Sketch to Reality...

I often like to sketch my ideas before I create them....while they most often take a u-turn and end up looking totally different than their original inspiration, it's nice to have a jumping off point.  I usually let the textiles, and Vintage items I find direct the project; and organically it ends up something much more exciting than I could have ever put on paper.

With that being said....sometimes it comes out, exactly as I planned...with this headpiece for example.  My vision was to have it nestled amongst a pile of crazy curls, in an abstract design, but the piece turned out just as I had designed.  Light and airy, with height and depth.  Each petal has been subtly hand painted and layered.  The front embroidery piece, was also painted, beaded and embroidered...lined with a sheer tulle, and shaped for fit.  Each leaf was painted, shaped and placed for beautiful effect.  The beaded strands make it romantic and whimsical...and have also been painted for added depth.  I call it "El Jaleo" after the John Singer Sargent painting.  It reminds me of a Spanish dancer....and model Aimee portrays it here to perfection.  Not sure if this is for everyone...but an adventurous bride, a masquerade ball...or even an English Tea might suit this piece perfectly. 

xo,

Erin 

 * photo compliments of Enchanted Images