"Secret Garden"

Megan K. Hughes

Canada

• Silk Abaca Rose Project by Anne Tomlin
• Silk Abaca Leaves Project by Anne Tomlin

I first discovered the beauty and magic of silk abaca flower-making in HATalk Issue #139. The project, “Silk Abaca Rose,” with Anne Tomlin, was the perfect introduction to the type of flower shaping that I’ve always wanted to try. After working through the tutorial, I moved on to Issue # 146’s project, “Silk Abaca Leaves”, to properly finish my work with the leaves and calyx of the rose. I was so astounded that the instructions in the tutorials had led me to such good results, that of course I had to then try another, and another..! Through repeating the steps many times over, I discovered that I could use Anne’s instructions, for the rose and its parts from the HATalk articles, to create other varieties of flowers and leaves as well. My inspiration for “Secret Garden,” had taken root, and began to grow steadily as I cut, dyed, ironed, and shaped each flower and leaf… As a lifelong nature enthusiast and gardener, I have a fondness for flowers that remind me of moments, and of people, whom I cherish. “Secret Garden,” contains varieties of roses, violets, iris, grapevine, dogwood, lily of the valley, wisteria, jack in the pulpit, and trillium flowers, amongst a few others, trailing across a specially-made palm trellis that is set on the side of the hand-formed, seagrass top hat. The top hat shape, which has been historically so popular, evokes the old crowded parties that people everywhere are anticipating attending again. Together all of these elements create a natural arc toward a vital future, even while we may still be in our gardens and studios, dreaming it all to life…

• Seagrass capeline
• Palm stalk
• Silk Abaca
• Silk satin
• Silk chiffon
• Silk thread
• Gold organza (lining)
• Fabric Stiffener (pva)
• Procion Dye
• Millinery and silver wire
• Paper clay
• Vintage silk taffeta ribbon
• Petersham ribbon
• Thread (silk, cotton/poly, and waxed cotton)

• Research and pattern each flower type
• Stiffen fabric, cut petals
• Dye petals
• Make flower centers with paper clay, wire
• Use flower iron tools to shape each part
• Sew petals to wires
• Wrap and dye stems
• Create pattern pieces for leaf elements
• Stiffen, cut, and dye greenery fabric
• Assemble each element on wires
• Create seagrass top hat, stiffen
• Add support wire and ribbon details to top hat
• Assemble palm trellis
• Attach trellis to top hat with wire
• Arrange floral elements and secure
• Insert gold lining