Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Bookcase Tour Tuesday - Kanzashi in Bloom

I remember when I first saw the book Kanzashi in Bloom by Diane Gilleland, it went straight on my wish list.  I had recently started playing with the art of fabric flower folding (say that quickly three times!).  The moment I sold some of my first ones, single brooches at the time, I quickly justified my need for this book. 


She begins the book by talking about the origins of the flowers found on Japanese Kanzashi hairpieces and showcases some of the stunning work by Kuniko Kanagawa.  


The instructions for all 20 projects are explained clearly and beautifully photographed.


I've been meaning to make some of these for the Christmas tree...


And these flowers would never wilt...


To be honest, if I was given a present wrapped like this, I'm not sure I'd want to open it...


The butterflies are just gorgeous.  I made one and framed it, which you can see here... 


And the hearts on the tea cosy are so sweet.  She includes the instructions to make the tea cosy as well...


The funny thing is, that I've been a big fan of Diane's for quite a while now, but always knew her as "Sister Diane" from Craftypod.  Her voice is often my companion while I work, I think I'm now working through her archive for the third time.  It was only in one such podcast that she was talking about Two Ways to Publish a Craft Book when she mentioned her own book that I realised she was also Diane Gilleland!

Kanzashi in Bloom ISBN 978-0-8230-8481-4

If you're interested in Kazashi, you can see a few of my own Kanzashi pieces here and some of my original inspirations here.

3 comments:

Aussie-waffler said...

I simply adore that pink butterfly. Just beautiful.

Unknown said...

I also have this book. So many pretty things to make.

Diane Gilleland said...

OMG! You have seriously made my day! I've followed your blog for a long time now, and so to see my book pop up here was a total honor. Thank you indeed for this very kind review. Your kanzashi are absolutely gorgeous. Your use of bead caps and enameled beads as centers just knocks me out!

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