Flowers can be forever!
Hi I'm Thea, I'm a self taught kanzashi artist. I picked up this centuries old craft in 2001. I didn't learn from a book or an online tutorial. I learned from dismantling a kanzashi piece that was on a doll that my dad bought me when I was a child. While I greatly respect the traditional artisans of this art, I feel my work represents myself and others like me who have a mixed Asian heritage.

I bring new life to vintage kimono fabrics. I fell in love with vintage kimono fabrics originally as a quilter. Friends and family would pick them up for me to use. Many of the beautiful kimono had aging spots, general wear and tear yet much of the fabric was still usable. I do sell vintage kimono fabrics at my other Etsy shop: www.hapahousearts.etsy.com for pieces that I cannot use for my personal quilting or kanzashi making.

My handmade fabric flowers are made with love and by hand, by me. I fold each petal individually one by one. Many mixed media techniques are applied to achieve my flowers unique quality. I am often seen hand dying yards of vintage kimono linings which give me bright blue hands at times.

Worn by the famous & by the neighbors next door.
My kanzashi have traveled the world and have been to a few swanky shin digs:

2006 MTV Style Lounge - MTV Movie Awards
2006 Seattle Asian Art Museum - Group Show
2006 Miss Derringer Music Video Better Run Away From Me
2008 MTV Style Lounge - MTV Movie Awards
2010 Academy Awards/Oscars Gift Lounge

I am a native Washingtonian, mother of 4 (my eldest daughter is often subject to modeling for me) and I am a long time member of the Seattle handmade movement. I've participated in numerous local shows, etsyRain, Urban Craft Uprising and I Heart Rummage to name a few. I've also been in shows nation wide. My work has been featured on TV, magazines, books, fashion blogs and most importantly on my own friends. My work is also carried in many boutiques internationally as well as in museums.

Thanks for stopping by! I do custom work for various occasions. Don't worry nothing is too weird, just ask! I recently started another company (www.6by6arts.com) a laser cutting and engraving business that allows me even more customizing possibilities for custom orders. *Updated February 2019 - I no longer offer custom services through Etsy. Please contact me via my own URL for custom work.*

Thanks for supporting handmade!
xo-Thea