Amelia and Avery

More steampunk hats!


Amelia:

Studious, demure, and with a touch of whimsy, the Amelia is versatile enough to complement your steampunk, victorian, or everyday ensembles. Khaki grosgrain ribbon stitched in white is backed with a wider grosgrain ribbon in warm taupe, forming a layered hatband that backs a collection of copper and brass gears and cogs. An antique-style clock face anchors the design, protected by a resin dome, and tiny brass flowers hand-set with pearls peek out in unexpected places. Two brass wire swirls spring from the base, and a tiny round locket dangles overhead, ready for you to hide a secret inside! A fluffy ivory ostrich plume floats above it all. It's the details that make this hat special, and the Amelia has plenty of secrets waiting to be discovered!

Avery:

Simple, clean, and quintessentially steampunk, the Avery is the perfect final touch for your next steampunk ensemble. A wide burnt-orange grosgrain ribbon is backed with multi-toned tweed to form the backdrop for a selection of gleaming brass and copper gears. The two-toned metallic theme is further carried out by the dual wire swirls in copper and brass, which coordinate perfectly with the fabrics and the pair of pheasant feathers that sprout from the hatband. A tiny brass bird and twinkling rhinestones in warm golds provide the last bit of luxury that make the Avery a must-have addition to your collection.

Bernadette and Celandine

These two couldn't be more different, but since I'm on kind of a steampunk kick right now, they're together because they're NOT steampunk-ish in style. The Bernadette was one of the easier hats for me to make, since much of the hat's impact is in the curled feather pad, which I don't have to do much to enhance. The Celandine looks simple, but it took forever to get things placed just so. And the wire swirls still kind of remind me of bug antennae. Cute antennae, though...


Bernadette


Chic. Elegant. Gorgeous. All words that perfectly describe the Bernadette, which is striking in its simplicity. With a hatband made of black and white grosgrain ribbon and a flat double bow of black velvet, this hat features a central ruby-red acrylic jewel wrapped in brass filigree, trimmed with pearls and rhinestones, and surmounted by a huge pad of curling black and white feathers. Sometimes the classics are just what you're looking for!

Celandine

Sweet, delicate, and just a bit whimsical, the Celandine is the embodiment of Spring. Grosgrain ribbon of the palest green encircles the hat, and is trimmed with blush pink satin. Natural paper flowers in ivory, apricot, and buttercup yellow are clustered in an adorable nosegay that looks like it's just been picked, and are accented with graceful swirls of brass wire. No matter what your surroundings, wearing this hat will be like a breath of fresh air!

Kelsey and Alexis

And we're back! These two hats are among the first in my newest set of steampunk hats-- I found a source for brass and copper gears, and I'm putting the to good use in these! Enjoy! (these two are also for sale in my Etsy store, along with all the others that will be posted in the next few weeks)

Kelsey:

Bright and cheerful as a shiny new penny, the Kelsey combines shades of aqua and copper with a touch of whimsy that's sure to make you smile. An assemblage of copper and brass gears is backed with an intricate brocade in blues and browns, with matching satin ribbon trim. Copper wire swirls and springs draw the eye upward, where tiny rhinestones in aqua and goldenrod twinkle against the black felt crown. If you're looking for something cute, quirky, but still steampunk, this is the hat for you!

Alexis:

Brilliant in scarlet velvet and gleaming brass, the Alexis is many things, but never inconspicuous. Luxurious velvet ribbon encircles the hat and stands up in proud loops, forming a dramatic backdrop for an elaborately layered arrangement of gears in brass and copper. A spray of brass wire curlicues springs up from the base, and a duo of tiny brass gears adds an extra accent to a hat that's already got so much going for it. No one wearing the Alexis will ever be anything but the center of attention!

Sneak preview of new steampunk hats...

Okay, still processing the latest batch of hats, but here's a sneak preview of some of the latest... (more to come soon!)

Coming off Hiatus!

Hoo boy, it's been a while! But I have half a dozen new hats just waiting final finishing (my 3mm pearls are arriving any day now, so I can finally put them in the center of my tiny brass flowers!) and a quick photo session, and they'll be up soon!

And I'd better get cracking on the hat-decorating, for 'tis the season to apply for vendor space at next year's conventions!

Getting started up again!

