Papier Mache Brooches
Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 3:35 PM
1960s era papier mache brooch from the Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection
We have to admit, we were delighted to see Mrs. O bring the brooch back into her wardrobe mix for her recent trip overseas. Our hands down favorite was the green papier mache flower pin the first lady wore in Rome, acquired through Ikram in Chicago. The pin is a rarity, for both its scale and apparent pristine vintage condition. Another such beauty is the vintage 1960s era brooch above, from the Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection.
For our fellow brooch lovers, we've done a bit of digging and turned up the following, which we thought might be of interest.
- A DIY guide on papier mache brooches by Cathy of California in Craft magazine, here (with a Mrs-O.org mention no less!)
- More inspiration from a class taught by Cathy of California, seen here and here
- And if crafting isn't your thing, there's always this lovely gem available on ebay, here
Reader Comments (42)
Woo hoooo! Lovely! thanks for the Carol Tannenbaum site; on it I found the exact same copper and enamel artist's palette pin I recently fell heir to when clearing out my 89 y/o mother's apartment. My dad gave it to her in the 1950s as a tribute to her father, who was an artist. I'd always loved it and now I will cherish it even more.
Oh my - that bronze flower is so beautiful!
Like it, like it, like it...I used to wear brooches/pins a long time ago but got away from it. I think I will add it back in.
From Politico dot com:
Spotted at D.C. restaurant
MIchelle Obama was spotted Thursday night at the Washington tapas restaurant Oyamel. The first lady ate squash blossoms among other items.
That pin is gorgeous. I love the earthy tones of the bronze.
I miss Mrs. O. Hope we see her soon.
That brooch is awe inspiring -such beautiful craftsmanship and color. I love the amber tones and the metallic sheen.
Thanks for all the info. Mrs. T! So many fun sites to visit. I think MO has a fabulous brooch collection.
That is a beautiful brooch.
@ Leah D - thanks for the insider info. I also read on politico that the Obamas are going to Camp David this weekend, with the president leaving Saturday and retuning to D.C. on Sunday.
I owned a bit of papier mache jewlery myself back in the 60's. I wish so much that I had held on to it. Inspired by Mrs. O, recently I purchased a flower brooch on ebay - hot pink, oversized - about 3 inches. Mrs. O is good for stimulating the economy!
That bronze color is breathtaking. I think I have a new project to attempt this summer! :)
Sitting here in the 100 degree heat, the colors of this brooch make me think ahead to cool autumn days, sipping hot drinks and wearing warm sweaters....ahhhhhhhh.......
What a gorgeous piece. It's hard to believe that's made out of papier mache. The color is a burst of bright warmth. I love the blending of tones. It surely looks like finely crafted metal.
Very fresh look for Mrs. O, returning from the family weekend at Camp David.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/02pMbYFaSxe7W?q=Barack+Obama
IVA - thanks for the heads up. Mrs. O looks great in her white accented with the blue shirt. I like the length and fit of the white pants. White tennis shoes are great.
No problem, Willow! Did you notice she's carrying a binder. I bet she's gearing up to be very busy helping with the health care push that's happening.
First time poster...Love the site!
Ok, this is TOTALLY frivolous but harmless and lots of fun...My niece was visiting for the weekend and playing these online dress-up "doll" games. I was THROUGH when she came across a Michelle Obama dress-up game! The clothes were incredibly accurate, from cardigans (including the Junya Watanabe!) to some of her biggest hits. Before I knew it I'd replaced my neice at the computer screen, lol! Definitely brought out the little girl (and Mrs.O fashion feind) in me.
Check it out at http://www.i-dressup.com/celebrities/fashions/The_First_Lady.php
Just a little fluff for a lazy Sunday...
IVA - I hadn't noticed it, but I see it now. Hopefully she can help get Health Care passed. It's going to be quite a fight. The gloves seem to be coming off. I'm glad the President will be speaking in prime time on Wednesday night. Hopefully it will help.
More pictures
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/20/obama-family-returns-from_n_240813.html
All I can say is, if her thighs look that good in white pants, in a picture that presumably adds 5-10 lbs, she's doing very well. I think we can put the weight gain issue back on the shelf.
I had to laugh at the remarks on Huffington about the President's ever-present Blackberry. I have a husband like that, and it's virtually impossible to separate them. It's a binky in disguise.
Leah D I just noticed your comment about squash blossoms. Yum. I wonder if they were stuffed or deep fried. Yummy, whichever way....
What's a binky?????
Leah, a binky is a pacifier. And Operafanatic, you are too right. I wouldn't even dare wear white pants but Mrs. O rocks them!
Here's a great link that has a slideshow of 61 outfits that Michelle has worn since inauguration day:
http://www.etonline.com/gallery/obamafashion/2009/04/70317/index.html
http://www.etonline.com/gallery/obamafashion/2009/04/70317/index.html
p.s. to Posh:
binky - (n) : a stuffed animal for children or other toy that a baby or small child is more attached to than any other, and often sleeps with during bedtime as well
Also Binky is a brand name of baby pacifiers.
