And now a little query... in the few quiet moments over the weekend I was musing over some new ideas and I thought about the embroidered buttons I made for my fashion module. "Wouldn't they be fun as little cheap and cheerful brooches to brighten up a T shirt" me thinks..." There are bound to be plenty of suppliers on the interweb..."
What I had in mind was basically a self cover button... the sort where the back pops into place... but instead of a button shank it would have a brooch pin on the back. I thought they would be easy to find... but no! Unless I'm typing the wrong thing into Google, but I did try almost every combination of words I could think of (including some I probably shouldn't... but it's so easy to get side tracked)
The closest I found was a flat backed button where you can glue a brooch pin on the back but then I couldn't find a UK supplier that could provide the right size (I want 38mm). I found an Australian supplier but the postage was more than the buttons.
What I had in mind was basically a self cover button... the sort where the back pops into place... but instead of a button shank it would have a brooch pin on the back. I thought they would be easy to find... but no! Unless I'm typing the wrong thing into Google, but I did try almost every combination of words I could think of (including some I probably shouldn't... but it's so easy to get side tracked)
The closest I found was a flat backed button where you can glue a brooch pin on the back but then I couldn't find a UK supplier that could provide the right size (I want 38mm). I found an Australian supplier but the postage was more than the buttons.But surely someone manufactures these with the brooch pins already in place... do you know of any suppliers... can you help me? Do I sound desperate? Well you know what it's like when you get an idea... I just want to make some!!!
Hi Gina, I've been searching for these badge blanks for ages as well. They must exist as this company, Sumptuosity, http://www.sumptuosity.net/store.html do the most lovely embroidered brooches. The closest I've found are from here, https://www.my-accessories.co.uk/item--Blank-30mm-Diameter-Badge-BB1--BB1.html. hope this is useful.
ReplyDeleteRegards
You could try a badge making supplier - they should supply extra badges.
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ReplyDeleteHow infuriating when you're all ready to go! Sorry I can't help but hope you find a supplier soon - it's a great idea.
ReplyDeletethat's a great idea Gina. I don't know if Etsy has anything under supplies - you could take a look here and see if anything is suitable:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=brooch+base&search_type=supplies&page=4&ship_to=GB
I think you've already found these - www.bloomingfelt.co.uk but you need to glue the pin on the back.
ReplyDeleteCute idea - you'll have to use a button badge machine...
Celia
There gorgeous, I'm sure they'll sell when you can make them into brooches..
ReplyDeleteNot much help I know but whilst in Holt I bought a brooch with just the sort of back you are after, so they do exist. The label on the brooch is sumptuosity. www.sheer-sumptuosity.co.uk. Hope this is a help
ReplyDeleteOoh, there's a puzzle. Have sent you an email with a suggestion x
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting through your open studios - I wish I could have popped by but couldnt make it I am afraid.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the buttons - I have been trying to find something similar for my beaded buttons but no joy so far. I would love to know if you find anything useful!!
Sorry - my brooch finding brain isn't working today! Hope you find supplies soon! Lucy x
ReplyDeleteI use a kids badge making machine for my felt ones, but you might also want to talk to Jane at Snapdragon - she makes embroidered brooches too and I suspect she has a very fancy machine.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to try mine out you're more than welcome!
The hellebore brooches are so beautiful--what a wonderful collaboration--and I think your new brooch idea is super fab too. And what great news that you may have found the supplies after all--the magic of blogging! K x
ReplyDeleteHi Gina, I just sent you an email about this but now that I see your work I wonder if the brooch settings from this shop might be pretty for your stitching http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kailea. I think it would look really nice in the silver or gold settings and would give your work a bit of a point of difference. I use the pendant settings for some of my embroidery and they're very easy to put together. Plus postage is cheap.
ReplyDeleteIts a pity the hellebore brooches didn't sell, but I think people are hanging on to their money these days.
ReplyDeleteAlso I think that fabric brooches are difficult because people assume they won't last and are reluctant to spend a lot. Sometimes you just have to do stuff because its beautiful and don't worry about why!