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Modern hand-crafted shawl pins, fibula pins and penannular brooches

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Sterling Squiggle Fibula Pin by Bebe's Baubles

Bebe's Baubles uses real gemstones, handmade glass and precious metals (nothing plated) in jewelry that is entirely made by our artisan/ designer. All designs are one of a kind and made of sterling silver, copper, brass, and nickel. Metalwork shawl pins, earrings and other original jewelry and accessories, are available now or custom made for you. Here's an example of my hand-crafted shawl pins. You'll find my Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BebesBaublesJewelry or just the pin section of the shop here:http://www.etsy.com/shop/BebesBaublesJewelry?section_id=5671050

I'll be updating this information regularly, and adding much more about things like my historical influences, techniques and process. More information can be found on my shop's facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BebesBaubles-Jewelry/242497045806394

Modern Penannular Brooch in Copper

from Bebe's Baubles

Sorry, this penannular shawl pin is sold! This style is my best seller. All of our designs are hand made so no two are exactly alike, but I'll remake a similar one for you or you can buy another scarf pin like it here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BebesBaublesJewelry?section_id=5671050

The circular-shaped penannular clasp is an ancient form. It's simple to use, just insert the tongue and twist!

Sterling Spiral Fibula

by Bebe's Baubles

click on the picture for a more detailed description

Click on the picture to see a detailed description or to buy this shawl pin.

Here's a brief description of how I make this type of shawl pins, using only wire cutters, a hammer, and pliers:

Making a shawl pin like this requires two things: a workable structure and a design. I studied the way fibula pins work and engineered it so that I could make a shawl pin by just twisting a single piece of wire. I start by bending the wire where the catch will eventually be. Then I look at the scarf pin as a two-dimensional design and possibly draw it out, but often just start doodling with wire. When I'm happy with the design of the fibula, I start hammering to fix it's shape, harden it, and add visual interest to the shawl pin design. Then I use pliers to bend or spiral down to the back side of the brooch and then hammer the pin section for hardness and bend it into place. Next pliers form the catch and I fit the pin into it, adjusting both to be sure they work properly. Finally I file and sharpen the point. A hard, sharp pin will go through a heavy felt. Just polish and that's the finished pin! Because of the random, doodling nature of the process, the shawl pins are truly one of a kind!

Buy another like it here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BebesBaublesJewelry?section_id=5671050

Sterling Fibula Pin with Red Lampwork and Crystal Beads

by Bebe's Baubles

To make this fibula type shawl pin, I start by selecting beads and placing them on a plain round wire which I hammer for strength. This I bend at one end to form the loop/catch. The short end I bend again at a right angle and wrap around the longer wire end to form a really strong loop at one end. I push the beads tight and trap them by wrapping the wire twice around my pliers. Then I hammer the wire beyond that point to harden the pin and bend it and the loop end to meet and form the clasp. The last step in forming this shawl pin is to cut off the wire end and file it to a point.

This shawl pin is sold! Find more shawl pins here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BebesBaublesJewelry?section_id=5671050

Green Jasper Fibula Shawl Pin

from Bebe's Baubles Jewelry

Click on the picture for a full description of this scarf pin or kilt pin from my Etsy shop.

This pin was directly inspired by an ancient fibula from Peshiera, Italy, that I found in the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica (see below). I've been studying the structure and form of ancient pins and then giving them a modern update. You have to get the engineering right before you can deal with aesthetics!

Fibula from Peshiera, Italy, Bronze Age

From the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

These simple pins were used in the Mediterranean area during the Bronze Age (3200-600 BC). Clicking on the image will take you to the Encyclopedia.

Celtic Interlace Fibula Shawl Pins

from Bebe's Baubles

I've begun a new series of fibula style shawl pins based on early medieval interlace designs by the Celts, the Anglo-Saxons, and Vikings. My copper shawl pins are more random, but evoke the weaving, looping, and knotting found in the middle ages. To buy this, just click the picture!

See below for examples of medieval interlace designs.

Sutton Hoo Belt Buckle

Anglo-Saxon golden belt buckle from the Sutton Hoo ship-burial 1, Suffolk (England). 7th century AD. British Museum. Photo from Wikimedia Commons. For more information, click on the picture and it will take you directly to the British Museum catalog entry.

Viking Age Runestone

Ärentunar runestone with interlaced animal, Uppland, Sweden, from Wikimedia Commons. Click on the picture to see the Wikipedia entry on Interlace Art.

Shawl Pins, Fibula and Penannular Brooches

From Bebe's Baubles

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