The past few months have been crazy busy for me, with one craft show after another and a plethora of custom orders flying from every direction. On top of that, I managed to fit a birthday in there somewhere!
Things have gotten even busier now. In addition to being for sale on Etsy, through custom order and Clove Salon in Midtown, Ministry of Tiny Hats is now available at brand new Athens, Georgia, boutique Ohh, Boy! Fellow Atlantan and good friend Christy Chaffin also joins the Ohh, Boy! fold. Her beautifully detailed, pop cultural pieces are on display and available now for purchase.
Run by creative ladies Kimberly Drew, Cassie Bernard, Amy Whisenhunt and Ani Tucker, Ohh, Boy! is an exercise in imaginative collaboration. Stocked to the brim with kitschy vintage wares, fancy frocks, and original arts and crafts, this unique space is cozily tucked into a warm warehouse space on Barber Street called the DOC Building, a spot designed by local design collective, Young Athenians.
So if you're in Athens any time soon, please stop by Ohh, Boy! Support your local art and business community. And pick up a tiny hat while you're at!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
chomped & stomped!
It's that time of year again: festival frenzy! Fall is always awash with one big event after another, and this season will be no exception. Last weekend marked the big kickoff for me, as I participated in Cabbagetown's annual fall chili cookoff and craft fair, Chomp & Stomp. Seeing as I don't know the first thing about making chili - only shoving it down my gullet - I was a part of the crafting portion of the event. I did, however, consume my weight in chili samples. In case you were wondering, Ria's Bluebird knocked the rest of the weaklings out of the park.
This year's Chomp & Stomp proved even more fruitful then the last. My new line of MOTH headpieces were my biggest seller, so you can bet there'll be a lot more where that came from in two weeks at Indie Craft Experience. And as has been the norm of late, I also have a multitude of custom orders on my plate, which explains my lack of updates. I promise to try to get better about that!
Again, thanks to everyone who came out Saturday and supported tiny hats! I hope to see you all again November 21 at Ambient + Studio for Winter I.C.E!
And a special thanks goes out to Dave Striepe for all the undying moral and emotional support he gave inside of Booth 55.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
And now, for something completely different...
It's easy to get stuck in a creative rut, even when your craft is something as outlandish as tiny hats. Despite a seemingly endless pool of ridiculous inspiration from which to draw, in the past few months, my efforts have been dry, dull and tedious, to say the least. Rather than give in to the tiny hat block before me, I decided to branch out a little bit.
For the past month or so, I've been trying my hand at vintage-inspired headpieces. This new line, called MOTH (a softer acronym for Ministry of Tiny Hats) is an exercise in restraint for someone like me, who finds it difficult to stop at just one color scheme, idea or mood. (I tend to be a little all over the place, which can be good for creativity but bad for business.)
In autumnal reds, yellows, browns and blues, these fabric head adornments are more versatile than your standard miniature hat, and certainly more wearable for the down-low fashion follower. These will be available starting next week at Clove in Midtown Atlanta, and eventually, on Etsy. Earlier this week, MOTH made its official debut at the W Hotel's DRINKSHOP bar for Clove's Fall Preview show, Har-Vest.
Look for more images of Clove's entire fall collection, coming soon from excellent Atlanta photog, Jeff Wolk.
On an unrelated note, Ministry of Tiny Hats is now on Twitter! Please follow me there!
For the past month or so, I've been trying my hand at vintage-inspired headpieces. This new line, called MOTH (a softer acronym for Ministry of Tiny Hats) is an exercise in restraint for someone like me, who finds it difficult to stop at just one color scheme, idea or mood. (I tend to be a little all over the place, which can be good for creativity but bad for business.)
In autumnal reds, yellows, browns and blues, these fabric head adornments are more versatile than your standard miniature hat, and certainly more wearable for the down-low fashion follower. These will be available starting next week at Clove in Midtown Atlanta, and eventually, on Etsy. Earlier this week, MOTH made its official debut at the W Hotel's DRINKSHOP bar for Clove's Fall Preview show, Har-Vest.
