Feathers, feathers, feathers---

Feathers are just fabulous.   They are so versatile ..and can be used for any season hat making.   I had the opportunity to attend a master class  recently where we learnt so many ways that you can cut, steam, shape, cut , curl and twist feathers .An absolute feather frenzy.

Summer Hat Festival - Caussade France

Chateau Dumas is a wonderful place to get creative in France.  This year I was able to travel to France and participate in a week long millinery workshop.  Just as exciting is the annual Hat Festival.

Each Summer in France in the village of Caussade and Septfond there is a hat festival.  Part of the celebrations include a competition for milliners.  Entries come from all over the world.  I had booked in to do a Bridal Headwear workshop with the wonderful Dillon Wallwork at Chateau Dumas.  I thought it would be fun to enter some hats into the competition - just to see them in amongst all other hats from everywhere.

The celebration includes a fair and street entertaintment.  It creates a real carnival atmosphere.

There were some amazing pieces submitted in each of the competition categories.

 

There it is....



Me and my hat on the other side of the world.



Here's the other one - from Australia to France

Chateau Dumas - Millinery Workshop in France



Chateau Dumas - so pretty in the July sunshine.



Dillon Wallwork on the left.  Such a great millinery teacher.  I learnt so much during this wonderful week of making Bridal Headwear,

Masterclass on making roses for beautiful bridal headpieces

Such wonderful vintage hat blocks - borrowed for our use from Chapeau Willy's

How can you get sick of this view - lavender was in full bloom

Everywhere you look are georgous treasures found in the local flea markets.

A view from the Chateau across to the Gate House.

Dinner on the final night - such wonderful fun.  Beautiful headpieces made during the week.