Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Pinning a New (Fashion) Statement

A brooch is something like the maraschino cherry that completes a classic ice cream sundae: It may seem extraneous at first, but once it’s been added, imagining the ensemble without it is impossible. In American culture the lapel area is a virtual battlefield, with causes from breast cancer awareness to patriotism constantly competing with traditional jewelry for the same three to four square inches of pin space. In Europe, apparently, the brooch is not so much a statement piece as it is a thing of gratuitous beauty, the madly appealing brooches handcrafted in Denmark by Mette of The Brooch Boutique serving as a splendid case in point. "Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity," said Plato, but don’t tell that to Mette, who with a few sequins and glass beads can turn the cut remnants of Indian saris into an accessory so marvelously textured and complex that passers-by are unable to resist taking a closer look.



Aristotle’s quip that “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work” is probably more apropos, considering that examples such as Mette's Chocolate Crochet Flower Bobby Pins and Ivory and Fuchsia Crochet Flower Brooch demonstrate such a patient attention to detail that a love of craft can not be far behind. Really, once one has spun through this gallery, encountering the spring-soft hues of Chic Chiffon, the crocheted floridity of Baby Pink or Beaded Ivory rising like "puffs of colored smoke" (Hemingway), the soothing comfort of Strawberry Vanilla or the upturned optimism of Yellow and Turquoise to name just a few, resisting the urge to fall in love with this craft right alongside the crafter will likely be futile. And where love is concerned, here’s something you’ll love even more: The winner of today’s giveaway will receive an Ivory and Cream Crochet Flower Brooch courtesy of The Brooch Boutique. To enter, visit www.thebroochboutique.etsy.com, then come back here to tell us about your favorite product. Wishing Willow subscribers earn an extra entry; be sure to let us know in a second post if you’re a subscriber. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 11/19/08. Good luck!

**We have a winner! beartifix who said, "So romantic and pretty! I like the sparkling ivory crochet flower brooch. Thanks for the great giveaway!"

182 comments:

Jen lleras said...

I love the chocolate satin, it's much more modern than the average broach!
jennifer.lleras@gmail.com

Rebecca MacLary said...

I too like the chocolate satin but I also love the sparkling ivory and grey crochet flower brooch.

rmaclary(at)gmail.com

Rebecca MacLary said...

I'm a subscriber.

rmaclary(at)gmail.com

Jennifer said...

This store offers such lovely items! Thank you for introducing me to yet another fabulous store. :)

My favourite item in the store is: Ivory, gold and chocolate mohair scarflette and brooch.

knittingmomof3 AT gmail DOT com

Dee said...

I like the Sparkling black, grey and ivory crochet flower brooch

Melody said...

Oh my! Black and white chiffon flower brooch is insanely lovely! I'll love to pin this onto my blouse!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Cheers,
Melody
mel_88_88@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15424620

Large pink satin flower corsage brooch Carrie Bradshaw style is such a nice pink flower brooch! Elegant!

Crystal(manhattandolls@gmail.com)

Anonymous said...

Chocolate satin corsage brooch! I love chocolate so this definitely caught my eye!

tan.huishan@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe through google feed too...

tan.huishan@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Chic chiffon flower brooch: This reminds me of little flowers on a field. Great for accessorizing!

dancerinthemaking@gmail.com

Carolyn Sharkas said...

these are all so, so pretty, hard to choose just one, I loved the vintage button crochet flower brooch and the chic chiffon flower brooch and so many others.

thanks for sharing

ceashark at aol dot com

Carolyn Sharkas said...

I am a subscriber

thanks

ceashark at aol dot com

nanja said...

I like the Ivory and fucsia crochet flower brooch Would look good on my winter coat

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

My favorite is the Dusty pink crochet flower brooch.

=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com

Millie said...

Sparkling black, grey and ivory crochet flower brooch would be my pick! Thank you for the chance to win such a great gift!

Anonymous said...