Look for more images of Clove's entire fall collection, coming soon from excellent Atlanta photog, Jeff Wolk.
On an unrelated note, Ministry of Tiny Hats is now on Twitter! Please follow me there!
Friday, August 21, 2009
and the tiny hat allegiance presses on...
More and more everyday, tiny hats become a part of the mainstream consciousness. Comment if you're a MOTH fan and spread the word!
In an effort to communicate with you readers more often, what would you like to see on my site? I am not 100% on board with the blog aspect, but like to keep you all informed about tiny hat goings-on. Would you like more updates? A regular site? A better layout?
Faithful fans, it is you I do this for. Gimme a shout.
Until then I remain your humble tiny hat servant.
xoxo
Amy Taylor
Mini Milliner
In the meantime, take a look at some of my most recent tiny hat work, and let it inspire you to get your very tiny hat.part of a new Flora/Fauna collection I've been working on
Marie Antoinette feathered boater & Flora/Fauna headpiece,
given to Anna and Skye as going away presents
given to Anna and Skye as going away presents
In an effort to communicate with you readers more often, what would you like to see on my site? I am not 100% on board with the blog aspect, but like to keep you all informed about tiny hat goings-on. Would you like more updates? A regular site? A better layout?
Faithful fans, it is you I do this for. Gimme a shout.
Until then I remain your humble tiny hat servant.
xoxo
Amy Taylor
Mini Milliner
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
tiny hats in the news!
It's been a while, folks! So long, in fact, that my return is marked by a TV appearance! This morning on Fox 5's Good Morning Atlanta, I was given the unique opportunity to plug Ministry of Tiny Hats at Clove salon.gallery.boutique, where my hats are currently being sold. My friends Jessie (ConGello) and Brandon Crawford were also on hand to promote their collaborative line of cosmetic bags, which are sold at Clove as well. You can check out the the segment below! In fact, please do!
I was so honored to participate in Fox 5's Road Warrior series, and it's all thanks to the hard-working people at Clove -- in particular, General Manager Coco Cootsillas. You're a saint!
I'll be unveiling new tiny hats at Clove this fall, so be on the lookout! For those looking to make the tiny hat plunge, please inquire within (ministryoftinyhats@gmail.com) about custom orders and current stock! I love you all! Thank you for supporting Ministry of Tiny Hats, as always!
xoxo
Amy Taylor
Mini Milliner
I was so honored to participate in Fox 5's Road Warrior series, and it's all thanks to the hard-working people at Clove -- in particular, General Manager Coco Cootsillas. You're a saint!
I'll be unveiling new tiny hats at Clove this fall, so be on the lookout! For those looking to make the tiny hat plunge, please inquire within (ministryoftinyhats@gmail.com) about custom orders and current stock! I love you all! Thank you for supporting Ministry of Tiny Hats, as always!
xoxo
Amy Taylor
Mini Milliner
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
tiny cabarengels
I never turn down the opportunity to make a custom order. There's little that excites me more than transforming someone's high-falutin fantasy into a wearable product. In fact, each time someone asks if I'm willing to take on a project, even with little time, I make it a top priority. Because really, there's nothing I love more than a tiny hat challenge.
My friend Ashley recently asked me to make five matching, but not identical, top hats and pillboxes for a joint birthday party in her hometown of New Orleans -- a tall tiny hat order but one I was raring to tackle. A little bit Marlene Dietrich in The Blue Angel and a little Liza!, the party featured Ashley and four lady friends as throwback cocktail waitresses, decked to the hilt in over-the-top cabaret ensembles, fishnets and towering metallic heels. My black & silver chapeaus were just the cherry on top. Each one emblazoned with two J's -- initials of the birthday honorees -- the hats embody all my Busby-Berkley dreams, and as a set, are perhaps one of my favorite custom orders to date.
