Henna Stories

A story is a written picture of our history and our feelings within it.

A 'told' story takes the words that paint the picture 

and adds the spirit that makes it personal.

I love the way henna is a vehicle to tell a story. actually henna is a story. In the stain left behind is the reminder of something experienced...the residue of life being lived...the joys, the pain, the events that shape us and define us.

I love telling the stories of tribal women and girls whose lives were marked and transformed by the hand of God....to illuminate and perpetuate the source of that power. 

I may leave behind a henna to keep reminding you of it as well.

Dragonboat Festival 2014 and New Fall Headwear

Flathead Lake in September is a delicious thing to behold. The sun is low enough to offer a gilded and rich light pretty much at any time of the day, the air sweet  and chilled to pink up your cheeks.
And the last couple of years have brought us the distinct pleasure of an affair both captivating to watch and to be involved with - the Dragonboat Races.
I, for one, am a fan of most anything that has an ethnic flavor. The Dragonboat is a celebration of the 'tribe', both of cultures far away and long ago, and within our workplaces and our friendships. The relationships that tie us together with bonds stronger than  bloodlines at times: our friends - our 'people'.....folks; that would be your tribe.
I feel a connection with the tribes of the globe, the elements that defined the tribe - their ancestry, their practices, their ritual and their art. And that's what captures my imagination: the art of the headdress....that personal object of definition - that expression of who they are and the manifested desire to make beauty and be beauty. We were all created for a kingdom greater than what is at hand, and headdresses seem to reveal the dream in all peoples, tribes, tongues and nations that we are seeking a glory greater than ourselves.

The Curried Myrrh fall collection once ago echoes the richness of the Berber culture, and also introduces a piece in honor of 'my family tribe'....

 Just like the Berber people need protection from the elements, so do we. Particularly in Montana where the cold leaks down the mountains in early September...

this is Brooke. she is part of my tribe.

she is wearing "Takama" which means 'warmth' in the Berber languauge

this is 'Takama' with fringe

and the 'Takama' without fringe

This piece is dedicated to Hans, my grandfather. He made this hat, a version of a 'french lieutenants' hat out of straw - a simple material, perhaps the common man's fiber, easy to get a hold of and inexpensive...kind of like fleece...

From Denmark 1944 to Montana USA in 2014:

introducing the "Kepi"

my version of a hat my grandfather made, long ago and far away

this is my grandfather and mother making their 'kepi's' out of straw harvested down the road

my mama and my bestefar working away, 6 done...(hanging on the house)

That Wedding Thing

How can one help, in the month of June, not to notice that 'love is in the air'....it's a time, anxiously awaited, with much preparation - for the 'big day'....that momentous moment called the wedding....

Brides. 

All around the world, from the beginning of time, women seek to adorn themselves for that glorious day. And besides the gown, what one wears on the head seems always to be of the utmost importance and speaks volumes of the woman - of her way and her grace.

Whether it be an elaborate tiara and veil, and tender circlet of beads, or an intricately woven headpiece...a headpiece is not only a definition of personality, but also an expression of  the wistful dreamings often personified and manifested on the bride at her wedding.

I love making bridal pieces. Unique and quirky, elegant and dreamy - 'a crown of glory'....

Whether your wedding is in the spring, summer, fall or winter, there are wonderfully creative ways to adorn your head, and the heads of your flower girls, bridesmaids, and..?

I love using elements from the brides' history-heirlooms kept for that special purpose-and then repurposed into something contemporary and fresh. Fabric, jewels, chains, beads, pendants....pieces collected, received, traded for, found in travels - bits and moments pieced together in a beautiful headpiece to accent your gown and speak of your heart.

Let me know how I can design and create something for your special day...

Woven fabric "Flapper" style with wood button

Flower halo's in all colors and flower species for brides and flower girls, bridesmaids and....?

Custom beaded circlet with vintage jewlels, chains and feathers

Flower and Feather Halo

Flower and Feather Halo with Beads

Beaded Halo

Copper Circlets...with green beads, with crystal accent

Lookback at Fall/Winter 2012-2013

As we emerge into spring, and watch the dirty piles of snow fade into muddy puddles - I want to have one last look-back at our previous season. I'm asking your feedback, tell me what you liked about the collection, and pick your favorite piece. The following photo's are from a shoot on a frigid day out at Rolling C Ranch in Whitefish Montana. Thank you again to Miriam, Nicole and Dually. 

A winner from all those who offer some input will be randomly selected, and I will send you a fresh new spring headpiece!

Thank you, and may spring grace us all deeply....