I love the beaded grey crochet pin, but the sparkling dusty pin was a close second. Love your website!!
ajbush@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

I'm a subscriber now, too!!
ajbush@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

HI, I loved the Ivory, grey and dusty pink crochet flower brooch. A great selection.

rhubbert(at)socal.rr.com

Anonymous said...

I am a subsriber.

rhubbert(at)socal.rr.com

cathyhall said...

I fell in love with the bobby pins selection, my fave being the Grey crochet flower bobby pins.

Awesome giveaway as usual, thanks.

Anonymous said...

Loving the Ivory and cream crochet flower brooch, these are sumyuous.

davidjnorris at ntlworld.com

Digital Misfit said...

I love the Sari Silk flower brooch http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10092228

The colors are so rich and exotic, making this simple wee flower brooch into a dramatic fashion piece.

Digital Misfit said...

but of COURSE I am a subscriber!

heidig@gmail.com

Brooke said...

I love it! I also love the Ivory crochet flower bobby pins! Very cute!

Unknown said...

Pink crochet flower brooch- with faux pearl. I love the colour!

Jenna said...

I really like the Pink crochet flower brooch with faux pearls. I just got a new coat and this would look great on it. Thanks for the giveaway!

Booklogged said...

I really like the Ivory and pink crochet flower brooch.

booklogged AT gmail DOT com

mverno said...

chic chiffon flower brooch

elenalecue said...

i love the sari silk flower brooch - bollywood baby!!!
elenalecue@gmail.com

elenalecue said...

PS I am a subscriber (via therethere@mail.ru address)

Sarah said...

I love the Creamy ivory crochet flower brooch

Jenn S. said...

I really like the Ivory and charcoal mohair/wool scarflette and brooch.

kellyache said...

The Chocolate crochet flower bobby pins are so darling. What a super idea!

kellyache said...

Also, I subscribe! Thanks.

kellyache[at] hotmail.com

Anna Lloyd said...

I love the Chocolate satin flower brooch.

Maja said...

chocolate satin flower brooch

angelina115@hotmail.com

Maja said...

angelina115@hotmail.com

subscriber

Anonymous said...

The Sari Silk Flower Brooch is so beautiful, any of these would look so lovely on one of my favorite dresses or jackets!

sundayminimalist@yahoo.com

designHER Momma said...

I love the Chocolate satin corsage brooch. It looks fab and would love to wear it for the holidays.

designHER Momma said...

...and I'm a fairly new subscriber (been loving your site)

Anonymous said...

Love the Large pink satin flower the Carrie Bradshaw style one! beautiful! Thanks for the chance

Anonymous said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16325013
Beaded baby pink crochet flower brooch
I love pink and this is cute

marsbar350@hotmail.com

thanks :)

Unknown said...

Sparkling dusty pink crochet flower brooch - very glitzy but understated

Unknown said...

I am a subscriber!

misaacmom [at] gmail [dot] com

Katie said...

Her stuff is very cool! I like the Chocolate and freshwater crochet flower bobby pin.
katiekarr at gmail dot com

muchlove said...

everything looks so beautiful.
My favourite is the Ivory and chocolate mohair choker.
The design is beautiful.

getpalmd said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10473808

:-)

judybrittle said...

I really love the Sparkling smokey blue crochet flower brooch. That is really pretty! Thank you!
judybrittle at aol dot com

judybrittle said...

I'm a subscriber.
judybrittle at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

I love the chocolate satin.

Unknown said...

I love the Ivory and charcoal mohair/wool scarflette and brooch.
Thanks for the chance to win!
proudyaya04 {at} yahoo {dot} com

Unknown said...

I'm a subscriber!
proudyaya04 {at} yahoo {dot} com

Kirby McCauley said...

I like the Ivory and charcoal mohair/wool scarflette and brooch.

cltgrace said...

The ivory crocheted flower barrettes - so sweet! All the ivory pieces are charming!