Ashley and her friends, of course, are unbelievably adorable themselves, which certainly helps the immaculate vision come through. As a constant tiny hat supporter, I salute Ashley in her efforts to recreate the timeless glamour of a cinematic classic (as well as its jazzy offspring). I only hope I can continue to deliver the goods.
xoxo
amy taylor
mini milliner
My friend Ashley recently asked me to make five matching, but not identical, top hats and pillboxes for a joint birthday party in her hometown of New Orleans -- a tall tiny hat order but one I was raring to tackle. A little bit Marlene Dietrich in The Blue Angel and a little Liza!, the party featured Ashley and four lady friends as throwback cocktail waitresses, decked to the hilt in over-the-top cabaret ensembles, fishnets and towering metallic heels. My black & silver chapeaus were just the cherry on top. Each one emblazoned with two J's -- initials of the birthday honorees -- the hats embody all my Busby-Berkley dreams, and as a set, are perhaps one of my favorite custom orders to date.
Ashley and her friends, of course, are unbelievably adorable themselves, which certainly helps the immaculate vision come through. As a constant tiny hat supporter, I salute Ashley in her efforts to recreate the timeless glamour of a cinematic classic (as well as its jazzy offspring). I only hope I can continue to deliver the goods.
xoxo
amy taylor
mini milliner
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Dearest members of the Ministry,
I am so sorry to have neglected you for so very long. I am recovering from an intense yet productive weekend filled with craft fairs, parties, dinners and a graduation ceremony featuring none other than the illustrious Glenn Close, known best for her onscreen psychopathic tendencies. You see, my best friend in the whole wide world, Kari, graduated last weekend, and in between celebratory moments, I managed to squeeze in two days worth of tiny hat-peddling at the 9th annual Indie Craft Experience, summer edition. I saw some friendly faces while I was there, including those in my booth. Flanked on either side by fellow fanciful crafters and good friends ConGello (congello@gmail.com) and a bardis, Ministry of Tiny Hats was in great company.
For those of you who came out to the fest, I hope you enjoyed yourselves immensely. From a more personal place, I hope that you found joy in my tiny hats, and possibly even picked one up for yourself or loved one. Many potential purchasers inquired about Ministry of Tiny Hats's Etsy status, and I feel I fell short of expectations. I do, in fact, have an etsy store: ministryoftinyhats.etsy.com. However, having been so busy preparing for this year's I.C.E., I have not kept up with it as well as I'd like. In the coming days, please check my etsy store for new hat styles perfect for summer fun party time!
And please, don't forget, I love custom orders, so don't hesitate to contact me with any and all of your special requests! Just shoot an email to ministryoftinyhats@gmail.com, and let the magic begin! Seriously, let your imagination wild. To prove this point, my aforementioned bff donned the perfect whimsical addition to her grad attire all weekend long: a tiny graduation cap, picture at right. I'm really regretful I didn't make some of these to sell at I.C.E., despite their untimeliness. In the immortal words of Frank N Furter, don't dream it, be it. If you can imagine it, I can more than likely make it a reality!
In other news, my friend and former coworker Jessica had a last minute tiny hat emergency prior to a wedding she was attending in Serenbe last weekend, and luckily I had the perfect chapeau to match her flirty, ocean blue dress. The flat, blue velvet flower hat was the perfect complement to her swingy blonde bob and frock, and further proved that short-haired girls can wear tiny hats just as well -- if not better -- than us Rapunzel-locked ladies.
Again, thanks to everyone who continues to support me in this little tiny business, and has faith that I can make it in a crappy economy overflowing with competition. I like to think I've got a little something that stands out, and I have you guys to thank for that.
xoxo
your loyal mini milliner,
Amy Taylor
For those of you who came out to the fest, I hope you enjoyed yourselves immensely. From a more personal place, I hope that you found joy in my tiny hats, and possibly even picked one up for yourself or loved one. Many potential purchasers inquired about Ministry of Tiny Hats's Etsy status, and I feel I fell short of expectations. I do, in fact, have an etsy store: ministryoftinyhats.etsy.com. However, having been so busy preparing for this year's I.C.E., I have not kept up with it as well as I'd like. In the coming days, please check my etsy store for new hat styles perfect for summer fun party time!
