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. My pricing structure is designed to support different types of learners, honor the depth of the work, and make this tradition accessible across a range of budgets.

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

Upcoming Workshops

  • Intermediate & Advanced Bundle Price

    Intermediate- Saturday, January 24, 2026, 2:00 - 6:00 pm Pacific US
    &
    Advanced- Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2:00 - 6:00 pm Pacific US

    Live Online via Google Meet

    Prerequisite: Proficiency in the basic gimp technique.

    Register for both workshops and get $20 off the total price.

    $140

    At least one week before the date of the workshop, a tool and supply list, class materials, and instructions on how to prepare your hair bundles will be sent to the email you note at registration.
    Recordings of the workshops will be provided to all who register.

    The final day to register for the Intermediate & Advanced Bundle Price is Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

  • Intermediate - Flips, Folds, & Flat Petals

    Saturday, January 24, 2026
    2:00 - 6:00 pm Pacific US
    Live Online via Google Meet


    Prerequisite: Proficiency in the basic gimp technique.

    This workshop is designed for the returning student ready to evolve their craft. You will learn a focused series of wirework techniques that will enable you to create flips and folds - wonderful additions to your basic gimp flowers and forms. Additionally, you will learn how to create flat petals, dramatically expanding the variety of floral forms in your repertoire.

    $80
    ($70, if you register for both the Intermediate and Advanced Workshops)

    At least one week before the date of the workshop, a tool and supply list, class materials, and instructions on how to prepare your hair bundles will be sent to the email you note at registration.
    A recording of the workshop will be provided to all who register.

    The final day to register for the Intermediate Workshop is Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

  • Advanced Gimp

    Saturday, February 21, 2026
    2:00 - 6:00 pm Pacific US
    Live Online via Google Meet

    Prerequisite: Proficiency in the basic gimp technique.

    This advanced workshop is designed for the dedicated hairwork artist seeking to push the boundaries of historic wirework. The session focuses on learning highly intricate construction methods, including the hi-lo/graduating gimp and the double gimp technique using both 2 and 3 needles.

    $80
    ($70, if you register for both the Intermediate and Advanced Workshops)

    At least one week before the date of the workshop, a tool and supply list, class materials, and instructions on how to prepare your hair bundles will be sent to the email you note at registration.
    A recording of the workshop will be provided to all who register.

    The final day to register for the Advanced Workshop is Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

  • Introduction to Wirework Hair Flowers - Beginner Basic Gimp

    Saturday, March 28, 2026
    2:00 - 6:00 pm Pacific
    Live Online via Google Meet

    This foundational workshop explores the material symbolism and historical context of Victorian hair flowers and wreaths, teaching you how to analyse and interpret their complex construction. In the hands-on portion, you will learn the basic gimp technique, the foundational technique used in creating Victorian hair flowers.

    $80

    At least one week before the date of the workshop, a tool and supply list, class materials, and instructions on how to prepare your hair bundles will be sent to the email you note at registration.
    A recording of the workshop will be provided to all who register.

    The final day to register for the Beginner Workshop is Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

2026 Scholarships

Group Workshop Registration & Minimum Participants

Group workshops require a minimum of 4 participants. Registration closes 10 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 standard rate of $120 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 $200 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 no later than 24 hours 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 - $200
Small Group (2–3 people) - 3 hours - $120 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 victorianhairwork@gmail.com.

Returning Private & Small Group Rates

Private follow-up (1:1) $55/hour

Small group follow-up (same 2–3 participants) - $35/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

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.


2026 Scholarships