So it's been a while (too long!) since I last made a hat, so I got the ball rolling again by taking advantage of a supplier sale and ordering a whole bunch of new feathers for new hats! Plus I'm stocking up on steampunk and other metal charms, so keep checking back for new hats! Bonus: all new hats will be available for sale in the new Etsy store!

Etsy shop!

I finally put my remaining hats up in my Etsy shop, and will be posting more as soon as they're made. And of course I'm happy to put up a custom listing for anyone who wants to discuss custom work! Enjoy!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tanya2s

Vivien

Okay, so this is actually the last hat I made for Anime Boston, and since I'm taking a short break from hat-making until I can replenish some of my supplies (and clear off space in my craft room to make more hats!), this will be the last hat posted for at least another two weeks. That being said, this one was the result of much experimentation-- originally I was going to do a "fan" of dupioni silk behind the red jewel, but the silk had a darker red tone than the brocade did, and it just didn't look right. Then I thought I'd sew a "tube" of brocade and do an origami-ish series of loops behind the jewel, but that looked awkward, so I ended up combining the ideas and making the tube into a ruffle-ish thing that looked generally decent. Then the hat was kind of plain, so I added the gold threading, and then just to shake things up a bit I added the tiny rhinestones in red and gold. I like the overall effect.


Vivien:

Opulence defined, the Vivien is lush with gleaming gold, vibrant red, and sparkling jewels. Gorgeous scarlet satin, brocaded with imperial chrysanthemum designs in gold thread, is draped around the hat, forming a pillowy backdrop to a fiery red acrylic jewel that has been hand-wrapped in intricate brass filigree. Delicate threads of metallic gold thread surround the crown, each one accented with tiny, sparkling ruby and topaz colored rhinestones. If you've ever wanted to wrap yourself in luxury, the Vivien is the closest you'll come without being royalty.

Lady Catherine

I made this hat the same time as the Lady Anne, and it was actually the original concept to use gold thread and blue fabric, rather than the silver and lilac, but I had both and so I made two. Since it's basically the same hat only in different colors, I didn't really write a description for it, but the overall effect was different enough that I didn't want to just call it "a blue Lady Anne." So here are pictures, at least:

Courtney and Caitlin

While I was at Anime Boston, I made a few custom hats at the request of customers who saw hats that were ALMOST perfect, but not quite. I generally sketched the hat with them, then went home at night and made the hatband (which requires ironing, not something I can do at my table), and packed up all the necessary feathers and components for attachment the next day. Perhaps not surprisingly, all of my custom hats were steampunk-themed. I promised I'd name each custom hat after the person buying it, so without further ado, here are:

Courtney:

Steampunk refined, the Courtney juxtaposes elegant brocade with traditional steampunk elements, proving that you can have the richness and luxury of satin while keeping the touch of grittiness that makes steampunk interesting. Deep burgundy satin is patterned with metallic florals, which are brought out by the ivory satin ribbon running around the base of the hatband. A clock face in antique brass is surrounded by gears in various finishes, and accented by a single brass flower set with a tiny glass pearl. An airy white ostrich plume is the background for two whimsical brass wire swirls, where a tiny brass key dangles for a finishing touch. For steampunk elegance, look no further than the Courtney.

Caitlin:

Featuring the darker side of steampunk, the Caitlin is something you'd expect to see at your favorite after-hours event-- striking, elegant, and... well, steamy. The black satin hatband is accented with a narrow burgundy ribbon, against which an array of antiqued silver gears is centered on a dramatic silver keyhole. Mixing metals in true eclectic style, two brass flowers set with tiny glass pearls, and brass wire swirls provide a lighthearted contrast to all that drama. A fluffy burgundy ostrich plume sweeps to one side and is balanced by gleaming black and white feathers. A delicate brass key sways gently on a wire swirl, ready to unlock the mystery of this gorgeous hat.

Rosalie

The third in my vampire (err... Twilight... though I hate to admit it) series, this one was actually the first hat to sell at Anime Boston last weekend. I wanted to use lace and the same crystals and chains as the other hats had, but get a little more feminine. I called it the Rosalie because when I actually read the book (yes, I read it, though it was under protest because I was well aware of the horrible stuff the author calls "writing"), they describe her as being the peak of female perfection, and I thought it would fit with the lace and corsetry. I can totally see myself making more of these with different colored ribbons lacing up the side.