And please, don't forget, I love custom orders, so don't hesitate to contact me with any and all of your special requests! Just shoot an email to ministryoftinyhats@gmail.com, and let the magic begin! Seriously, let your imagination wild. To prove this point, my aforementioned bff donned the perfect whimsical addition to her grad attire all weekend long: a tiny graduation cap, picture at right. I'm really regretful I didn't make some of these to sell at I.C.E., despite their untimeliness. In the immortal words of Frank N Furter, don't dream it, be it. If you can imagine it, I can more than likely make it a reality!
In other news, my friend and former coworker Jessica had a last minute tiny hat emergency prior to a wedding she was attending in Serenbe last weekend, and luckily I had the perfect chapeau to match her flirty, ocean blue dress. The flat, blue velvet flower hat was the perfect complement to her swingy blonde bob and frock, and further proved that short-haired girls can wear tiny hats just as well -- if not better -- than us Rapunzel-locked ladies.
Again, thanks to everyone who continues to support me in this little tiny business, and has faith that I can make it in a crappy economy overflowing with competition. I like to think I've got a little something that stands out, and I have you guys to thank for that.
xoxo
your loyal mini milliner,
Amy Taylor
Monday, May 11, 2009
busy bee
There's only a few more weeks until Indie Craft Experience, and still so much to be done. In the interest of time, and to satisfy your tiny hat tooth, here's a sneak peak at some of what I've been working on, including my new business card, which is pretty adorable if I do say so myself.
Don't forget to mark your calendars for I.C.E. May 30-31, 2009. Hope to see you all there!
xoxo
Amy Taylor
mini milliner
Don't forget to mark your calendars for I.C.E. May 30-31, 2009. Hope to see you all there!
xoxo
Amy Taylor
mini milliner
Thursday, May 7, 2009
forever twenty-one jumpstreet
Left: Ministry of Tiny Hats chapeau worn by Chloe, photo by Jeff Wolk Photography, hair by Coco Kootsillas, make-up by Lauren Vaughn. Right: Forever 21 small hat, photo from www.forever21.com.
In fashion, you are either in or you are out. But more importantly, you are a big fish or a small fry, and unfortunately, the fries are often left out in the cold -- which as we all know, renders nothing but a soggy, caloric mess.
As a small fry on the very lowest, independent rung of the fashion industry ladder, it's always a somewhat uphill battle. In my case, I've had unparalleled support from friends and family, and been fairly lucky "professionally." But the fact is, I am only one person. This alone limits my ability to flesh out the creativity within. I am not a machine. I don't possess the resources to indulge every fleeting fancy that pops into my brain, totes unforch. That isn't the case for corporate behemoths like Urban Outfitters and Forever 21.
Which is why it pains me to see that, in the grand tradition of corporate copycat-ism, these particular retail giants have begun manufacturing their own tiny hats. Sure, they aren't as detailed or unique as mine. They are made of flimsier materials. They don't stay on the head as easily. There is nary a tiny majorette hat. But the average consumer doesn't know that. The average consumer now sees tiny hats as a wearable, workable trend -- which in and of itself is a GREAT thing -- but they also see them as a product of a teen megastore, not the inventiveness of individual, uncredited people. I'm not the first person on earth to create a small hat. But I feel that I certainly took the idea to the next level, a level which F21 has now jumped onto and subsequently pushed me off of. It's the same thing that happened to t-shirt designer Johnny Cupcakes a few years back with the airplane t-shirt scandal.
