eek! I've haven't posted for a while. Sorry bout that. A few things happening around here, namely school holidays. We're also gearing up for a busy Christmas shopping period at Minifashionista and the relaunch of our sister site Baby Gift Guide.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to the Bowerbird Bazaar here in Adelaide last week end. A friend (and fellow brooch fan) did go though and she said it was Gr8!

Naomi Murrell was showing there (one of my main reasons for wanting to go!).

I was also keen to see jewellry by Lola & Bailey including these fantastic Shadow Puppet brooches.

They also make these brilliant shadow puppet wall decals.

I am hoping that they'll run it again soon so I can get my brooch fix!

I think the word is getting out that I am in love with brooches.

It was my birthday this week and hubby and the kids bought me some gorgeous things including this funky red tree brooch from Elk Accessories, who are based in Melbourne. The Russian Doll brooch came as part of a card from Pango Productions.

Hubby also took me to Assaggio's Restaurant on King William Road. It's a stunning Italian Restaurant and the food was amazing. I am a very lucky girl.

To borrow a recent quote from Steph Bond of Bondville brooches are the 'accessory du jour'. They're a great way to dress up an outfit and display your unique style.

It's fair to say that I have a thing for birds when it comes to brooches. It seems that many brooch makers too have a thing for birds as there are so many to choose from (which is good for feeding my obsession, but not too good for my bank balance!).

The above bird brooch has been hand-made by a Brisbane-based artist who goes under the Etsy name of Tree Party Design. She's a graphic designer and mum of two. She's created this lovely number in resin - giving it a lovely shine.

This brooch isn't technically a bird, but it is so gorgeous I just couldn't resist it - a bit naughty and a bit nice. It's called 'Little Miss Fox' by Sarah from Crafty Folk. It's been beautifully handpainted on wood. Sarah, who hails from Portland is also in an indie folk band!

This gorgeous brooch is called 'Bird in a Nest'. It's handmade in felt by Intres Handmade from Spain. I just love the bright  and vibrant colours.

Speaking of felt - I've had my eye on this one for a while. It's a wool felt bird brooch by Siiri Made from New Zealand. The detail is amazing (I wish I had that much patience). 

Of course there are many more bird brooches available and we will touch on them again, not to mention the very popular Owls which are just hot right now!

Naomi Murrell is one talented gal from my home town Adelaide. She loves to make beautiful brooches, jewellry and screen prints which will make you smile. I was so in love with the above bird brooch lazer cut from teak that I had to buy it. It's also available in perspex (such a great medium).

Also available in perspex (or wood) is this darling Apple brooch.

We certainly feel the love with this delightful 'LOVE' pendant which is available in Maple.

You can find Naomi's work on Etsy or check out her site for local stockists.

It's a bold statement I know but I blame Bruce McAvaney for my emerging obsession with acrylic brooches. Why Bruce you ask? He's one of Australia's foremost sports commentators, many people welcome him into their loungeroom's every week when he covers the Australian Rules Football and he is recognised as the most knowledgeable Olympics Commentator we've ever had - what would he have to do with brooches?

Well it all started many years ago when I was about 6 years old. At the time my dad worked with Bruce, back when he was just emerging as a talented sports commentator. One evening we saw him at a sports event and he introduced us to his female partner. I cannot tell you anything at all about what she looked like, but I can remember with absolute clarity that she was wearing a red cherry brooch (just like the one above) I was absolutely smitten with that brooch and there began my obsession.

I remember Bruce being a gentle, friendly person. I have seen him from afar a few times since and have been tempted to approach him and explain how clearly I can remember that red cherry brooch. I don't think he's still with the same lady, so somehow it doesn't seem appropriate. 

Now that acrylic brooches are making a come back I can begin to express this long held obsession. My interest isn't confined to red cherries either.

Of course I am totally smitten with my Dick and Dora Green Hide and Seek Brooch, available at Minifashionista. I wear it quite often and always get comments about it.

I really like this gorgeous one by Geneine Honey from lovehate.com.au

and this one too.

Is it healthy to have such an obsession? Like they say - a girl can never have too many accessories. Thanks Bruce!