VOTE Recycled Newspaper Brooch

A symbol of civic participation, transformed into contemporary wearable art.

Inspired by the campaign buttons that became an iconic part of 20th-century American political culture, this handmade brooch celebrates the enduring importance of the right to vote.

At its center, the word “VOTE”, taken from a recycled newspaper headline, creates a simple yet powerful focal point. Surrounding it are hundreds of individually handmade recycled newspaper beads, incorporating fragments of news headlines along with red and blue beads created from newspaper advertisements. Each bead is carefully stitched into the circular design, creating layers of typography, color and texture that radiate outward from the central message.

The familiar red, white and blue palette recalls traditional American campaign imagery, while the use of discarded newspaper gives that imagery new meaning. News, advertising and political dialogue—materials that document a particular moment in time—are transformed into a lasting piece of wearable art.

Measuring approximately 3" wide by 2.5" long, the brooch makes a distinctive statement on a jacket, coat, dress or scarf while remaining lightweight.

Because every piece is created by hand from actual newspaper pages, variations in headlines, lettering and color make each VOTE brooch unique.

Details:

• Handmade from authentic recycled newspaper
• Inspired by vintage 20th-century campaign buttons
• Features “VOTE” prominently at the center
• Handmade recycled newspaper headline beads
• Red and blue beads created from recycled newspaper advertisements
• Individually hand-stitched construction
• Approximately 3" wide × 2.5" long
• Lightweight
• Each brooch is unique
• Handmade by the artist

More than an accessory, the VOTE Brooch is a wearable reminder of voice, participation and the continuing significance of voting rights.