I'd be stupid to think this is a new phenomenon. I'm sure human beings have been copying, ripping off and janking each other's shit since the dawn of time. Even Diane Von Furstenburg, a huge proponent of designer rights, unknowingly copied a design from a smaller Canadian designer. But she quickly righted that wrong, as she should have. And while that was the honorable move, DVF still comes off as the rich bitch who sells expensive clothing. She is a figurehead for "the enemy." She is the one, after all, who recently pursued legal action against F21 for flat-out stealing one of her iconic prints, which I recall being a little sad about because the rip-off was cute, and I could never afford the original. How ironic.
It's easy to forget that companies like Forever 21, while making high-style accessible to the public, aren't just targeting the elite end of the spectrum. More notably but less reported, they are often stealing ideas from independent designers who don't have the resources to defend themselves. Forever 21, Urban Outfitters and companies of that ilk don't intend to make fashion affordable and available to the masses for the altruism of it. They want to make money. A whole lot of money. And in the end, recreating, stealing ideas from independent creatives -- whatever you'd like to call it -- just serves to put us in our place, financially and creatively speaking.
The Secret Garden tiny hat, by Ministry of Tiny Hats
At the end of the day, though, my hats are inexpensive, fun and completely customizable, which is something a big-box store could never offer. I have faith that people can see Ministry of Tiny Hats is nothing but a big ol' labor of love. My main objective is to create wearable items that give me joy; joy that I hope to pass on to the ultimate recipient. Each one of my hats is dear to me. It sometimes makes me sad to think of how many I've made and how I don't have a single one to my own name! They are kind of like my children, each a expression of a particular moment in my life. But like children, they all have to go to college someday! This is getting a little convoluted...
In truth, my hope is that this only gives me greater exposure, and serves as a reminder to people that nothing really is sacred or original anymore. We just have to -- cue cliche, weepy string music -- remain true to ourselves, and hope for the best. If there's one good thing I can say for Forever 21's foray into tiny hat territory, it's that I appreciate their presentation of it as an item that everyone can wear, no matter what the occasion. Don one at the beach with a friend while eating cotton candy? Sure, why not! You don't need a reason to wear a tiny hat, only the confidence. And if that message gets across, then maybe this won't all be in vain.
Until next time,
Amy Tay
p.s. Look for more posts in the near future, of the photographic variety. I know y'alls hates to read my dumb rants!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sensible girl
I'm not just a girl; I am the most cliche, blubbering, textbook example of a girl there is. My mannerisms, style and interests belie any belief I have that women are just as capable of wearing the pants as men are; my unquenchable quest for beauty in every moment betrays the journalistic rationality I so thoroughly steeped myself in during college.
This girly-girl mentality goes a long way in explaining my undying love for period pieces and the decadent lives they portray. I've always been a bit of a traitor to my generation, emotionally and sartorially speaking. I'd rather spend my days languishing underneath an enormous willow tree reading trite poetry while daydreaming about the man of my dreams than type worthless words on a computer screen, but alas, I am not Jane Austen. I only wish I was.
During a routine home screening of Ang Lee's Sense & Sensibility -- to this day one of my all-time-favorite cinematic offerings -- I began crafting a collection of tiny hats that I have lovingly dubbed "19th century cottage couture." Though my colors are certainly brighter and lighter (keeping with that soft focus, pretty pastel look I'm obsessed with right now) than what Lee used in his classic Austen adaptation, there is definitely an air of antiquated sophistication to these hats that has yet to be seen in my other work. Subtle touches here and there recall specific pieces from the movie; the ebony plumes on my black and cream pillbox echo those on Lucy Steele's onyx chapeau. The sheer striped linen, soft lace and floral accents featured elsewhere echo the overall mood of this gauzy, ethereal film, one that continues to provide me with fresh inspiration in varying forms every single time I see it. Needless to say, I'm super pleased with the results of my new collection, and I have the Dashwoods to the thank for that.
