Bringing an idea from the initial thought, to sketch to fruition takes its own sweet time. It has to be allowed to be born when the elements are ready to come together. My current creation is a fantastical hat made from sari silk ribbons, silk, cotton, felt and silk wools. Beads will be added too. There my be Celtic symbols too as this is most definitely an Irish hat.
My absolute love of trees and my love of silk are married together in this project and I just know I am not going to be able to sell this hat when it is completed. It is probably too far out there for most people, but people like me who are very earth bound, very connected to nature and love all things trees will find it hard to resist.
Here are some sneak peek images of the progress so far. The top is the canopy in greens with leaves, the crown is the trunks of the trees with a pair of owls looking out from a hole in the trunk of one of the trees and the brim has silk mushrooms, lichen and tree roots. I have yet to decide if the lining will be simple one coloured or, I may hand dye a piece of silk to look like moss.
Crin nagan means “the tree” in Irish Gaelic but I think this hat will need a more mystical, whimsical name. Ideas are welcome. Comments below please! I am waiting for a delivery of buckram, which seems hard to get these days, then I can make the inner support for this mad hat! See you next time.
Karima Rebecca Powell Artist 