I’ve been developing a technique for the past few months using fosshape and recycled materials to create wearable sculptures using traditional and contemporary textiles techniques with a particular focus on animals and nature. As having only been doing millinery since March of this year, I’ve also been trying to push my boundaries in terms of design so decided to follow a couple of drawing prompts throughout October, each day creating a new design. My design for the competition actually came from the day 8 prompt: River. Straight away I pictured a colourful fish jumping out of textured waves covering a halo base. At this point I was really struggling with the openness of the “Water” theme but new I’d struck upon a really exciting idea in an unexpected way.

My design relays how the species that live in water are as beautiful as the water itself. Through careful selection and treatment of a variety of second hand materials, mainly being secondhand ties, I have managed to capture the beauty and intricacy of a creature that many of us overlook.

I chose the Rainbow Trout as I feel it reflects my colourful and unique style as well as allowing the materials to really shine. Each piece has been carefully hand cut and handstitched onto the fosshape form. Even the spots on the trout are tiny pieces of tie as well as seed beads.

It was important to me to really capture the movement of the water as well as the fish to reflect how each element relies so heavily on each other. The water is made using a second hand dress and the technique of furrowing, with pearls and beads dotted throughout to mimic the bubbles of crashing water nestled around the delicate fins of the trout.

Note: Entries have been not been edited or proofread to protect the integrity of the maker's original meaning.