Dandelions… I am sure you are very familiar with this plant. It produces bright yellow flowers which then turn into fluffy balls full of seeds. To most people, especially keen gardeners, a dandelion is just one of those nasty weeds calling for a spray of weed killer. But how (and why???) would you go about making a dandelion? It is impossible to imagine somebody would want to create a dandelion by hand. But here we are. This dandelion clock is … Read More
I am continuing my experiments with genuine leather, this rich and pliable material, great for making floral accessories.As a part of my new capsule collection I have created 2 leather roses, different in size and shape.The new collection called NATURALS will comprise of a range of accessories made using natural materials in natural colours and hues.So the new roses (both corsages) are created using beige leather and tan suede. They make an essential wardrobe addition for any girl who prefers … Read More
Last Saturday in between the showers we set off to visit Peter Beales nursery, which so happens to be only 20 minutes drive from our place. Peter Beales, sadly deceased earlier this year, was very well known as a rosarian, author and lecturer. Beales was considered one of the leading experts on roses, especially species and classic roses, preserving many old varieties and introducing 70 new cultivars during his lifetime. Our humble collection has one of Peter Beales’ roses and we’ve … Read More
What do you associate summer with? Warm weather, bright sun, blue-blue sky. Summer storms. Walks in the woods. Or, perhaps, in the meadows where amongst the sea of bright flowers you definitely spot a clover. Usually it comes in purple pink colour Pink clover brooch but sometimes you come across a white, slightly lime green variety. This summer flower, so tiny and humble, is one of the symbols of summer to me. White clover oval brooch Designer white clover brooch … Read More
As you have probably heard, last Saturday Britain celebrated the Queen’s official birthday with Trooping the Colour, a fabulous military parade. Although the Queen was born on 21 April, it has long been the tradition to celebrate the Sovereign’s birthday publicly on a day in the summer, when good weather is more likely. This military ceremony dates back to the early eighteenth century or earlier, when the colours (flags) of the battalion were carried (or ‘trooped’) down the ranks so … Read More
I think I have not met anyone who did not like butterflies. They are fascinating and delicate creatures full of beauty. No wonder we want to capture it and embody in our designs to enjoy their perfection and elegance as and when we want it. I love creating butterflies made of delicate lace and pure silk. Such designs look appropriate in wedding themes, they are perfect for special occasions, as little girls’ hair accessories, etc. They make a nice gift … Read More
New tutorial on a FABRIC CAMELLIA BROOCH is out now. For more information please visit the tutorial page. I am currently enjoying reading Chanel, a book by Danielle Bott devoted to this famous fashion house, its founder, Mademoiselle Chanel and those revolutionary changes she brought into the world of fashion. The book covers five central themes – the signature suit, the camellia, jewellery, fragrances and make-up. As you may have guessed I was naturally drawn to the chapter which talks about … Read More
As well as their Mummies little girls love to get dressed in new pretty outfits for special occasions. And what can be the best compliment to that outfit if not a cute designer custom-made hair accessory? I have made floral accessories in silk and other fabrics as well as fascinators in sinamay for young ladies. One of my long-standing favourites is this original silk and lace butterfly headband in sugar pink. I painted all the fabrics by hand using colours … Read More
Last time I was talking about how realistic silk roses can be. The pictures I shared showed the variety of form and colour one can achieve when making them. In this respect painting silk by hand comes in handy by allowing for the gradation of colour, which mimics flowers in the wild. But who said that we have to be restricted by any limits and only create realistic flowers? No one. Depending upon the project I often require a fantasy … Read More
A lot of you have commented on the 3D effect my silk millinery leaves have wondering how I manage to achieve it. Now you can do it too with my new updated and extended e-book tutorial, which is available for purchase from my tutorials store for just £6. Packed with tips and hints this 20 page .pdf ebook will teach you how to create impressive fabric millinery leaves for you projects every time. I have included the patterns … Read More
