HATS!!!

I thought I'd show you another one of my loves--hats!  Not only do I wear them, but I also make them.  I've been collaborating with my mom for over 5 years now--she crochets and felts the 100% wool hat and I needle felt the decorations with unspun fiber.  We call ourselves Toppers. 

They are fun...

and colorful...

and warm.

But we're definitely out of the wool season (I hope!), so here's an option with no season required...

A completely different take on hats--fascinators.  Wearable hairpieces for everyday and special occasions.  I don't need an excuse to wear a hat, but some people do, so with the Royal Wedding and Kate Middleton being featured everywhere, it's time to bring hat wearers together! 

I've started collaborating with my friend Chris to make these exciting and fashionable new hairpieces.  What fun we have had!  We've used feathers, crinoline, ribbon, vintage buttons and pearls, creating these one-of-a-kind whimsies. 

large black silk flower with ostrich feathers

ostrich feathers and hen feathers with vintage rhinestone buttons

curling pheasant feathers

green feather pad with peacock fringe and vintage button

You can buy these and more at Darling and DeLisle in Damariscotta, Maine, 112 Main Street, 207-563-1919. 

Let me know what you think.

River Arts Fine Crafts Exhibition

Three pieces have been accepted for the River Arts Fine Crafts Exhibition!!!  The show is May 6 through May 30, with an opening reception Friday, May 6, from 5 to 7 PM.  This show will be held at River Arts Gallery II on Route One, near the intersection with Business Route one in Damariscotta.  Please stop by to see the first showing of my flowering vine jewelry at this fine crafts exhibit.

More Flowering Options

Lately, I've been too busy creating to post, but thought I'd take some time to catch you up on one of the new pieces.  The flowering vines series has been occupying my thoughts and designs, so I've been pushing the idea to some new heights.  First, here in process is a new cuff bracelet:

I wish I had taken more photos during the process, but I think you see the base structure in the picture.  The vines are 12g sterling silver wire and I formed the base flat and then curved it around the mandrell.  I added the flowers one at a time, deciding the design as I went. 

And this is the finished piece:

Here's what it looks like on the wrist:

I LOVE it!