My mother taught us a very young age how to make things and to make them last because there wasn’t much money to replace them. We didn’t have a lot of fancy things, but one thing my mother loved was brooches. I could always find one on the lapel of every jacket she wore and today, at 83 years of age, she still adds that little extra to complete her outfit. When I started teaching, I picked up her habit of wearing brooches because I found that my students got a kick out of seeing just what silly thing Ms. Walsh would pin on her shirt today. So now, when I got to thrift stores, yard sales or flea markets I head straight for the brooches. Funny how a simple little brooch can hold so many memories, isn’t it? My hope is that my vintage pieces (as well my handmade pieces) in my little shop will reach out and start a whole new memory for someone else.
My favorite vintage eras are the 30s and 40s. I think because of all the stories I heard my parents and my aunts and uncles (my dad had 13 brothers and sisters) telling when I was growing up. I am still in awe of how hard they worked, how tight their money was, yet they still had such great stories and adventures to share. A time in history when the simple things truly mean the most!
This Iris brooch reminds me of something my mother would have pinned on her handmade, Sunday jacket and worn proudly to church. After the service, several of the other ladies would have commented how beautiful her jacket was and how perfectly her brooch matched it.
But…
This umbrella brooch would have been right at home on my lapel. I can hear the children laugh at it’s cleverness as the reach up to touch the little brass animals.
What a wonderful thing your Mother has inspired! I love how much you appreciate brooches – I do, too! (I even wear them on my t-shirts when grocery shopping, they are fun!). That Iris brooch is very unique and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story Suzie!
Thanks for sharing your lovely story!
Especially love the little umbrella pin! so cute .. 🙂
Happy to learn a little more about you Suzie…shine on!
Cookie aka: Barbara @ ionesAttic
Suzie, you are a jewel that spreads light and smiles everywhere you are. Your jewelry is magnificent.
Wonderful shared memories, Suzie, and how lucky were the children who had you as their teacher! Could we be sisters without us knowing it? My mom was a great seamstress and my dad was one of 14 kids, too! So nice to get to know you better. Your shop is beautiful and I love your fantastic treasuries!
Love hearing your story Susie! My Mom had a great collection of brooches also. She's gone now, but I keep a small collection of her favorites in a little bowl on my dresser (which used to be hers also!). Just picking one of them up tugs heartstrings and brings back a zillion memories.