Please keep an eye out for these new looks at Clove Salon Gallery & Boutique in Midtown Atlanta, where these and other selections are now on sale! More where that came from will, of course, be available at I.C.E. May 30-31.
xoxo
Amy
This girly-girl mentality goes a long way in explaining my undying love for period pieces and the decadent lives they portray. I've always been a bit of a traitor to my generation, emotionally and sartorially speaking. I'd rather spend my days languishing underneath an enormous willow tree reading trite poetry while daydreaming about the man of my dreams than type worthless words on a computer screen, but alas, I am not Jane Austen. I only wish I was.
During a routine home screening of Ang Lee's Sense & Sensibility -- to this day one of my all-time-favorite cinematic offerings -- I began crafting a collection of tiny hats that I have lovingly dubbed "19th century cottage couture." Though my colors are certainly brighter and lighter (keeping with that soft focus, pretty pastel look I'm obsessed with right now) than what Lee used in his classic Austen adaptation, there is definitely an air of antiquated sophistication to these hats that has yet to be seen in my other work. Subtle touches here and there recall specific pieces from the movie; the ebony plumes on my black and cream pillbox echo those on Lucy Steele's onyx chapeau. The sheer striped linen, soft lace and floral accents featured elsewhere echo the overall mood of this gauzy, ethereal film, one that continues to provide me with fresh inspiration in varying forms every single time I see it. Needless to say, I'm super pleased with the results of my new collection, and I have the Dashwoods to the thank for that.
Please keep an eye out for these new looks at Clove Salon Gallery & Boutique in Midtown Atlanta, where these and other selections are now on sale! More where that came from will, of course, be available at I.C.E. May 30-31.
xoxo
Amy
Thursday, April 23, 2009
this is the best thing to wear for the day
With less than a month left to prepare for this summer's Indie Craft Experience, and quite a few custom orders in the pipeline, Ministry of Tiny Hats threatens to become the most important thing in my life right now, and I must say, that doesn't bother me one bit.
I've been gathering inspiration from all sorts of places lately, and more than just the subjects themselves (resort-friendly Jackie O and Grey Gardens, i.e.) I have become particularly fixated on a specific color palette. With a handful of exceptions, I'd like my summer I.C.E. collection to be a flood of the palest pastels and wispy-est neutrals imaginable, a wash of ethereal elegance in very soft focus. Could anything be more wonderful?
The past few days, I've made a handful of hats, including a lovely moss-green velvet pillbox number with coral feathers, mint tulle and cream sequined flowers. Pictures soon to follow. My other big accomplishment is a tiny Brownie hat, which is pretty much a hybrid between the traditional Brownie beanie and Girl Scout beret. It's a belated birthday present for my friend Millie, who I'm hoping will appreciate the creative license I took in crafting this miniature piece of GS memorabilia. Tiny hat merit badge?
Please don't forget to check out the Ministry May 30-31 at Indie Craft Experience for more where this came from! Peruse thousands of adorable wares from the craftiest minds this country has to offer. And now you have two days to come out in case you miss the first!
xoxo
Amy
mini milliner
I've been gathering inspiration from all sorts of places lately, and more than just the subjects themselves (resort-friendly Jackie O and Grey Gardens, i.e.) I have become particularly fixated on a specific color palette. With a handful of exceptions, I'd like my summer I.C.E. collection to be a flood of the palest pastels and wispy-est neutrals imaginable, a wash of ethereal elegance in very soft focus. Could anything be more wonderful?
The past few days, I've made a handful of hats, including a lovely moss-green velvet pillbox number with coral feathers, mint tulle and cream sequined flowers. Pictures soon to follow. My other big accomplishment is a tiny Brownie hat, which is pretty much a hybrid between the traditional Brownie beanie and Girl Scout beret. It's a belated birthday present for my friend Millie, who I'm hoping will appreciate the creative license I took in crafting this miniature piece of GS memorabilia. Tiny hat merit badge?
