Making a Steampunk Inspired Cicada Brooch

Today I'm stitching up another cicada brooch, and of course I am going to need to make a full rainbow of these pals since I have neglected adding to my cicada collection for far too long!
I have SO MANY fun sewing projects coming up for you, I just need to wrap them all up and then you will be inundated I promise ;)
Wool blend felt sheets: www.etsy.com/shop/oneoftheflock?
The beading needles I use: www.michaels.com/product/bead...
My favorite shop for tila beads: www.etsy.com/shop/GrandmasCup...
Idea2Sequins on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/Idea2Sequin...
The iridescent green and patina sequins: www.etsy.com/listing/46764553...
Cartwrights Sequins: www.ccartwright.com/sunshop/
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
Thank you Patrons!
Need to make a block pattern? There are many options, and I talk about several in this playlist! : • Making a Bodice Block ...
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.3dcartstores.com/Pa... (not sponsored)
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But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@funkypunkypine]

Yes yes yes to a studio tour! Simply stunning cicada 😍 I can't wait for an entire collection show-and-telll of all your beaded creatures 😊

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Can do for both of these!

[@nixhixx]

Couching is the correct pronunciation, exactly as you said it. Gorgeous brooch

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nix!

[@Shellinagogo]

I was so confused and watched some other videos and everyone says it like her so I was so was like who decided it was different lol

[@MargaretHSmith-tf6kv]

This is lovey! Have you ever considered doing a Luna Moth? I think it would very much compliment your other creations.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Margaret! I love Luna moths, and especially Spanish luna moths 🤩

[@cindyhowery7959]

I love Cicadas! To me, they ARE the sound of summer! ❤

[@Noel.Chmielowiec]

Yes to room tour! I would happily watch it. I would also watch video about fabric stash. What you consider basics that you have to have, etc. But I know it will take so much time, maybe if you will be moving, when you will pack fabric it could be easier to make? Do I wear brooches? No. Have I got the talent to make brooches? No. Have I watched Bianca making this deliciously steampunk cicada drooling over those sequins? Oh yes. 😂

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I’m new here, where is she moving to?

[@Noel.Chmielowiec]

@@cynthiafisher9907 She is planning on buying a house, let's hope it will happen soon 🤞

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Natalia! I know a full stash tour would be intense 😂 Maybe as I unpack in the future and maybe as a livestream 😅✨

[@Noel.Chmielowiec]

@@TheClosetHistorian Oh, that could be fun! Fingers crossed it happens soon 🤞😊

[@heatherkemp1846]

I lived in Spain for many years, I always heard the cicadas (like little chainsaws) but never did see one. I enjoy painting, etc, and love doing clouds, trees, stones, the sky, and water as no one can say they are wrong. The same is true with your collection of bugs. Just cos you haven't seen it, it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Glad you wre back safe from you holiday to the UK. Xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Heather! We have cicadas in Colorado too, but I have only heard them never seen any as well!

[@susansmith8602]

Please make a flamingo!!

[@yokonamigaara]

I want to thank you for sharing your work on all of these brooches, they inspired me to make a butterfly one as a memorial for someone who passed away recently. It was a good healing project and will sit well on my shelf 💜

[@TyIsI]

As a maker/tinkerer, always do semi-regular tours! If only to archive how you've changed stuff around and be able to reflect on what works and what doesn't. Love your videos!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@chrysanthemum8233]

You're right that cicadas are their own family! Cicadidae

[@sophieinspired]

Yes for the sewing room tour! Show us all the sparkly thing-ies you got ✨ 💖 😅

[@eurekahavok]

I think its difficult not to become a fabric hoarder of sorts when you sew, its just a reality of the hobby. I have SO much fabric I don't know if I could show you what is oldest, but I think it would be interesting to see the piece of fabric you have been holding on to the longest for that perfect special project because its so beautiful. I have a piece of fabric I bought 15 years ago at the fashion district in LA, and I have yet to find the perfect project to use it on, but someday I will!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm pretty sure the fabric that has been in my stash the longest is a gray and brown cloudy look tie dye semi-sheer knit with a black flocked lace print over all of it that I bought at Walmart when I was maybe 15 years old 😂 I need to use it this year since I finally have knit patterns I like ✨

[@tiffanytomasino335]

You make this kind of project very approachable. A fun little extension of sewing to help glam things up. It came out cute. Thank you for sharing

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Tiffany!

