After years of designing for print, for the past years on the computer, I longed for my days of creating and drawing by hand. So when I attended a gallery event with friends one evening, I created a simple headband with feathers to wear on my outing. I got compliments on the piece, but more importantly, it brought me back to the world of making things by hand! I had a background in fashion, sewing, textile design and screen printing but it had been years since I'd used those skills. Just like riding a bike, though, all the memories and feel-good sparks charged me up like a battery! Featherheart Millinery was born!
True to my nature, once I fell into making my headbands, my goal became to make larger headpieces and hats. And, so, I found myself learning about and admiring hat makers and wanting to enter the magical world of millinery. I joined boards, millinery forums and used my sewing and structure knowledge to teach myself until I was able to take classes from a wonderful milliner. From her, I learned blocking (constructing the hat bases), the art of French flower-making and honed my fabric dyeing skills. I use both conventional and unconventional materials in my pieces and keep a watchful eye on the environment for all my sources and work methods.
My work is a loving journey of not only what I learned in my classes, but what I learn every time I dream, think, ponder, plan, scheme about the next piece! I can truly say I send out a bit of my heart with every piece.
I hope to take you on that journey with me.