some frothy, organza prettiness.

Stamp a short word instead of your initial.

Cut an oval, rather than a circle. Make the outer layer felt and trim with scalloped scissors.

Fix a couple of lengths of ribbon to the back for a rosette-style brooch.

If wearable isn’t quite your style, you could always use your stitched monogram (or equally-simple stamped icon) on a card or layout.

All of which, I hope, proves that simple can be very lovely indeed. I have a mixture of plans for the finished brooches – pinning them on to bags or maybe cushions, as well as jackets and sweaters. If you’re similarly inspired to add some simple style to your new-season wardrobe, or your autumn crafting, we’d love to see the pictures. Just upload to the Banana Frog Flickr group, or post a link in the comments below. It really couldn’t be simpler.

Until next month, Froglets.

Kirsty

x  

Comments

[Jo Firth-Young]

luuuuuuuuuurve these very much! great way to use up little bits of fabric too - love them!
Jo

[Julie Kirk]

Exquisitely wonderful lovelies! You know I love anything with words / letters on it! I'm sure you're making a special one with a 'J' on it as we speak ..... Gorgeous project lady xx

[Bev]

Yep, I love them too -and of course you will already have made one for the boss lady right?! :)

[the green gal]

Fabulous! I've been thinking about a take on the rosette and this is just brilliant. Might try it with a button instead of an initial, ooh, get me to my craft corner! You're inspirational as always! x

[Natty]

Have to say, these are rather fabulous aren't they! Love the colours and the different looks. :o)

[the green gal]

You are quite literally an inspiration, I made this rosette badge yesterday! http://good.ly/txts2
I didn't use any stitching (partly because I forgot but it's a faff to get out my sewing machine anyway) and swapped the stamp for a button. Hope you like it! x

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