When in Amsterdam a couple of months ago, we saw in the window of an antique dealer these earrings, made with knotted human hair. Human hair is an amazing product, containing chemicals that preserve it for hundreds or even thousands of years.
I knew that human hair jewelry was very popular in the nineteenth century, but an internet search showed me that it has been made since the 16th century and even more interesting, it is still being made nowadays and there is even an official Victorian Hairwork Society Website, where hair artists can advertise their products, but also where people can advertise and sell their hair!!
Anyhow, we liked the idea, but not so much the supplies LOL, so we have tried to make something like that, but without the eeek-factor. Knotted in nylon thread it is a very nice synthese of new and old. The hardest part was to get two of the same size, but we got a pair at last and more will be coming!
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Very interesting ! Mijn dochter liet in Thailand extensions met echt haar zetten ... als ze ze beu is ga ik dat ne keer proberen te verwerken in mijn haakwerk.
ReplyDeleteTip : vraag aan mensen met extensions of je ze nadien mag hebben :-)
This is awesome Estella ! I remember my grandma had a locket with the hair of her grandma; found that always very intriguing. Knotted, so it is macrame ?? Is it the same thread as you sent me ?>
ReplyDeleteWow, I never heard of hair jewellery before. The ones you made with nylon thread look beautiful !!
ReplyDeleteZsazsazsu: Great tip ;)
ReplyDeleteInger: Mohair might be to soft, it has to stay in shape.
Kraplap: No it is needle lace, so entirely knotted by needle and thread, and indeed it is the same kind of thread we've sent you :)
Wow, so clever! Interesting history about the "real hair" and love your modern twist. fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWhat intricate and lovely work you have done.I like the use of modern materials too.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of horsehair being used in S America. I saw some pieces that were brought to the UK.
Yes, horse hair is often used, but also elephant hair, from the tail, but that is so thick that looks more like leather cording :)
ReplyDeletewoww excellent workmanshippp...eline saglikkkk
ReplyDeleteOh wow, those are amazing. Glad you managed to change the materials though - definite eek factor :)
ReplyDeleteThey are really lovely!!!
ReplyDeleteOhh they are fabulous Estella! I'd agree about the eek-factor, but it is fascinating what people used to do with such "simple" materials. Beautiful design!! Love the pink, too ;-)
ReplyDeleteAmazing earrings!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post, I never knew they made jewellery out of human hair...
This is awesome! I have seen a bracelet made of human hair ! wonderful earrings! love your implementation!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've heard and look for 19th hair jewellery too, Estella, I found them entrancing! I've seen some 21th century artists'works from human hair such as Jana Sterback and some others...I can't remember the names now
ReplyDeleteYour creations are gorgeous!
Super idea, Estella, very pretty those you're doing!
ReplyDeleteLots of people would not wear something with human "material" (I've seen jewelry made of human theets on Etsy!), so nylon that's a great alternative.
I'm with you on staying away from the eek factor Star! hehe
ReplyDeleteYou've certainly kept the wow factor though. Well done, they're gorgeous! :)
LOVE them! they are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteInteresting story. The earrigs looks great!
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