Rosalie:

Dark and seductive, the Rosalie draws every eye... and wearing her, so will you. The crown is covered in sheer black sparkling fabric, and a black velvet ribbon forms a luscious hat band. An inky black jewel is wrapped in silver filigree and accented with two tiny red rhinestones, bracketed by spiraling black feathers. Black gimp trim is sewn in a V-shape to reveal corset-laced red satin ribbon, while a silver chain is draped between twin antiqued silver buttons before supporting a pair of blood-red teardrop-shaped crystals wrapped in silver wire. If you give her the chance the Rosalie will draw you in... and there's no guarantee she'll let you back out again!

Annabelle

I needed an excuse to use this gorgeous pinky-gold dupioni silk I'd picked up, and I started fiddling with it, trying to figure out what to do with it that wouldn't look too girly and frilly, when I finally gave up and succumbed to the girliness and just made a huge bow. A double-layered bow. With a lace frill. And tiny pearls. Embrace the girliness, I always say...

Annabelle:

Covered in ruffles, lace, and pink silk, the only word to describe the Annabelle is "girly." ... but in a good way. A luscious dupioni silk hat band in an iridescent combination of pink and gold envelops the crown, forming a double-layered bow, and is anchored by a rose-pink acrylic jewel wrapped in delicate brass filigree and accented with tiny glass pearls. A frothy ruffle of ivory lace fans out above the jewel, sewn with a trio of more pearls, and a fluffy ostrich plume towers above it all. Full of feminine frippery, the Annabelle is practically a cupcake in hat form-- sweet, tempting, and something every girl needs at least one of.

Anime Boston 2010!

So I just got back from Anime Boston 2010, where I sold over 30 hats! Overall I got a very positive response, especially for the steampunk hats, so I'll definitely be making more of those in the future. I got some great pictures of convention-goers wearing my creations, which I'll post at some point-- it was great to see people enjoying them! Plus, my own hat got tons of compliments and several requests to replicate it, so at least I know that people share my taste in headwear!

Starr

As soon as I got my black velvet ribbon I knew I wanted to juxtapose it with a cluster of clear rhinestones, so I pulled every size of rhinestone I could find to get the effect I was looking for. There are sew-on rhinestones in fancy shapes, some rosette sew-ons that I actually bought in 1999 (!) for a totally different project which have languished in my crafts box since then, and teeny-tiny rhinestones to fill in some of the spaces and balance things out. I was trying to come up with a name for this hat when I was done, and all I could think of was the Sargent painting of Madame X, but "Madame X" was kind of a weird name for a hat, and the model's first name was Pierre, which was also a weird name, so I went with Starr, like stars in the sky. I think it works...

Starr:

Like sparkling stars in a velvety night sky, the Starr will make you catch your breath at its sheer beauty and elegance. Inky black velvet ribbon and gleaming black satin provide a textural contrast to the black felt hat, which is deepened by the airy black ostrich plume that floats like an evening cloud above it all. A huge faux diamond wrapped in silver filigree is surrounded by smaller rhinestones in all shapes and sizes, clustering like stars in a distant galaxy, while more tiny rhinestones accent the border between velvet and satin and the spine of the ostrich plume, peeping through the blackness like the first stars at twilight. If you're drawn to darkness but refuse to give up the fiery sparkle of diamonds, the Starr is the best of both worlds.

Priscilla and Pauline

More steampunk hats-- I really like the steampunk look, and the tweed and guinea feathers just go so well with the gears! The guinea feathers are kind of tough to deal with, since they curl to the front/back, as opposed to side-to-side like the ostrich plumes, so it's hard to put them on a hat without them sticking out in all directions. And they're so distinctive that they don't blend well into other feathers. But I think they go well in these applications-- the tweed seems to set them off nicely, since it's also a mottled brown from a distance. I used burgundy and French blue because they go well with brown tones, though I wish I had a dusty blue ostrich plume to match the ribbon like I did with the burgundy!

