Hair is more than material;
it is memory made tangible.
I create delicate, one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces using your own hair or the hair of loved ones, crafted with reverence and techniques inspired by 19th-century Victorian hairwork traditions. These deeply personal works honor memory, sentiment, and life’s milestones, blending meticulous craftsmanship with meaningful symbolism. I work closely with each patron to ensure the final piece is as meaningful as it is beautifully made.
Bespoke Heirlooms
Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, honoring the nostalgic and symbolic nature of this historic artform.
Wirework hair flowers & elaborate beadwork
Intricate floral and botanical designs shaped with fine wire and strands of hair, reflecting Victorian symbolism and craftsmanship. Every piece I create features beading - an opportunity to weave in texture, color, sentiment, and sparkle. Patrons are welcome to provide meaningful beads or findings to be included in the design, making the work even more personal.
Sentimental keepsakes and memorial pieces
Personal objects designed to honor loved ones, preserve memories, and provide comfort.
Custom heirloom commissions
Unique creations crafted to be cherished for generations. Hairwork keepsakes can be made using your own hair, or the hair of one or many loved ones.
Every commission is a collaboration, ensuring that the final piece reflects your personal story and the deep emotional resonance of this timeless craft.
I work exclusively in wirework techniques and do not offer table braiding or flat/palette work. My focus is on the creation of three-dimensional hair flowers and botanical forms, in keeping with the sculptural tradition of Victorian wirework hair art.
The Commission Process
I accept a limited number of commissions each year. These are intimate, collaborative projects, and I approach each one with great care and respect for both the material and its meaning.
Current Wait Time
At this time, the wait to begin a new project is approximately two months—though this is subject to change and may fluctuate depending on my current workload. Please note that a two-month wait is relatively short; at other times, the wait has been significantly longer. You are always welcome to reach out to confirm the most up-to-date time frame.
How to Begin
To inquire about a commission, please email me at irby.diane@gmail.com. Include the following in your message:
A clear photo of the hair you'd like me to work with, placed next to a ruler or other measuring device.
Any thoughts you may have about the type of piece you are envisioning. You're welcome to reference examples from my portfolio or social media.
Once I have reviewed your materials and assessed what is possible with the hair you provide, we can move on to a consultation to discuss details. Consultations can take place by email, text, or phone—whichever you prefer.
What to Expect
During the consultation, we will discuss:
The kind of piece you would like to commission
The style, size, and structure you are imagining
What the hair allows me to create, based on condition, length, texture, and quantity
Whether the hair might require extensive preparation
Estimated timeline and cost
The size, shape, and color of the shadowbox or vessel, and any lining material (if applicable)
All of my wirework pieces include mounting in a shadowbox or vessel. This is an integral part of the finished work. I require that I mount each piece myself, and I do not sell hairwork that has not been professionally mounted by me. Mounting each piece in a shadowbox or vessel is an essential part of the process; it protects the delicate hairwork and helps ensure its longevity, while also presenting it as a finished work of art.
When it comes to lining materials, I often incorporate vintage and antique fabrics and lace from my personal collection. If you have granted me artistic license, I will select the materials that best complement the piece. If preferred, I am also happy to collaborate with you to choose the lining together.
After we confirm the project details, a 50% non-refundable deposit of the estimated cost is required to reserve your place on my calendar. The remaining balance, including the cost of shipping, tracking, and insurance, is due before I ship your finished piece.
If I encounter anything we have not previously discussed during the process that may significantly affect the final cost—such as additional time required to sort and prepare the hair—I will contact you as soon as possible to discuss the situation before proceeding.
Throughout the creation process, I will send progress updates on a regular basis, so you will always know how your piece is coming along. This also helps you prepare for making your final payment.
You are welcome to choose whether you would like to see a photo of your finished piece before it is shipped, or wait and experience it in person. Most patrons I have worked with choose to be surprised, reserving that first moment of seeing their keepsake as a quiet time for reflection, remembrance, or ritual. It is entirely up to you; I will honor whichever experience feels most meaningful.
Hair Requirements
For the wirework techniques I use, hair must be at least five inches long when pulled straight (but not stretched). I can work with layered hair, though additional preparation and sorting of layers may be required, and this could affect the overall cost.
I can work with even a small quantity of hair, but longer lengths allow for more intricate techniques and fuller designs. If you're unsure whether the hair you have is suitable, feel free to contact me for guidance.
Pricing
Commissions start at $300 (for example, a petite, palm-sized bouquet in a 5”x5” shadowbox) and may range into the thousands depending on:
Size and complexity
Condition of the hair
How much preparation is needed
Every piece is different, and I will provide an estimate after our consultation. I send PayPal invoices for all commissions. You do not need a PayPal account to make a payment. I am able to accept payments from international patrons.
A 50% non-refundable deposit of the estimated cost is required to reserve your place on my calendar. This deposit secures time, materials, and labor for your bespoke piece, and is non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Final payment, including shipping costs (+ tracking and insurance), is due before the completed work can be shipped. Please note that all sales are final and I do not accept returns. Likewise, while I take great care in packaging your keepsake, I cannot be held responsible for damage incurred during shipping. In the unfortunate event that your piece arrives damaged, please contact me promptly. We will work together to assess whether it can be repaired, though please note that any necessary repairs may involve additional costs for the patron.
Because of the artistry and attention to detail involved, the process is both time- and labor-intensive, as well as deeply personal. I am honored to be trusted with such meaningful materials and grateful for your patience and understanding.
Privacy and Sharing
Unless otherwise requested, I do not share the process of creating commissioned keepsakes on my social media. Likewise, I will not share images of completed projects until they have been received by the patron. However, I reserve the right to share videos and images of finished pieces on my social media and portfolio thereafter.
Please note that, while I won’t share your commission publicly during the process, I may document my work for educational purposes. This documentation may be used in future workshops, classes, or lectures, always respecting your privacy.
Shipping Information
Patrons are responsible for the cost of shipping hair and any artifacts to me to be included in their keepsake(s). I strongly recommend that patrons use a tracked and insured service when mailing hair or personal artifacts to me, to best ensure their safe arrival. Patrons are also responsible for the shipping of their completed keepsake(s). I require that postage for completed keepsake(s) include tracking and insurance. The cost of shipping, tracking, and insurance will be added to your remaining balance and must be paid prior to shipping. I calculate shipping using Pirate Ship and ship via USPS. Any unused hair and/or artifacts will be returned with your keepsake(s).
A Record of Authenticity and Provenance
Each bespoke keepsake is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, documenting its creation and the name of the person whose hair it includes, along with the name of the patron who commissioned the piece. A care sheet is also included to help you preserve and display your heirloom for generations to come.
The Art of Remembrance
If you are ready to begin a commission, or simply want to explore the possibilities, I invite you to reach out. I look forward to learning more about your project and the memory you want to preserve.
Email me at: irby.diane@gmail.com