Decorative Hairwork - The Gimping Technique A workshop with Karen Keenan

Practiced throughout Europe and North America in the 17th-19th centuries, hairwork was a way to memorialize loved ones and practice an intricate art with readily accessible resources. Of the four traditional decorative hairwork techniques, gimping is perhaps the most versatile. It uses a wire loop to hold hair fibers, which can then be shaped into flowers or leaves. Gimped items can be used in jewelry-making and to craft free-standing or wall-hanging works. Students in this afternoon-long class will learn about and practice basic gimping. Historic and contemporary practice of hairwork in Sweden and the United States, along with basic practices for working with hair, will be briefly provided during the class. Learning the gimping technique is a great way to become familiar with the art of decorative hairwork. 

This workshop is capped at 10 students. Individuals aged 18 and up are welcome. Previous handwork experience, such as needlework, knitting, crochet, and embroidery, will provide a strong foundation for this class. If you are used to using vision aids such as magnifiers, please bring these to the workshop. All materials will be provided.