[@plushieangela]

I would love to see an organisation/studio video! My craft cupboard organisation technique is to open the door, find a vacant spot for the item (I do have one shelf of art, one of craft, and one of misc), but then quickly shut the door before anything falls out XD

[@damogranheart5521]

Marvelously done! A complete tour when you have the time! Do Not wear yourself out! 📚🫖🐈‍⬛🎩🔭🏰

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@yobespierre]

that looks very similar to the one that landed on my car window one day at a stop light! XD i have a small white xmas tree in my room year round. i have dubbed it my Emotional Support Tree because it gives off a very warm light and makes me happy.

[@nix_cosplay]

I'm so excited for sea creatures! I have a fish tank I love

[@Mysmichelle69]

Yes to see the studio and fabrics 😂

[@brittany45]

It amazes me how you can do this! I would lose at least half those beads immediately. I bet a kitty would look amazing as a brooch!

[@lynette.]

Yes please a studio tour it would be inspiring.

[@donnalewis4895]

Yes studio tour please! This brooch is gorgeous. Love watching you create. Hugs

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Donna!

[@dianedunshea3949]

Studio tour would be wonderful. And I just love the cicada. 🇦🇺🐨

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Diana!

[@suzannespruijt2146]

I love these videos! They made me make a robin bird brooch as a Christmas present for my mom. I put in a little ring on the back, so she can thread a ribbon through and hang it in the tree when she's not wearing it.

[@johannageisel5390]

Ohhh! You should make a short little video in which you show it and put it on your channel.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susanne!

[@judepicton6252]

Thats the the only way I know to pronounce couching too.? Love your work ,very inspiring, thankyou

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Someone tried to tell me to say it French-ish like "coooshing" but I'm just not gonna go there 😂

[@cwbrownCaroline]

Of course I want a tour. Craft/sewing room tours are my form of voyerism.😊

[@jujumama5825]

Yes, yes, I love this kind of vids! Thank you….

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@chaostiverdant6196]

Entomology warning! Cicadas are members of Order Hemiptera. (Hemi = half, Ptera = winged)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Interesting that ptera is winged! I think "earth" with terra, and winged creatures get to leave it, which does seem fun for them 🦋 I need to learn more Latin 😂

[@johannageisel5390]

Looking forward to your sealife embroidery! A nautilus would probably look awesome!

[@venomwoolknits]

I would love to see a series of sea creatures in this style! That is very much my jam 😍 The colours on this one are gorgeous!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! 🐠

[@bethliebman8169]

Beautiful Cicada, I love the little red beads for the eyes. I would love some video tours of your various stashes. I always love me a crafting video. Brava!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Beth! 🐞❤

[@GossamerAtara]

hi bug nerd here again lol. cicadas actually share an order with lots of other bugs. in fact, they are all called "true bugs" or hemiptera, and are related to aphids, planthoppers, assassin bugs, and stink bugs. their family name is cicadidae, you were right lol. beautiful work as always, i love watching your beaded bug videos. you combine my love for bugs with my love for textiles and crafting 💚

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! "true bugs" 😂 as opposed to false bugs, or even worse deceptive bugs, misleading bugs, mythical bugs, theoretical bugs 🐞

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Beautifully magical!!!!!!!!!! Yes please to a studio tour xxxxxxxx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alexandra!

[@sophieinspired]

Love these bead projects. i really can’t get enough of them 💖 rainbow fish would be awesome to see, i really liked the book as a child.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sophie!

[@karlaverbeck9413]

I need another word that means WOW!

[@karenlulay]

I will love a tour of your room. This is stunning. My favorite videos are of the beaded critters you make. They are beautiful.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Karen!