Please don't forget to check out the Ministry May 30-31 at Indie Craft Experience for more where this came from! Peruse thousands of adorable wares from the craftiest minds this country has to offer. And now you have two days to come out in case you miss the first!
xoxo
Amy
mini milliner
Thursday, April 16, 2009
top of the o' media to ya!
This week has been, in many ways, thoroughly dedicated to furthering the tiny hat cause. In addition to finally purchasing the domain www.ministryoftinyhats.com, which temporarily redirects to this blog (real site to come in nearish future thanks to the graphic design skills of a friend, fingers crossed), I made and shipped another custom order (the tiny American-themed hat pictured in my last entry), further proving to myself that I work best under pressure. Always.
The tiny be-feathered top hat pictured at left is another project I undertook for my friend Sarah Bell's birthday. She managed to take the look to the next level by juxtaposing it to a fountain of Marie Antoinette-esque, tight curls. Girl knows how to make me look good.
One of the most exciting pieces of news I received this week was in reference to the tiny leprechaun hats I blogged about a couple weeks ago. Tom Milewski, costume designer for the Seattle play Keefee's House of Cards sent me some amazing preliminary photos of his cast members donning their mini green chapeaus, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Here's a taste of the Ministry's stage debut!
xoxo
Amy Taylor
mini milliner
The tiny be-feathered top hat pictured at left is another project I undertook for my friend Sarah Bell's birthday. She managed to take the look to the next level by juxtaposing it to a fountain of Marie Antoinette-esque, tight curls. Girl knows how to make me look good.
One of the most exciting pieces of news I received this week was in reference to the tiny leprechaun hats I blogged about a couple weeks ago. Tom Milewski, costume designer for the Seattle play Keefee's House of Cards sent me some amazing preliminary photos of his cast members donning their mini green chapeaus, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Here's a taste of the Ministry's stage debut!
Amy Taylor
mini milliner
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
world domination
Whenever I participate in a craft fair, of which there are many in the Atlanta area, I am often surprised by the positive response my hats receive. This is particularly perplexing because the reactions generated by tiny hats on the whole range from intense confusion and disapproval, to extreme affection, the former being the stronger of the two.
But all it takes it one tiny hat fan to transform the whole lot of 'em that yes, indeed, you do need a tiny version of your favorite normal-sized hat. This is why it's important to mention the sudden surge of tiny hats in the media, even though they aren't even mine. I won't lie, when Nylon Magazine posted this piece on their site yesterday, I felt a tinge of sadness...followed by extreme disappointment. It stung a little to see a concept so dear to my heart, and once so unique, being transformed into a mass-produced, fleeting fashion trend. But then i reconsidered: isn't any mainstream attention paid to this hard-to-sell, uber-niche market a good thing? And it's not as if I INVENTED the tiny hat; I only refined it, and took it a to a new plateau. Besides, though these Nylon-worthy hats are adorable and certainly ones I'd wear myself, I'd like to use this opportunity to set myself apart and hopefully gain some new followers in the process!
Ministry of Tiny Hats is based on the principle that any -- and I do mean ANY -- idea, holiday or piece of personal memorabilia can be transformed into a wearable work of art. While the tiny top hat is what sparked my miniature chapeau obsession, I have moved into considerably more abstract territory in recent months; a tiny airplane and cupcake hat are among my more whimsical offerings thus far.
I wouldn't want to deter anyone from buying the lovely hats mention in the aforementioned article, but I would like to steer some on-the-fence folks in the Ministry's direction, if only for practicality's sake: My hats are not only 100% handmade and more affordable, they can be customized to practically any specifications you might have. I won't even add the caveat "within reason" because as of yet, there hasn't been a single custom tiny hat request i've turned down!
In the spirit of whetting your tiny hat appetite, here are a few of my more recent offerings to the tiny hat world, with many more to come in the near future.
