Project 16466EZ:

Wooden
Brooches
As woodworkers, we know that wood, unlike any other material, has a hard-to-define
quality that makes it special. A brooch made of molded plastic has little appeal. But a
brooch made from wood is different — no matter how many are made, no two will be
alike; not in shape, color, or texture. Each brooch, then, is a little unique and we
think that has much to do with their appeal.
These brooches have something else that many woodworkers will find appealing —
they don’t take very long to make. The half-moon shape can be made in just a few
minutes, and the heart and star won’t take much longer. The bowtie takes about an
hour, while two hours should be enough for the rose.

Wooden Brooches Profiles

Wooden Brooches Step-by-Step Instruc-
tions
1. Select 1/4" thick stock to make each brooch, using whatever kind of wood suits
your fancy, or whatever scrap you might have.
2. Transfer the full size profile of the brooch shape you would like to make to
your stock.
3. Cut out the shape with a coping or band saw
4. Use a file and sandpaper to shape the half-moon, heart, star, and bowtie. Do the
same to shape the rose, but also use a small half-round gouge to carve the
petals.
5. Final sand each shape with 220 grit sandpaper.
6. Make a shallow mortise in the back of each brooch to fasten a bar bin with
epoxy glue.
7. Complete the project with two coats of good penetrating oil.

These plans were originally published in Volume 8, Issue 2 of The Woodworker’s

Journal (Mar./Apr. 1984, page 47).