[@elainebye9090]

I love decorative bugs! My son gave me a very lovely green and sparkly beetle pin for Christmas one time. His wife asked him, "Are you sure she'll like that?" He reassured her that I would, and I love it!

[@marcco44]

i would LOVE to own some of your artwork, Ms. B!!💓 and yes, a studio tour !!🙏

[@Sakasha28]

Lol you said winging it. I love watching these videos. I find them very interesting.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christine!

[@michellecornum5856]

The things we remember, because . . . I once had a rather large ladybug pin with brown felt on the underside. And the whip stitches around the edge was done with black seed beads. I hadn't thought of that in years. I fully support you doing whatever project you please. Please do.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle! 🐞

[@janevacani6789]

The brooch is stunning! and I admire your perseverance in wearing make up even though it irriates your eyes 😘

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jane! I try to only wear makeup one day a week, I still love it even if my eyes do not 😂

[@grottoserpentina9342]

Beautiful. Chuckled at your pun-- Most of the time I'm just "winging" it....

[@kckazcoll1]

yes, I got that too :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! It is doubly true when I'm making these 😅

[@ailsadixon408]

Absolutely enchanting as always, the coppery-oxydised sequins are wonderful. I'd LOVE a studio tour! Off to make a million twinkly burds now. 💚💚

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ailsa! Make all the things ✨

[@thorunns.craftstudio]

i also am quite fond of cicada! they're just so pretty and i love their giant heads and eyes! so pretty! beautiful brooch!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@the_absurd_hero]

I LOVE THIS! Steampunk is one of my favorite styles, and this little project is great inspiration. Thank you! Also, I like the idea of making beaded/embroidered to embellish garments. 1. It’s much less work than beading/embroidering an entire garment [that you beaded the back of that jacket is beyond AMAZING!]; 2. The brooches are transferable and can be used for anything [I love putting them on hats :D]; and 3. It’s easy to customize brooches for particular dresses/outfits to make them extra special. I’d love to see your collection of sequins and fabric if you get them chance! :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I have more steampunk inspired things coming very shortly ✨🧵

[@sandiemable]

I would proudly wear any of the beautiful pieces Bianca has created. Did she mention a peak at her fabric stash? Yes, please! xoxo's Sandie

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandie!

[@danadouin1042]

Would love to see a koi fish, thank you for sharing your ideas and talents!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I love Koi! 🤩

[@ljshaw8516]

There's something so delicious about hand sewing (doesn't matter the item). I believe it assists in my anxiety. I call it slave to the needle. lol (it was a tattoo place in Santa Fe, NM). Thanks for your Joys!!!

[@awenbunny]

Love watching you make these! I love big bugs, especially jewel beetles. Looking forward to your sea life series.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@brandonsixto6467]

Love all of these bugs! This is so informative for embellishments in general as well!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Brandon!

[@suzanneknepp849]

Loved the cicada project! But I couldn’t help but notice the choker/necklace and how well it fit with the neckline of your blouse. You’re the full package of creativeness and style! 🌟⭐️🌟

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Suzanne!

[@bast713]

For what it's worth, your instructions always make sense! Watching you make these is so cool, thank you for sharing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amy!

[@rachelfloyd5865]

yes, studio tour please!

[@ruthlynnsavoy6680]

So cool! Best tutorial ever. Thanks for sharing your time, info and wisdom making one of these!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ruthlynn!

[@lindyfraser6243]

Beautiful!! I love these stunning little creatures you make. ❤ And definitely yes to the studio tour.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lindy!

[@tinajohnston8139]

And I would love to see a new tour of your studio and your fabric stash!

[@bnhietala]

I LOVE HIM!!! 🥰 I would also love a studio tour!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@lynchie2073]

your bug brooches actually inspired me to make one of my own! i made a purple embroidered moth to go on the back of a hair clip for my mother last christmas

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

Your little diagrams are incredibly helpful! I find I do best when things are described to me two ways, aka audibly and with a diagram, so my brain thanks you!! Those sequins 😍😍 I'm not usually a sequin person, I'm more of a diamante type of human, but copper tones will forever tug at my heartstrings, no matter the medium 😂😂 A Christmas tree covered in iridescent, shimmery bugs would be glorious!