Re said...

i'm a subscriber

Re said...

i love teh mohair scarf and brooch

Shelley K. said...

Dusty pink crochet flower bobby pins is my fave.

tskrush (at) cox (dot) net

kdkdkd said...

Those are SO pretty! I love the Creamy ivory crochet flower brooch. I wish there were some Silk Sari borrches to see

Anonymous said...

ow beautiful. I like the sparkling white crochet flower which is perfect for the holidays or just a winter party.

Thank you!
onenightoff (at) gmail (dot) com

Abby said...

Sparkling smokey blue crochet flower brooch

this one is my fave!

ajcmeyer AT go DOT com

moushka said...

Love the Pink crochet flower brooch, the Chic chiffon flower brooch and especially the Ivory and chocolate mohair choker.

Anonymous said...

Since purple is supposed to be a great color this fall and winter, I like the Sweet Purple Crochet Flower. Thanks for the contest.

Paula -- CutieFruity said...

I'd love to take a few of these beutiful flowers and put them in my daughters' hair.

Sheila said...

They are all very lovely, and my favorite is the Chic chiffon flower brooch!

Ann said...

I love the Ivory, gold and chocolate mohair scarflette and brooch, beautiful! Thanks for the great giveaway!

ann dot guns at mac dot com

Ann said...

I'm a subscriber.

ann dot guns at mac dot com

Anonymous said...

I'm a susbcriber

Leah said...

I just adore the Sweet purple crochet flower brooch. It's truly gorgeous!

Thanks so much for the give~away! : )))

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

I'm also a subscriber.

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

Chic chiffon flower brooch is my fav.

Anonymous said...

My wife loves the Ivory, gold and chocolate mohair scarflette and brooch.

The Chatty Housewife said...

Sparkling black, grey and ivory crochet flower brooch or the plain ivory- they are amazing!

Vinca Kumala said...

the store is full with lovely handmade..so it hard to chose..but if I wanna buy item form your shop I will prefer Ivory and cream crochet flower brooch...

millionmindsstudio@gmail.com

thank you

Heather said...

These are all so lovely. They look so soft I am dying to touch them!!
My favourite is the Sparkling ivory crochet flower brooch.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful giveaway! I love the ivory brooch, and I love the matching ivory crochet flower bobby pins!! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I am also a subscriber!!!
thanks!
anthonlm01(at)aol(dot)com

ecky said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ecky said...

i love the chocolate crochet flower bobby pin. so cute!
elkesten at yahoo dot com

dawns41 said...

The Baby Pink and Cream Crochet Flower Brooch is my pink.
dawns_horizen@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love the Chocolate satin flower brooch. It's beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win.

skylergrotz at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I am a subscriber.

skylergrotz at hotmail dot com

tatertot374 said...

Thank you for having this. I would love to win. I like the pink crochet flower brooch. very pretty. Thank you!
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

Tonya said...

i really like the chocolate satin

Rachel said...

I like the creamy ivory crochet brooch!

tomps77 at yahoo dot com

Erin said...

My favorite piece is definitely the Lime green mohair scarflette and brooch---so pretty! Thanks for the contest.

emhagedon at gmail

Mel said...

Pink crochet flower brooch would look beautiful on a purse I am making! Thanks!!

Mel said...

I am a subscriber to your wonderfuly fun blog!

Anonymous said...

My favorite is - Ivory crochet flower bobby pins.
Thanks!
Ashlomb@yahoo.com

ZeCe said...

Oh, my! They are all so beautiful!!!

I chose one as a favorite, but I'd say I'm constraining myself not to list all items here, so I'm going for the Large grey crochet flower brooch :)

Thanks a lot for the opportunity!

http://zece.etsy.com
zece.original@gmail.com

ZeCe said...

And I subscribed too :D

zece.original@gmail.com

jennem said...

My favorite is the Dusty pink crochet flower bobby pin set.
Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com

Kari said...

