History

Kanzashi originated thousands of years ago in Japan during the Jomon period as sticks and combs which were considered to possess mystical powers of protection. The Tsumami Kanzashi style of the folded fabric flowers appeared during the Edo period when the hair styles evolved from the long and straight to the upswept. It has been has designated as a traditional Japanese Handicraft. Kanzashi hair ornaments are currently most popular with Shinto brides and apprentice Geisha called Maico.

My Technique

Traditionally the Japanese create Kanzashi by folding fabric squares and mounting them on bases using a special rice glue. I learned my technique differently. My petals begin the same way, by folding fabric squares. But then they are sewn together in the center and then finished with commercial craft glue. I am inspired by 20th century vintage palettes, haute couture, and found materials. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and handmade only by me in St. Louis. It is not my mission to be a traditional Kanzashi master or to imitate the Japanese aesthetics. I only wish to express myself artistically, and folding fabric is the medium that speaks to me, second only to the performance art of putting on a runway show.

My Materials

The majority (80%?) of the fabrics are repurposed, upcycled, or vintage. Lots of fabric gets bought, saved, never used, and eventually given up on. This is the fabric that I love to bring back to life in my flowers. All of the buttons come to me second hand. I never buy buttons from the fabric store. More than half of them are vintage or antique. Even about half of the felt I use for the backing I get from my local craft supply recycle centers. Only the hardware is commercial except for special finds like some vintage combs.

The Name

Scarlett and Maria is named after Scarlett O'Hara and Fraulein Maria. Both of these characters were pioneers in upcycling having made amazing garments out of curtains in their films. When I first returned to crafting I was making mini skirts out of curtain valances and the name stuck. I do still use vintage curtains from time to time to make my flowers.

Making a Fascinator
http://scarlettandmaria.com/gallery/?albumid=571314166212864

Honors

Member of the St. Louis Craft Mafia

2012 RAWards Semi-Finals nominee for Best Accessories Designer