[@kathiemorris8753]

You have inspired me. I moved recently and hope to have my art and craft area fixed up in the next month or two. I have favorite insects as well as birds that I want to try your method to create them. And maybe even flowers. You make beautiful brooches!

[@dawsie]

Nice, it was so nice that you did not use hot glue to stick down the pin, it’s the first area that weakens with age. Your Cicada turned out very cute that’s for sure. I have done beaded butterfly’s only, they are loved by Mom’s quilting friends back in the day when I use to drive Mom to her quilting group. Not sure how many I made back then as they all wanted one. Love the Cicada we have them around in the summer days when you hear them you know it’s going to be a sweltering hot day, but the ones around me are all plain browns with a touch of yellow, they grow huge I have a empty cicada siting on the shelf out the back and it’s over 3” long, I have seen some that were all pale green around here once, but the are smaller than the large Aussie Cicada about an inch is the biggest I have seen for the all green ones, it’s the juveniles that are sooo different and alien in looks,😹 the first time I dug them up in my flower beds I thought they were a new kind of bug invading the garden beds, had to get one to stay still long enough for me to take a pic, just so I could get google to find it on the internet😹😹😹😹 now when I garden I work carefully so as to not damage them. But boy oh boy are they noisy if you wake up to them early morning you know it’s going to be a very long day. Thank you for sharing I’m going to look into those sequin that you were using as I have a few projects on the simmer just trying to get all the bits and bobs for them, it’s the sequins that’s giving me the most trouble in finding as I can only find the bog basic ones and they just don’t work. Thanks for the link🤗🤗🤗

[@gleann_cuilinn]

Cicadas are in their own diverse super-order called Cicadoidea, in the order Hemiptera, which includes aphids and water striders. Cicadas have been around since the Triassic.

[@Andyscrap]

Yes, yes and yes! Would love to see more beading, more room update and the most expensive fabric in your stach. Aswell as the oldest 😊. And if you still have time, pls throw in another make-up video. Loved those too❤❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Andrea!

[@susansmith8602]

Omg! I LOVE this!! Your creativity is off the charts!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@hannakalbert-lo2rc]

I’m so sorry I haven’t come across you sooner. I’m so impressed! we.

[@4kassis]

Love how you hid the pin on the back!

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

Just winging it! HA! I see what you did there! This turned out so well!!! And hell yes for a studio tour!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! 🦋

[@anthonyreed3421]

A Cicada is a great chocs for a brooch, looks just amazing! :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Anthony!

[@joykaralyn]

I would never have the patience to make one of these but they are so cool! 😍😍😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!! 🧵

[@lindasmann8264]

I love watching you sew and make bug pins you are so creative. I also your dress and pattern making videos. Ihave learned a lot from you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Linda!

[@zpoll6798]

Great video! You pronounce 'couching' correctly. I'd love to see how you store your sequins and would also love it if you made a bat. Thanks so much and hi from Australia xx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I do totally need a bat!

[@naurlind]

I love te beading stuff, ive started collecting beads and sequins so i can make my own little friends too

[@leslierobertson385]

I love the colours you chose - the red eyes were an especially good choice! I love these beading videos - I don't sew but I do bead, and I love vintage fashion and accessories (and insects!). It's good inspiration for me to get back to beading! Of course you must make the videos you enjoy making above all, but I would not be sad to see as many beading and embroidery projects as you care to share! 😉

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Leslie!

[@IAMGiftbearer]

I love Cicadas! It would be cool to make an albino one with translucent white beads. I used to find those sometimes when I lived in Baltimore. Sometimes they had a slightly pinkish tone.

[@jam33033]

not related to video content but I love how perfectly your the neckline of your dress to your necklace

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jam!

[@greatlakesnarwhalmichellee4507]

Can't wait for the bug tree

[@deboragrenzel5201]

I loved your Cicada! I'm kind of new to your channel, so I haven't watched any other tours of your studio (yet

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Debora!

