Please Note:
This is the last time these workshops will be offered at the current price of $63.
Future sessions will reflect updated pricing, with discounts for returning students.

Group Workshop Registration & Minimum Participants

Group workshops require a minimum of 4 participants. Registration closes 7 days before the scheduled session to allow time for preparation and to confirm the minimum attendance. If 4 or more people are registered by the deadline, I will email out a list of required tools and supplies, hair preparation instructions, and any class materials at that time.

If fewer than 4 people are registered by the deadline, I will contact all registered students and offer the following options:
Transfer your registration to a future group workshop (subject to availability)
Apply your payment toward a private session
Receive a full refund

If 2 or 3 people register and all agree, the workshop can proceed as a small group at the adjusted rate of $100 per person for 3 hours, on the same day and start time as the original workshop.

If only one person registers, I will offer to convert the workshop into a private lesson at the standard rate of $150 for 3 hours, on the same day and start time as the original workshop. If you prefer not to proceed, you may choose to transfer to a future workshop (subject to availability), apply your payment toward a future private session, or receive a full refund.

Any additional charges resulting from converting the workshop to a private or small group session must be paid by midnight the night before the scheduled meeting.

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 stay connected, share their progress, and continue learning long after their first workshop.

Hairwork & Hang Out
Each month, I host a relaxed two-hour session via Google Meet exclusively for my students. It is a dedicated time to practice your techniques, share your current projects, and enjoy some company while you work. I am available throughout to offer feedback, answer questions, and help troubleshoot techniques you have already learned. These sessions are not for new instruction, but rather to support continued practice and refinement. Pop in for a few minutes or hang out for a couple hours.
Currently held every 3rd Saturday of the month, from 3–5 pm Pacific Time.
A reminder and the meeting link will be sent to your email at the beginning of each month.

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.

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.

Additional techniques and lesson topics are in development and will be available soon.

Initial Session

Private (1:1) - 3 hours - $150
Small Group (2–3 people) - 3 hours - $100 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 a PayPal invoice. (You do not need a PayPal account to complete payment.) After payment is received, I’ll send:

A detailed list of tools and supplies

Hair preparation and bundling instructions

Any class materials

Your private Google Meet link

Please allow enough lead 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:

Monthly 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 reimagine this extraordinary tradition.

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

Returning Student Rates

Private follow-up (1:1) $45/hour

Small group follow-up (same 2–3 participants) - $30/hour per person (2-hour minimum)

Future group workshops - $65 per person ($10 off)

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

Workshop registrations are non-refundable. If you can’t attend a live session, you may request a one-time transfer to a future workshop (subject to availability) by contacting me at least 48 hours in advance.

Please note: If you transfer your registration, you will not receive the recording of the original session. You will receive the recording of the future session you transfer to. Recordings are sent to all registered participants after the session, whether or not they attend—unless they’ve transferred to a later date.

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 two people in a small group (2–3 people) need to cancel, the session may still proceed with the remaining participant(s). The total group fee remains unchanged, and no refunds will be issued. If the cancellation is made at least 48 hours in advance, the canceling participant(s) may apply their payment toward a future group workshop at no additional cost (subject to availability). If the entire group needs to cancel, you may reschedule the session once by providing at least 48 hours’ notice. No refunds will be issued.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled. Returning student discounts apply only to those who have completed a paid session.

Coming in 2026:

I am currently developing a scholarship program to make Victorian hairwork more accessible to new learners.
The first scholarship seat will be offered in 2026, with more opportunities to follow as the program grows.