All my hats are made of silk. They are decorated with hand-dyed feathers and lace to match the hat color. Wherever possible, antique lace is used. I have been making hats for almost twenty-five years and, over those years, have done extensive research into the history and style of hats. In the case of mourning hats, wherever possible, actual antique chiffon from a mourning veil is used since the antique material is so fine.

I have an extensive collection of books and catalogs pertaining to the making and decorating of hats and constantly find something new to add to the look of a hat. The early 1900s are my specialty because they are so full of decorations. Many of my hats are as authentic as I can get from a picture since I don’t have the actual hat. Several of my 1912-period hats were on tour with the “Elements of Style” exhibit of the International Guild of Miniature Artisans in 2001. My hats have also been on display at the Tee Ridder Museum on Long Island, New York.

Since all my hats are hand made, no two will be exactly the same; laces change and feathers don’t always do as we wish. I go to antique shows and shops to find antique lace and trims so that every hat is unique. One hat takes many hours to complete and is well made with no glue showing and is as beautiful underneath as on top. I strive to find new decorations so that each hat is different and fresh. My work is signed with a label inside and is a definite labor of love.