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!"