[@hevnleee]

You are so impressively creative! I have been binge watching your vid like crazy lately. You are truly an inspiration!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandra!

[@beckymiller6703]

Cicadas are my favorite insect too, summer is no summer without their song. I found a ring in Paris and went out of my mind to have found it ! 😆 I'm gonna make several of these! 😘

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

We should be seeing a few Cicadas before long. Cicadas (jar-flies) are common around here in hot weather. I got a kick out of watching Blue Jays catch, pull off the wings, and eat them during the last 17 years Cicada event. Your new brooch is beautiful.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Arvetta! Sounds like a violent feast 😅🐦

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

@@TheClosetHistorian Blue Jay are beautiful mean birds. When I lived in Clearfield, The Blue Jays used to whip my cats and take their food.

[@Downhomeherbwife]

It is so couching. Like a sofa!

[@iwondery1725]

Beautifully done! I'm eager to try this so I appreciate your added links. Have you ever done koi fish? I'm working on one now but since it's my first time working with sequins I'm having a little trouble getting the look I want with the sequins as scales. Going to keep at it though. And yes, I'd like to see an updated tour of your workroom, particularly with an eye to see how you store all the tiny bits and bobs while still knowing a) what you have, and b) where it is. :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I love koi but I have never made one, or not yet I suppose!

[@carmendubois3065]

You are amazing I love your artistry. The cicada pin is gorgeous ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Carmen!

[@susangridley8354]

STOP BUGGING ME! Just kidding, I love all your buggy buddies. ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@sarahduffy6964]

Love it! The square beads were a really cool choice. They are striking and make this cicada really stand out from the rest of your collection but I'm sure that if you ever decided to put them together on one garment it would look absolutely wonderful

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@kylieasiam7605]

Have juat found your channel while trying to teach myself bead embroidery Love your style

[@penitanielu4074]

Would love a reorganisation/stash tour!

[@mandycollins8795]

This was such a great serotonin/dopamine video! As always, your work is lovely, and I look forward to whatever you have planned next!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mandy!

[@moonbasket]

So cute! I have some miscellaneous beads and sequins and felt and should definitely try and make a brooch some day.

[@fuchsfarben]

I have been watching all of your brooch videos the past few days and am trying so hard not to go wild and buy a plethora of sequins :'D

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Sequin collecting becomes serious very fast 😂✨

[@kckazcoll1]

I'd like a sewing room tour, Bianca. Love your cicada brooch, I'm very inspired!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kaz!

[@jakimcmurdo4810]

I love all your bugs 🫶🏻😄🇬🇧❤️

[@jessicadanielson4543]

I call it couching, same as you pronounce it,fan of napping and beading 😁 really neat brooch, enjoying all the different buggos

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jessica!

[@caitmcg4382]

Would love a stash tour! If you can't find a tag format for it you should start one yourself! But also a tour of your fabulous sequins in addition to the fabrics, please!!! I love me some shiny!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cait! I have quite a few sequins these days 😂

[@PamelaGoodman-56]

Love you and everything you make! Thank you for the awesome videos!❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Pamela!

[@jordanrichardson6809]

Love the cicada but also the earrings

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@londonhodnet4079]

Very inspirational, thank you. Yes to studio tour. When you were talking about Xmas, a shop in London called Tobias and the Angel came to mind

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@annielessard4629]

Wow!!! Well done. The colors just pop!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Annie!

[@NoDecaf7]

Definitely here for a stash tour, the sparklies that you feature really appeal to me in ways I never expected.

[@fikanera838]

How beautiful! Also your necklace is gorgeous, & fits perfectly with that neckline. Looking forward to a studio/sequin tour in the future.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kellyjinx9771]

Your makeup is beautiful and so are your brooches.🤘

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kelly!

[@TheZeyre]

That is a beautiful work! Looks like a larger piece. May be a bit daunting but may carve out time to give it a go. Seems like it has a sturdiness to it! Great colors! Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Yes this one is a good size 😂