Gotta love Kanzashi Flowers

Have you discovered the pure awesomeness of Kanzashi flowers yet?

This time last week I hadn’t heard of these little beauties before, but now I simply can’t get enough of them. I have pulled out my stash of fabrics and have been maniacally cutting, folding and sewing little squares whilst sitting watching tv. The technique is really simple and the result is simply phenomenal, and i cant wait to use kanzashi on some craft projects.

So what are Kanzashi?
Kanzashi are hair ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles. Kanzashi first appeared when women abandoned the traditional taregami hairstyle where the hair was kept straight and long, and adopted beautiful-crazy and intricate coiffures. These days kanzashi are most often worn by brides and geisha.

Here’s a real easy tutorial on how you can make these little flowers, but please be warned, they are very addictive.

I’ve also found this site which has completely overwhelmed me with the intricacy and beauty in this age old craft technique. I doubt I will ever have the skill and patience to make anything as inspiring as these, but they are definitely worth looking at.

Making different sizes of flowers is as easy as varying the size of the fabric square, but the little ones are a bit fiddly, especially with thicker fabrics. Here’s the four flowers that i’ve made, and will hopefully make it on to a craft project in the near future. I also have a brilliant idea to use baby wipes instead of fabric, and to spritz them with my mini misters. I guess you’ll have to wait to see what fun I have exploring this technique.

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