Fab Repurposed Deco Buckle and Tintype Photo Brooch

by Ann Syphers
(Gulf Coast, FL)

One of my favorite items to work with and re-purpose are antique tintype photos. I find a suitable antique buckle or sash pin and then go through my extensive collection of tintypes to see which one fits the opening in the buckle or sash pin. Depending on how ornate the buckle is, I usually add a piece or part of antique or vintage jewelry, many times a beautiful
earring that no longer has a mate or the back is broken.

These little splashes of interest really make the buckle "frames" pop. It's fun matching up the photo to the buckle as not all pieces work well together. Some times the tintype will come first and I will look for a buckle to surround it with, but many times it's the buckle that starts the story.

This brooch started out with the great buckle first and then I paired it up with the tintype.

Ann Syphers