If you’ve ever held a beautifully detailed brooch in your hands, you know it’s more than just jewelry—it’s a tiny piece of art. That’s exactly how I feel every time I add a new brooch to the Decor8yourlife shop. Each one is hand-picked by me personally, and I only choose the ones that truly speak to my heart—pieces that are elegant, timeless, and versatile enough to be worn or crafted with.
Yes, our brooches are beautiful enough to wear as intended, but what I love most is how they can completely transform a handmade project. Whether I’m embellishing a journal cover, a mini album, or a keepsake box, brooches are often my go-to focal point. They bring that perfect touch of vintage sparkle that makes shabby chic projects shine.
And if you’ve followed me for a while, you’ve probably seen me do this in my videos. Brooches are just one of those special little things that can take your crafting from pretty to unforgettable.
Why I Love Using Brooches in Shabby Chic Crafts
There’s something magical about mixing textures—lace, pearls, distressed paper—and then topping it all off with a sparkling brooch. It instantly creates a focal point that draws the eye and gives your project an elevated, elegant feel.
I’ve used brooches on altered boxes, journal covers, greeting cards, fabric clusters—you name it. And what’s so fun is that no two projects look the same. The brooch becomes a statement piece that makes your work feel one-of-a-kind.
That’s why I made sure to carry a carefully curated collection of brooches at Decor8yourlife. When I’m choosing which ones to add to the shop, I ask myself: “Would I use this on one of my own crafts?” If the answer is yes—it goes in the collection.
So if you’ve been looking for high-quality, beautiful brooches for your handmade projects, I’ve got you covered.
What Makes the Brooches at Decor8yourlife So Special?
Every brooch in my shop has been selected with a crafter’s eye. These aren’t generic pins. They’re pieces that feel elegant, romantic, and just a little nostalgic. Here’s what I look for:
- Vintage-inspired designs
- Delicate rhinestone or pearl detailing
- Lightweight but durable construction
- Filigree or floral elements that feel soft and feminine
And while they’re absolutely stunning as jewelry, they’re even more stunning when you work them into a handmade project. That’s why I make sure to include brooches in styles that pair beautifully with shabby chic, romantic, or vintage-themed crafts.
They’re available right now at Decor8yourlife, and I’m always adding new finds as I discover them.
Using Brooches in Crafts: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
I know some people get a little nervous when it comes to using brooches in their crafts—especially if they’ve only ever worn them. But trust me, it’s super easy. Here’s exactly how I use them in my projects.
✨ What You’ll Need:
- One of our hand-picked brooches from Decor8yourlife
- Strong adhesive (like E6000 or Fabri-Tac)
- Wire cutters or sturdy jewelry pliers
- The project you’re working on (a journal, album, box, etc.)
- Optional: lace, flowers, ribbon, cheesecloth, or other embellishments
✂️ Step 1: Remove the Pin Back
Most brooches have a metal pin clasp on the back. You don’t need that for crafting, so just grab your wire cutters and carefully snip it off. If the back is too solid to snip, you can also fold the pin flat and glue it down—but I usually just remove it entirely.
Take your time here—especially with more delicate pieces—so you don’t damage the front.
🧴 Step 2: Apply Your Adhesive
Once the pin is removed and the back is smooth, add a small dab of strong adhesive. I recommend E6000 because it holds really well and dries clear. Press the brooch onto your project and hold it in place for a few seconds.
If you’re working on fabric or lace, Fabri-Tac also works beautifully.
🌸 Step 3: Embellish Around It
Now the fun begins! I like to build layers around the brooch using things like:
- Shabby fabric scraps
- Tattered lace or doilies
- Mulberry paper roses
- Pearl strands or trim
- Distressed ribbon or seam binding
The brooch acts as the focal point, so build your cluster out from there. Balance your textures and colors, but don’t be afraid to let the brooch steal the spotlight.
🕰️ Step 4: Let It Cure
Give your project time to fully dry before handling it—especially if you’ve used a heavy brooch or a lot of glue. Overnight is ideal.
Once it’s cured, you’ve got a beautifully embellished piece ready to display or gift!
Craft Ideas Using Brooches
Need some inspiration? Here are a few of my favorite ways to use brooches in crafting:
- Mini Album Covers: Center a brooch on the front and frame it with lace and florals.
- Altered Keepsake Boxes: Use a brooch on the lid for a romantic, antique look.
- Fabric Clusters: Create shabby embellishments using cheesecloth, ribbon, and a vintage-style brooch.
- Bridal Projects: Add brooches to handmade wedding cards, décor, or even favors.
- Gift Wrapping: Wrap up a gift with ribbon and top it with a sparkling brooch—it’s the gift and the embellishment!
Where to Find These Gorgeous Brooches
If you’re feeling inspired and ready to try using brooches in your own projects, you’ll find everything you need at Decor8yourlife.com. My brooch collection is always changing, so if you see something you love—grab it before it’s gone.
I choose every piece with love, and I only carry what I would personally use in my own designs. These brooches are perfect for:
- Handmade journals
- Shabby chic home décor
- DIY bridal gifts
- Scrapbooking and mini albums
- And yes—even to wear on a special occasion
You can shop the full brooch collection here. I can’t wait to see what you create with them!
Final Thoughts
Brooches are such an underrated embellishment in the crafting world. They bring elegance, sparkle, and vintage charm that you just can’t get from flat stickers or paper die cuts. And once you start using them, you’ll be hooked—I promise.
Whether you’re decorating a journal or wrapping up a special gift, a brooch adds that timeless finishing touch. If you’ve never crafted with brooches before, I hope this tutorial gives you the confidence to try it. And if you’re already a brooch lover like me—well, you know how magical they can be.
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to tag me if you use one of our brooches in your next project—I love seeing your creations. And remember, all the brooches featured in this post (and more!) are available now at Decor8yourlife.
Happy crafting,
Sandi