The Carole Tanenbaum collection is definitely one of my favourite vintage treasure troves!!
xoxo
www.chicsetera.com
--daily CHIC news from Paris--
I miss all the wonderful pictures of Mrs. O. When will there be more?
I so miss seeing Mrs O -
Show your lovely face soon Mrs O, we love you.
hi!
I have been reading this page since the inauguration.
I am from a little country in south america (sorry for my english...) and I love mrs o!
I am not american, I am a mix of latin and german grandparents...and let me say that mrs o is an inspration for women around the world....notjust only for the americans!
I just cant help, but look at what she is doing every day in that page or another...and every time I see her giving a speech or doing something for the people, i say to my sefl: I can do it! I can do something to change my environment, and I can look good and be self confident....why not??? SOmetimes I am so shy, but because of my work i have to stand in front of people and give a speech....and she is my inspiration when i get so nervous!!
she makes me feel that is so special to be a woman, a wife, a mother (well i am 34 and still no children, i hope they come soon!!!) , a sister! and that we as women have a lot of power that we, ve got to use for the good!
:)
:)
Michelle looks AMAAAAAZING!!!!
So simple. So gorgeous in the lovely white dress and her strappy silver heels. And her hair is great!!!!!!!!!
Woooot!!!!!!!!
Live stream here:
http://apps.facebook.com/whitehouselive/
Woooo! "Constant Sorrow" I love that song. I love the movie "Oh Brother Where Art Thou."
She looks so happy too!
That was great. Thoroughly enjoyed that. Can't wait to see some pics of Mrs. O.
I'm with you marabout40. I thoroughly enjoyed the show too. Nice to take a moment out from health care. Mrs. O look radiant.
Lookie what I found! http://www.daylife.com/photo/0aBJ5sg0rM3u5?q=Barack+Obama
So feminine.
I'm not sure about the bottom, but the front of her dress was definitely sequined (beaded maybe?) and very sparkly. I couldnt see if it was sparkly below the waist. You can't see it in the photo, but watching livestream I could see it quite clear up close when she was sitting. Her dress reflected off the lighting-----she looked gorgeous!!!!
The detailing of this dress is far from simple--very intricate and beautiful! It's hard to see it all from photos. So glad the livestream was working good. Everytime Mrs. O moved, her dress sparkled. I really enjoyed myself with this event and a nice break from the nuts on the TV news tonight.
You would think events like this would broadcast on tv. I mean, this is our White House hosting presumably a open event with cameras and the works. Because no one is going to pay the big networks to cover it, then they don't bother and instead we get more reality tv shows. Our priorities are mixed up. I feel like even if you don't like Obama, the show would've been enjoyable for people to watch.
Ooooo, Iva, great find. The full length picture of the dress is just gorgeous. Mrs O makes looking exquisite and feminine so simple. And her new thing with all the bracelets piled on is stunning and sophisticated. The fit is lovely too.
@IVA--You are so right. That's why I try to keep donating to PBS, because they're one of the few outlets left that provide good educational programming. I just loved Allison Krauss' voice, and the announcer guy (from the Grand Old Opry I think) was excellent and funny. It's like you have to hunt down for good programs. Everybody should have access to the event that was livestream. Someone just posted something on Twitter that I thought was interesting....it took Obama to be the first President to livestream the first country music concert at the White House.
And I have to say one more time---Mrs. O was GORGEOUS!
Here is a closer view of the top of the dress. Shows the pattern and the sequins.
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Top-Stories-Photos/ss/705#photoViewer=/090722/480/d3010f75a0994d0292b16dff48f4aaa3
I absolutely love this picture of the President and Malia. http://www.daylife.com/photo/03Wle0idnzcGy
It actually brought tears to my eyes. She's such a lovely little girl. I can't believe all the horrific things some people were saying about her because she wore a t-shirt with the peace symbol. Some people are just sick. Sick.
Here's another great photo of the President and Mrs. O. I love the way they look at each other. http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/89140469/Getty-Images-News
@ Janelle - I seem to remember the MC say that this was their first time performing in the East Wing. I think they were very humbled by the invite. One can hate Obama's policies all they want, but I really find it hard to actually hate the man. He really wants us all to be united and has equal respect for all of us, regardless of where we come from.
@ Sharon Nelson - I found this dress to be one of my favorites of the summer. It is just so feminine and the detail - how it played with the lights - perfect.
@ marabout40 - That is a touching photo of father and daughter. To light up his daughter's face that way is really something special.
I thought the part of the show when Brad Paisley dedicated the song to the Obamas about falling deeper in love with his wife was a sweet moment too.
@ marabout40 - yes they are totally connected in their interactions.