Priscilla:

Warm and feminine without being girly, the Priscilla is the essence of classic steampunk fashion. A traditional tweed in autumnal shades of brown is encircled with a double row of satin ribbon in burgundy and chocolate, while an embellished keyhole forms the centerpiece of a collection of gears. A brass flower set with a tiny glass pearl draws the eye towards a pair of speckled guinea feathers, and a fluffy claret-colored ostrich plume sweeps to the side. Brass wire swirls add whimsy, while a tiny antique gold key dangles for a finishing touch. If you're looking for the perfect accent to your steampunk ensemble, look no further than the Priscilla!

Pauline:

A companion piece to the Priscilla, the Pauline is just as classic, just as coordinated, but has more of a tailored feel. Warm shades of brown are echoed in the tweed hatband and the mottled guinea feather curling over the top of the crown, and a collection of gears surrounds an antique clock face and a tiny key. A double row of satin ribbon in French blue and chocolate brown adds a touch of color, while a white ostrich plume and a carefree wire swirl add a sense of lightness to the hat. All in all, the Pauline is a perfectly balanced addition to your steampunk wardrobe.

Lina

So I'd just finished up the last few brocade and velvet hats, and I was trying to branch out from the standard "brocade and jewel" or "steampunk" look, and thought that one of the golden yellow ostrich plumes would be a nice starting point for a more cheerful design. I kept things light and bright and for some reason this hat reminds me of a butterfly, with the ivory ribbon wings and vaguely antennae-ish brass swirls. Not quite sure who wants a black top hat with cheerful ribbon and feathers, but maybe someone will!

Lina:


Bright and coquettish as a sunny yellow butterfly, the Lina will brighten anyone's day. Ivory satin shadow-striped ribbon, accented with bright yellow, wraps around the hat and ends in a charmingly askew bow, which features a golden acrylic jewel the color of congealed sunshine and looped in brass wire. A fluffy golden ostrich plume sweeps airily to the side, dotted with tiny rhinestones, while whimsical brass swirls curl in every direction. Perched on your head, the Lina is so light and cheerful that it might flit off at any moment!

Verenna and Viola

These two are a slightly more goth-y take on the top hat, with black, silver, purple, velvet... all the stuff you generally associate with the goth aesthetic. Not as overtly "dark" as the Twilight hats, but they'd go well with a gothic lolita outfit or something similar.


Verenna:

Austerely beautiful, the Verenna has the sheen of antiqued silver combined with intricate black detail, creating a look that is darkly inviting. Black and silver brocade patterned with exotic paisley designs forms the background for a shield of swirling silver filigree, and frames an acrylic jewel as clear and cold as a winter sky. Twin ostrich plumes in lush black and cloudy gray rise above it all, set with twinkling rhinestones in black and white. The Verenna may be monochromatic, but what it lacks in color it makes up in style.

Viola:

Unlike Shakespeare's heroine, this Viola could never disguise herself as a boy-- from the purple dragons twining in sinuous grace over the brocade hatband, to the luscious black velvet ribbon encircling the base, to the sparkling amethyst-colored jewel centered on intricate vines of flowered brass filigree, she exercises her feminine wiles to the fullest. A fluffy black ostrich plume softens any remaining hard edges, while tiny rhinestones in shades of purple provide glittering accents to the whole.  When you put on the Viola, there's no way you'll avoid being noticed!

Danielle

I thought I'd take a step back from jeweled embellishments for a while and go with a more traditional floral. Most silk flowers these days tend to look kind of tacky, but this velvet flower (no idea what kind it's supposed to be-- it's kind of marigold-ish?) went really well with the antique-y look I was going for. I thought about trying to add rhinestones to the petals, either clear to look like dewdrops, or colored to add some sparkle, but thought better of it.

Danielle:

Adorned with antique velvet and pearls, the Danielle is as sweet and old-fashioned as your grandmother's parlor, with the same elegant lines and floral decorations. But lest you think old-fashioned means out of style, look again at the beautiful details that make this hat special. Rich velvet petals in shades of burgundy and pink are clustered together between leaves of brass filigree decorated with tiny pearls, while a band of wine-colored velvet ribbon and a delicate ruffle of ivory lace encircle the crown of the hat. Airy ostrich plumes in burgundy and ivory add lightness and a hint of modernity to this otherwise classic little piece of millinery. Wearing the Danielle, you will always be every inch a lady.

Peacocks, the End!

