How to Make Silk Flowers - The first bit - stiffening the fabric...

I am currently making roses for a wedding headpiece for a lovely bride.  Step one in the process is to choose the fabric and stiffen the fabric.

Fabric Stiffening Recipe for Silk Flowers
This recipe was given to me during a millinery workshop conducted by fabulous Australian milliner Neil Grigg. Thanks Neil this recipe is a cracker!

1. 420ml water– bring to boil in a saucepan
2. Mix together 20ml of cornstarch/cornflour with 20ml of water – it will make a thin paste
3. Pour cornstarch paste into the boiling water
4. Keep stirring until the mixture boils and thickens
5. Add 40ml of PVA glue – hold high and trickle in while continuing to stir until all is combined
6. Pour into a glass bottle and cool before use
7. This will keep about 7 -10 days.

Use a paintbrush to apply to fabric. Peg onto line and wait until fabric is dry and becomes stiff.

 Here are some petals cut out from stiffened fabric.  The brass tools are used in the next step.

Celebrating Australia Day - Millinery Ingenuity

Aussies today are celebrating Australia Day .  It is a public holiday so have just spent a  morning with friends and thinking about what makes Australia such a great place to live, having a laugh and not taking ourselves too seriously at all. 

I found this clip on the Film Australia site.  It shows  how it is possible to have one hat but 3 different looks.  The designer obviously takes his work very seriously.


Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!

Fashions on the Field at Melbourne Cup 2011

I just love the diversity of hats and colours.  Queensland girls always go for a big hat and plenty of colour.  Sigh! Why can't we wear a hat every day.

Have a look at some of the amazing hats snapped at last year's  Melbourne Cup.

http://www.theage.com.au/photogallery/lifestyle/fashion/fashions-on-the-field/melbourne-cup-2011-fashion-highlights-20111101-1mt6m.html?selectedImage=0

A pretty little hat at Ascot?

I was trawling about the internet and came across this amazing photo of a groovy lady at  the Ascot Races in England last year.    I absolutely adore her pink gloves.

I wonder if a hat can ever be considered too big? The photo does not show her handbag - I wonder if she went with something equally as subtle.

Perhaps I am underestimating the versatility of this headpiece  - it could double as a bed swag or a picnic blanket.

Crazy Inspiration for Millinery from the Kitchen

Such fun! Just goes to show don't think inside the box... Click on the link below and look at the salad bowl in your kitchen completely differently.

Clever thinking for Caulfield Cup 2011

Made this vintage inspired little rockabilly number for lovely lady going to Rockhampton Caulfield Cup. She had an inspired idea for accessories. Handbags are just useless really....she used a red plastic wine cooler. Just so practical on so many levels. Cold drinks all day and a place to put your winnings.