The Pink crochet flower brooch with faux pearls is so elegant!! I love it!

Kari said...

Im a subscriber!

Anonymous said...

The ivory crochet flower bobby pins for hair would be so very sweet, charming and pretty for the holidays...something for a little lady...to a dear grandmother! A matching set for each, how delightful!

pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com

Becky said...

Such pretty items! I really love the Dusty pink crochet flower bobby pins. I can see these in my granddaughters hair.

Thanks so much!

Becky said...

I am a subscriber!

puffpastryshop said...

I like the pink crochet flower brooch here

puffpastryshop(at)gmail(dot)com
puffpastry.etsy.com

AllieOop said...

I love the Chic Chiffon Flower--very innovative designs.
aghendrick@aol.com

Unknown said...

I like the chocolate beaded wool felt and satin square brooch.

Unknown said...

I'm a subscriber.

Jenn S. said...

The Ivory and sparkling blue crochet flower brooch is one of my favorites.

blogggggg said...

I really like the Pink crochet flower brooch. So bright, it really makes a statement.

blogggggg said...

I am a subscriber.

dor said...

I'm a subscriber

Unknown said...

I like the Ivory and charcoal mohair/wool scarflette and brooch.

Anonymous said...

I like the Chocolate satin swarowski flower brooch

Twincere said...

I like the Chocolate satin swarowski flower brooch

beartifix said...

So romantic and pretty! I like the sparkling ivory crochet flower brooch. Thanks for the great giveaway!

beartifix said...

I am also a subscriber.

Anonymous said...

I love the white flower one it looks so pretty from bettyboopbettybooploves@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Love the sparkling white crochet flower brooch. It looks so dreamy.
babycake_76@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Simply beautiful! The Ivory brooch is lovely, but I would enjoy all of them. blackford56@yahoo.com

jffryclough said...

the dusty pink crochet flower brooch

Melissa B. said...

Sparkling dusty pink crochet flower brooch

kathy55439 said...

Chocolate satin flower brooch I liked the hair booby pins as well

Shauna said...

The cafe latte satin is so pretty and very unique!

amzonwmn_us@yahoo.com

Shauna said...

Im a subscriber!


amzonwmn_us@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Baby pink and cream crochet flower brooch is really cute.

mverno said...

i like the Dusty rose vintage style wrist cuff

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

love the dusty rose wrist cuff mrs.mommyyatgmail.com

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

subscriber mrs.mommyyatgmail.com

StinaWins said...

Beautiful stuff! My favorite is the Sparkling smokey blue crochet flower brooch!

StinaWins said...

I subscribed!

rosannepm said...

I like the chocolate satin one. Normally don't wear brooches but I really like these.

Britt- Sparkled Vintage Charm said...

I love the strawberry vanilla
sparkledvintagecharm@yahoo.com

Roseann K. said...

I like the smokey blue flower brooch! thanks

Tonya said...

The Sari Silk Flower Broochis really neat

Anonymous said...

These brooches are so lovely! I like the Sparkling Ivory and Grey Flower Brooch.

Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

SeahorseLady said...

She must have the patience of a Saint to be able to do such beautiful and detailed work.
I love the pretty Chocolate satin flower brooch.
Thank you for the nice giveaway.

SeahorseLady said...

I'm also a subscriber.

chazvgo said...

Chocolate and freshwater crochet flower bobby pin!!!!

robt6 said...

My favorite is the Chocolate satin corsage brooch.

Anonymous said...

Sparkling ivory is my favorite. Thank you for the giveaway and please enter me!

hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Jean said...

I like the Sparkling black, grey and ivory crochet flower brooch

cigar666 said...

The slivery-like leaf earring with the light blue bead

Anonymous said...

I like the Chocolate satin corsage brooch! Thanks for the chance to win.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

tatertot374 said...

Thank you! I also like the Ivory crochet flower bobby pins.
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

jemmmers74 said...

I like the Chic chiffon flower brooch.

mamabear said...

