Gatsby Inspired Headpieces

Two weeks ago I attended my best friend’s bridal shower, not only was I excited because I’m bridesmaid, but because the theme was Great Gatsby of course. The age of glamour and glitzy flappers, one of my favorite eras in history. I mean I think I’ve been a Charleston girl, decked in feathers and tiers of sequins for one too many Halloween, but after the movie rendition of this time period, the look has become even more beautiful, glamorous and refined. I had found a few headpieces I fell in love with, but were a little out of my price range, so I decided why not create a piece inspired by Daisy Buchanan, but uniquely my own. My Gatsby inspired headpiece also grabbed the attention of a friend, who wanted a mini version for her daughter’s Christening. I created two different pieces, one using a stretchable headband perfect for toddlers, while I used tulle to make mine I simply tied around my head. I fell in love with these simple, yet beautiful headpieces, that I need to find another roaring party to wear it to soon!

You’ll Need:

– Embellished Applique

– Tulle

– Organza

– Leaf template {I simply drew a leaf shape onto paper, then cut it out}

– Needle and thread {in the same color as the material you’re using}

– Scissors

– Measuring string

– Iron

Measure around your head placing the string in the exact position you’ll wear the piece on your head. Add about a foot to either side of the measurement you took and cut your tulle according to that length {don’t worry if it’s too long, once you tie it onto your head, you can always cut it}. Determine how wide you’d like your piece, mine was about 2 inches, cut two pieces of tulle in the measured length and double the width you’re using {my two pieces of fabric were 4 inches wide and about 38 inches long}. Place both pieces atop each other, fold lengthwise and iron.

Iron the organza fabric, and cut several squares, about the size of a piece of paper. Fold several times over, and cut out leaf shapes. Make sure each petal is separate, and create multiple stacks with 5 to 6 petals. I suggest cutting very slowly, as organza is very light, and somewhat difficult to create straight edges. Leaving a 1/8 inch edge, sew the petal stacks, securing in place.

Arrange multiple stacks of petals atop the center of the tulle band. I wanted mine to resemble a delicate dahlia, so I span about 10 stacks of petals in a curved shape. If layering multiple stacks like I did, sew the petals onto the band in two layers. Sew your applique atop, making sure to hide threads beneath. Iron the entire headpiece before wearing.  Me and my fellow bridesmaid in our Gatsby attire. 

You’ll Need

– Stretchable Headband {at least 1 inch thick}

– Embellished Applique

– Feather

– Tulle

– Organza

– Rhinestones

– Needle and thread {in the same color as the material you’re using}

– Scissors

– Ligher

– Hot Glue Gun

Cut down the feather to the appropriate size, leaving about a 1/2 inch bottom, then wrap the feather continuously with thread to bunch together. Sew the end on the headband, angling it any desired way. Sew your applique atop the feather.

I followed these steps to make the organza flowers, using 10 to 15 different sized circles and a lighter instead of a candle to burn the edges, finding I had more control of the flame and final petal shape. Place 2 to 3 small circles of tulle in the center, then stitch with thread to keep the petals in place. Sew flowers atop feather and applique in desired position. Glue rhinestones in the center of each flower. I suggest lightly sewing parts of the feather, underneath the flower, so it is more secure to the headband, especially if worn by a toddler. To tame your feather, lightly spray hand with hairspray and run over feather.