Beautiful floral creations at Cuttlefishlove Kanzashi

Many beautiful crafts originate from Japan. One of them is kanzashi and at Cuttlefishlove Kanzashi they are bringing these Japanese hair ornaments to the UK.

Emily set up the label in May 2010. She came across kanzashi while she was planning her wedding and thought they were the most beautiful things she’d ever seen. She didn’t think she would get time to make these hair ornaments because of her job. However, she hurt her back, which left her with chronic back pain, and she was stuck at home. “I really wanted to take control of my situation, and turn it around so that my life was about being a joyful, interesting person again.” Emily knew she needed something to fill the long hours while she was stuck at home. She then remembered kanzashi. She started to make them and found them very satisfying. As she was unable to return to work, Emily decided to turn her love of kanzashi into a job.

Emily makes every single petal on the kanzashi flowers by hand. They really are beautiful pieces and would be great for a wedding guest, even bridesmaids. This hairclip in dusky pink and butter yellow would be great for a spring wedding this year.

If you have a ball in the summer maybe you could complete your look with this purple and mauve kanzashi hairclip.

Emily is inspired by colour, particularly combinations that she sees people wearing. “I’m hugely influenced by the combinations of colours and patterns used in kimono wearing-which I also collect and wear!”

Since she set up the label, Emily’s flowers have been featured in Rebel Magazine UK and exhibited in Brighton Museum and The Fishing Quarter Gallery. Emily also teaches kanzashi workshops at Brighton Mini Makers Faire, Deaf Diaspora and for Cascade Style.

Kanzashi is a truly beautiful craft and more people should learn how to make it. It clearly takes skill to make these stunning hair decorations. However, if you feel you aren’t ready to make them then you should definitely invest in a piece by Cuttlefishlove Kanzashi. Click here to visit the website.

 Jenny Rodgers