Lest you think that all of the peacock hats are blue or green, I made a few in other colors-- namely, black and purple. Because the black jewels actually are black both sides, rather than being backed in silver to provide maximum reflectivity, I decided to try something different and mount the black jewel back-to-front. This made for an interesting convex faceted surface instead of the usual flat-front, which I thought was cool but wouldn't work with any other color besides black. I may try it on some other hats, depending on the design. I also liked how the purple jewel brought out the hints of violet in the peacock feathers.

Irina:
Black as midnight, the Irina is encircled with a ribbon of inky black velvet and adorned with a shining black acrylic jewel. Against all that darkness, the gleam of intricate brass filigree and the sparkle of tiny blue and green rhinestones draw the eye like a beacon, while a single perfect peacock eye practically glows with vibrant color. Behind the screening tendrils of a black ostrich plume, a shimmering green peacock sword curves like a crescent moon, peeking over the edge to provide a hint of intrigue. Mysterious, exotic, and dripping in darkness, the Irina is a secret waiting to be unlocked.

Ivana:

Ivana. The name conjures up images of wealth, power, and an image that's almost-- but not quite-- too flawless to be truly beautiful. The Ivana has it all-- lush purple velvet, ornate brass filigree, a multi-carat amethyst-colored jewel, and feathers everywhere. A pair of eye-catching peacock feathers presides over an elaborate ensemble of velvet and jewelry, while a deceptively casual ostrich plume sweeps to the side to reveal tiny rhinestones along its length. Whether you're planning on being the power, or the woman behind the power, this hat will never be anything less than perfect.

Peacocks, Group 3

So this set of peacock feather hats was my attempt at branching out a little from the standard filigree-wrapped jewels, with wire-wrapping instead. They're a little less traditional, I think, but the wire still works with the peacock feather theme.

Isis:

Adorned in royal blue and gleaming gold, the Isis features shimmering peacock feathers and a jeweled amulet that wouldn't be out of place around the neck of an Egyptian queen. Plush velvet the color of lapis lazuli is an elegant backdrop for a deep sapphire-blue acrylic jewel wrapped in gold-colored wire and mounted to the center of a swirling circular ornament. A pair of peacock eye feathers in rich tints of green, blue, and violet is set with tiny rhinestones, and an arched peacock sword in iridescent green echoes the curve of the wire while another stretches upwards. Like a precious treasure from the age of the pyramids, this hat deserves to be on display!

Isadora:
Free-spirited and lovely, with a touch of the exotic, the Isadora is just as modern and graceful as her inspired namesake. Forest-green velvet sets the stage for a shining emerald-colored acrylic jewel, wrapped in delicate strands of wire in flowing curves. Whimsical swirls of brass are accented by miniature brass flowers set with tiny glass pearls, while above it all, two peacock eye feathers steal the spotlight and glitter with tiny rhinestones. Whether you're a dancer breaking through boundaries of the traditional, or just someone who wants to be noticed in a crowd, the Isadora is the perfect accessory for you.

Peacocks, Group 2

More blue and green peacock hats-- because I decided not to use the extra filigree backing, I had to come up with some other way to embellish the center jewels-- I kind of liked the effect of the trio of rhinestones on each side of the ribbon folds, it makes the whole thing look a bit more modern, and the brass flowers are of course a standby decoration for adding detail.

Isobel:

Modern and sophisticated, the Isobel sparkles with rhinestones and shimmers with peacock feathers, combining blues and greens in symphony of color. A dark blue velvet ribbon is wrapped around the hat and closed with a flat bow, embellished with chevrons of tiny rhinestones and a large sapphire-colored acrylic jewel wrapped in brass filigree. A single peacock eye feather is balanced by a pair of striking peacock swords in iridescent green, and the whole ensemble is backed with a fluffy ostrich plume in jet-black, with more rhinestones to draw the eye upwards. Layers and layers of colors and textures make up this gorgeously appointed hat.

Indira:

Indira" means "splendid," and one look at the Indira makes it obvious that it's the perfect word to describe this hat. A single faux emerald, securely wrapped in gleaming brass filigree, is surrounded by hand-sewn brass flowers set with tiny glass pearls, on a luscious backdrop of deep green velvet. A perfect pair of peacock eye feathers, clear rhinestones glittering like stars from their dusky centers, forms an exotic base for the rich curve of an iridescent green peacock sword, arcing above the crown of the hat like a shimmering rainbow. Truly, a hat fit for a queen.