I really like the Pink Chiffon flower, or the pink Crochet flower, they remind me of the elegance of my grandmother.

Ginny said...

I love the Sparkling black, grey and ivory crochet flower brooch

mogrill said...

The the Ivory, gold and chocolate mohair scarflette is absolutely stunning!

Happi Shopr said...

love the chocolate satin and the chocolate mohair scarfette. trinitygsd at yahoo dot com

cathirushing said...

Chocolate satin corsage brooch

angie said...

I like the Sparkling grey crochet flower brooch. The stones in the center are so pretty!

Anonymous said...

I love the Ivory crochet flower bobby pins. Those would look so darn cute!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

Anonymous said...

I subscribe too.
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

kdkdkd said...

I love the Sparkling ivory and silver crochet flower brooch, although they are all beautiful

Unknown said...

Sparkling ivory and black crochet flower brooch! So adorable!!!

Unknown said...

I'm a happy subscriber

Storm, The Psychotic Housewife said...

I like the Ivory Crochet flower bobby pins, very pretty! :)

Anonymous said...

I like the sparkling grey crochet. It's adorable.

Thanks!

strycker@slu.edu

Helen said...

I love the Ivory and charcoal mohair/wool scarflette and brooch. It's gorgeous!

yellowlabs said...

The Magenta and charcoal grey crochet flower brooch is my favorite!

cpullum said...

I like the chocolate satin!!!!

Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

yellowlabs said...

I love the chocolate satin

Stephanie Sullins said...

Oooh, everything is so pretty and feminine! I think I like the Ivory and Chocolate Mohair Choker the best though!
stephenandsteph@earthlink.net

masonsgranny59 said...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15947543

Anonymous said...

My wife loves the chocolate satin corsage brooch.

Deborah Wellenstein said...

I like the grey crochet flower brooch. Thank you for this giveaway!

Brooke said...

Chocolate satin dotted flower broo

Unknown said...

The Dusty pink crochet flower brooch is my favorite. garrettsambo@aol.com

cman said...

I love the Ivory crochet flower bobby pins :)

klp1965 said...

i love the Sparkling grey crochet flower brooch

Trisha D said...

the pink crochet flower brooch!

goodwitchglinda said...

How pretty! I love the Chocolate satin swarowski flower brooch. Really modern and such simplicity.
theprophecygirl[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I like the Sparkling smokey blue crochet flower brooch.

Noggy said...

What a talent! One of my favorites is the Ivory and charcoal mohair/wool scarflette and brooch. This is a really beautiful set.

Ciras Photography said...

I love the Sparkling dusty pink crochet flower brooch!

Christina J. said...

So Pretty! My favorite is the Sparkling ivory crochet flower brooch.

Christina J. said...

I'm a subscriber.

Donna said...

I like the Ivory and chocolate mohair choker
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I am a subscriber.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Miranda Ward said...

Dusty pink crochet flower brooch

lilyk said...

I love the Sparkling dusty pink crochet flower brooch!

lilyk said...

I subscribed to your blog.

Charlene Kuser said...

I love the Ivory and chocolate mohair choker.It is very pretty.
I love her work,so nice.Please enter me and thanks for the
giveaway

CharlieGurl57@aol.com

Unknown said...

I like the Sparkling black, grey and ivory crochet flower brooch. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE !!!

ldrnc2000 said...

Such a hard decision because there are so many nice pieces! I like the Sparkling black, grey and ivory crochet flower brooch the most! I would love to win! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

phyllisg said...

Ivory and pink crochet flower brooch is lovely. The first time my 3 year old granddaughter saw me pin on a brooch she thought they were dangerous.

Kristen said...

I absolutely love the Sparkling ivory crochet flower brooch

loser4jc2003@yahoo.com

Kristen said...

I'm also a subscriber.
loser4jc2003@yahoo.com

Rockin' Mama said...

i like the Dusty pink crochet flower brooch

jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com