Display heirlooms and estate finds: How to make wall art with old brooches

Brooches may look old-fashioned, but no one can deny the craftsmanship and design options. If wearing one is not part of your style, you still can use brooches as unique, colorful wall art.

This tutorial uses three butterfly brooches that are equal in style and size. However, you can use any brooches you want, in any configuration. Did Grandmother leave you her prized dragonfly brooch? Purchase a smaller frame and make the pin the center of attention. If you have several large brooches, use a big frame and scatter them randomly, or make a geometric pattern.

Materials
- Frame of your choosing, with mat
- Black felt
- Fabric chalk
- Scissors
- Brooch(es) of your choosing

1. Take apart the frame. Set aside the backing, mat and frame. You won't be using the glass.

2. Place the mat on the felt, and the frame on top of the mat. The frame should line up along the right edge of the felt. Draw a chalk line on the felt, using the left edge of the frame as a straightedge.

3. Cut along the chalk line.

4. Center the mat on the cut felt piece. Place the frame on top to make sure the felt is the same size as the frame.

5. Attach the brooch(es) to the center of the felt, within the mat, in the desired arrangement.

6. Flip over the frame so the back faces up. Place only the mat in the frame. Carefully place the felt face-down over the back of the frame.

7. Insert the backing, gently pushing down so the felt lines the inside edges of the frame, and secure it. Trim off any felt sticking out.

8. Turn over the frame and recenter any brooches that moved. Hang or stand where desired.