I know it's been a long time since I last posted something for all of you! Helen went back to work for these people www.mso.org and made a music video with these people www.jasonseedmusic.com . So, where does that leave kanzashi-making? Dead in the water, I'd say. It being September, Helen finally put her mind to the traditional September kanzashi flower, the Chinese bellflower, or kikyo.
Now, Helen had never made one of these before, but figured she could do it. They are usually blue on the outside, and layered with something white or lighter blue on the inside, but this is not always the case. Kanazashi-making is about interpretation, and everyone does their flowers a little differently. Also, most bellflowers have pointed petals. Typically, you make a rounded ume-type petal and put a point on it with some glue. Here are some examples: first, a delicate two-toned dyed version of a bellflower cluster on a fork, by Marissa Rojas of MJR Designs http://mjrojas.com/.....
...Next, another dyed example with leaves by amaebi79 on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/10936702@N07/sets/72157601291671947/ .....
....Here's a red version with an added leaf by RandomCatGirl on Etsy www.randomcatgirl.etsy.com .....
....which brings us to a colorful bobby pin
interpretation by AtelierKanawa on Etsy www.atelierkanawa.etsy.com ....
....and a lovely plain blue version with falls by KanzashiHime on Etsy www.kanzashihime.etsy.com ...
OK, now to Helen's first ever kikyo. Not bad for an amateur, I guess. She used blue and white dupioni silk, and a freshwater pearl.
Add some buds and leaves, and it becomes this lovely brooch...
Hmmm, well that photo got tampered with, didn't it? Better photos and purchase ability here https://www.etsy.com/listing/118826268/blue-flower-brooch-kanzashi-kikyu
Very pretty, Sadie! (Make sure you tell Helen I said so...)
ReplyDelete:-) Joana
Thanks, Joana! I'll let Helen know you stopped by.....
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