Jill
Humphries

Picnicking at Flemington My headpiece celebrates Spring on the lawns at Flemington, with a surrealist twist to make the viewer take a journey that even a five year old will enjoy. From eating the juicy strawberries and raspberries, to smelling the roses of Flemington, those ants will always be there - and they have one of the most important jobs of all, they are the eternal gardener. Made on a 1960's block I wanted to keep the base simple in its design - but still a skillfull shape to master. Pulling apart old necklaces I found the body component of the ants. Each ant was handstitched in place with cotton legs made to complete the realisim. And just like ants, they aren't only on the hat - but the vintage crinoline ties sees them climbing up to the ultimate goal. The hand beaded strawberries and raspberries are the ant goal. Made from old off cut red brims, I tooled and stiffenend them to create the shapes before painstakingly beading each berry. Feathers created the calyx and stems. Ready for dropping into your mouth. Flemington's roses are displayed around you while picnicking - in brightest red and pink feather work and anchored with a floating quill covered in vintage crinoline. But what is a rose without a few details - like feathered thorns and leaves to make you think twice before picking. I hope you enjoy this journey of millinery found within my world of nature and the enjoyment of creating.

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