Hand holding a flower made of brown human hair with a wooden bead at the center, against a wooden background, created by historian and artist Diane Irby.

- Learn Victorian Hairwork - Wirework Hair Flowers

- Learn Victorian Hairwork - Wirework Hair Flowers

Explore the history and artistry of Victorian hairwork through hands-on workshops, private sessions, and learning opportunities designed to support your curiosity and craft. Whether you are just starting out or building on existing skills, I offer instruction grounded in research and tradition.

Hairwork is a hands-on practice that requires time, patience, and presence. Some students feel most comfortable starting with private instruction. Others enjoy the energy of a group or want to bring a friend or two for a small shared session. You’re welcome to choose the format that suits you best - and to return in whatever way feels right as your skills and interests grow.

My beginner workshop provides step-by-step guidance, historical context, and plenty of time for questions, while more advanced sessions offer a deeper dive for returning students and experienced artists.


Learn from anywhere!
Live Online Workshops via Google Meet

Saturday, October 17, 2026 - 2:00 pm Pacific US
Introduction to the History & Artistry of Wirework Hair Flowers - Beginner/Basic Gimp

This historically based, hands-on workshop reclaims the beauty, skill, and rich cultural context of Victorian wirework hair flowers and wreaths. Often misunderstood and dismissed, these 19th-century creations were an exquisite form of domestic folk artistry that transformed sentiment, memory, and love into tangible, enduring floral forms. 

The workshop experience blends material study with fine craft, beginning with a scholarly lecture and examination of primary sources, specifically addressing and dispelling common misconceptions, and recontextualizing these objects through a feminist lens that highlights the agency, autonomy, and labor of the women who utilized hairwork as a sophisticated language of identity and connection. Likewise, students will learn to visually analyze the complex construction of antique hairwork wreaths in order to identify the various ways basic foundational techniques were incorporated into elaborate sculptural designs. 

In the hands-on portion of the workshop, students will learn to manipulate hair and wire to achieve the foundational 'basic gimp' technique based on historical methods, to create components that can be shaped into a wide range of floral and botanical forms.

Live Online via Google Meet - Learn from anywhere!

Take advantage of early registration pricing!
Early Registration (now - August 29, 2026) : $85 (save 15%)
After August 29, 2026: $100
Last day to register: October 3, 2026

Once you have registered, you will receive an email with a list of suggested tools and supplies, along with the meeting information.
The workshop begins at 2:00 pm US Pacific with a flexible end time to support everyone’s learning process (Estimate 5+ hours).
The workshop is live but will be recorded. I highly recommend attending the live workshop; however, the recording of the workshop will be provided to everyone who registers.
Because I cannot guarantee when or if future workshops will be scheduled, registration fees are non-refundable.

Learning doesn’t end when the workshop does.
All of my students have access to continued support
to help you grow your skills with confidence.

I founded the Victorian Hairwork Artists Collective to foster a community of artists dedicated to reviving this nearly forgotten artform. Through the Collective, students can stay connected, share their progress, and continue learning long after their first workshop.

Hairwork & Hang Out
I occasionally host relaxed hang out sessions via Google Meet exclusively for my students. This is a low-key space to connect, catch up, or just chill out - even if you aren't working on hairwork. You can chat, work quietly, get feedback on your current project, or ask for help with troubleshooting if you need it. There is no agenda, just a supportive space to be in good company. Pop in for a few minutes or hang out for a couple hours. I send out email invitations and meeting links whenever a meeting is scheduled.

Facebook Group
All students are invited to join our private Facebook group: Victorian Hairwork Artists Collective. It is a space to connect with fellow hairwork artists, share works in progress, exchange tips, and encourage one another. I check in regularly to offer feedback, answer questions, and celebrate your wins.

Online Private and Small Group Instruction

Looking for individualized guidance? Want to learn with a friend or two? I offer private and small group sessions designed to meet you where you are—whether you're brand new to wirework or returning to deepen your skills.

Scheduled at your convenience

Conducted via Google Meet

Hands-on and project-based

Paced to your learning style and goals

I currently teach a progressive series of lessons beginning with the basic gimp technique, ideal for those new to wirework hairwork. From there, we move into intermediate flips, folds, and flat petals, and then into advanced gimp variations. If you are unsure where to begin, I’m happy to help you choose the best starting point.

Initial Session

Private (1:1) - ~5 hours - $200
Small Groups - ~5 hours - 2 people, $150 per person
3 people, $125 per person

These sessions provide the same foundational content as my group workshops, but in a more focused setting. They are ideal for students who prefer individualized attention, want to work at their own pace, or are learning alongside a friend or collaborator.

How It Works

Once we’ve confirmed the date, time, and focus of your session, I’ll email you an invoice.

After payment is received, I’ll send:

A detailed list of tools and supplies

Hair preparation and bundling instructions

Your private Google Meet link

Please allow enough time between scheduling and your session to gather materials and prepare your hair in advance. This ensures you’re set up for a smooth and successful learning experience.

Ongoing Community

Private and small group instruction includes access to the Victorian Hairwork Artists Collective community:

Hairwork & Hang Out sessions

A private Facebook group for support, inspiration, and connection

You're not just learning a technique - you’re joining a growing network of artists, historians, and makers working to preserve and re-imagine this extraordinary tradition.

To learn more or schedule a session, feel free to contact me at victorianhairwork@gmail.com.

Returning Online Private & Small Group Rates

Private follow-up (1:1) - $35/hour - 2 hour minimum

Small group follow-up - same 2 people, $25/hour per person - 2 hour minimum
same 3 people, $20/hour per person - 2 hour minimum

Returning sessions are tailored to your evolving needs—whether you're refining a specific skill, troubleshooting a design, or moving into new territory. You are also welcome to switch formats. Many students begin with a private session, then join a group later - or vice versa. This structure is intentionally flexible to support different learning styles, schedules, and budgets.

Session Recordings

Recordings are provided to all group workshop participants. By registering, you consent to being recorded and acknowledge that the recording will be shared with everyone who registered for that session. You are welcome to keep your camera off or use a filter or virtual background to obscure your surroundings if you prefer.

Private and small group sessions may also be recorded upon request. Please let me know in advance if you would like a recording of your session. Small group recordings require the consent of all participants.

Recordings will be available for 30 days after the session date. Please download or review your copy within that time.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Workshops

Because I cannot guarantee when or if future workshops will be scheduled, registration fees are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend the live session, you will still receive the workshop recording as described above.

Private Sessions

Cancellations made at least 48 hours before your scheduled session may be rescheduled once, but no refunds will be issued. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
Missed sessions without notice will be forfeited.

Small Groups

If one or more members of a small group cancel, the session will still proceed with the remaining participants. The total group fee remains unchanged and is non-refundable; however, any member who cancels with at least 48 hours’ notice may apply their payment toward a future group workshop, subject to availability. If the entire group needs to reschedule, you may do so once at no extra cost by providing at least 48 hours’ notice. All cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled or credited.

Returning student discounts apply only to individuals who have completed a paid session.