Broche' Bouton

I made this button brooch for a swap in the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group hosted by Melanie Hall.  The overall dimensions are approximately 2” x 3”.  The base of  is made from pieces of filigree.  Then you collage buttons and other metal pieces, pearls, jewels etc.  It has a pin back so you can wear it or attach it to a purse, pillow, fabric box etc.

You can see my some of my design process below.  I first drew a box on paper to indicate the maximum size the piece could be (according to the swap rules).  I then laid out the filigree.  I knew that I wanted something dangling from the piece so I drew in some pearls.  

Many times when I am designing a piece of art I will do a crude drawing first.  On paper, I consider dimension, balance and composition.  Then I start laying out the design.  If I am really pleased with the design and if it has lots of layers and components, I photograph the design before pulling it apart to permanently reassemble the piece.  That way I’m usually pleased with the end result.