Please email me at ministryoftinyhats@gmail.com with any and all requests, and for more information about pricing and construction time. Or if you are, or will be, in the Atlanta area May 30-31, please stop by the Ministry of Tiny Hats booth at this year's summer installment of the Indie Craft Experience!
Tiny hats off to ya!
xoxo
Amy
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Ministry of Tiny Successes
Well hello there. Sorry for the lack of updates. I've been sick, out of town and just generally avoiding productivity for the better part of a month, so please forgive me.
But now that I'm feeling better and back at home, tiny hats are making a comeback. This has been a busy week in the world of small chapeaus, what with my published spread in Spain's H Magazine and my renewed desire to make a tiny-hat living. The series of photographs, taken by Atlanta's own Alex Martinez, features a model wearing a variety of my earliest tiny hat creations. Given my journalism background, there's nothing quite as exciting as seeing the fruits of my labor in print. I have my friend Meghan McNeer to thank for this amazing opportunity, a local photographer who assists Martinez and is passionate about promoting her peers. Meghan is the visionary behind my original tiny hat photos; a truly revolutionary and talented woman. You can view the H Magazine spread here.
In other tiny hat related news, I have been commissioned to make two Irish-themed tiny hats for a Seattle-based play called Keefee's House of Cards. I think gay theatre was the next natural step for Ministry of Tiny Hats, don't you? So excited to see how it all turns out! You can see my first finished hat for the order below.
In the pipeline, I have quite a few projects on the horizon, including several tiny hat orders for a friend to sell at her salon as well as belated birthday hats that i keep dropping the ball on. And maybe, if I'm lucky, the lingering book idea that Alex and I keep threatening to pitch. No joke. Watch out, world. here we coooome!
Until next time.
But now that I'm feeling better and back at home, tiny hats are making a comeback. This has been a busy week in the world of small chapeaus, what with my published spread in Spain's H Magazine and my renewed desire to make a tiny-hat living. The series of photographs, taken by Atlanta's own Alex Martinez, features a model wearing a variety of my earliest tiny hat creations. Given my journalism background, there's nothing quite as exciting as seeing the fruits of my labor in print. I have my friend Meghan McNeer to thank for this amazing opportunity, a local photographer who assists Martinez and is passionate about promoting her peers. Meghan is the visionary behind my original tiny hat photos; a truly revolutionary and talented woman. You can view the H Magazine spread here.
In other tiny hat related news, I have been commissioned to make two Irish-themed tiny hats for a Seattle-based play called Keefee's House of Cards. I think gay theatre was the next natural step for Ministry of Tiny Hats, don't you? So excited to see how it all turns out! You can see my first finished hat for the order below.
In the pipeline, I have quite a few projects on the horizon, including several tiny hat orders for a friend to sell at her salon as well as belated birthday hats that i keep dropping the ball on. And maybe, if I'm lucky, the lingering book idea that Alex and I keep threatening to pitch. No joke. Watch out, world. here we coooome!
Until next time.
Friday, February 6, 2009
update schmupdate
Things have been fairly hectic lately, so the time I've meant to dedicate to writing about said busy-ness has instead been designated for those activities themselves.
But I'm going to take a moment away from that and do a quick update, including my most recent additions to the tiny hat world. First off, my friend Kip celebrated her half-birthday recently (thanks to the sweet planning of her boyfriend, Brian) and for the occasion, I made what any half-birthday girl would want: a half-cake birthday hat.
More recently, I finished hats for my friend William's band Sleep Creeps, which turned out pretty nice if I do say so myself. Two-fourths of the band donned them at their show at the Earl last Monday, and the entire crew plans to wear them at an upcoming gig at the Cabbagetown festival this March.
Other noteworthy moments of the past couple of weeks include: Antony & the Johnsons at Variety Playhouse, Tim & Eric Awesome Show, finally getting my new glasses and most importantly, last weekend's awesome photoshoot for Abardis, Christy Petterson's amazing line of earrings and barrettes. Below are a few sneak peaks from the shoot, which was conducted by the amazingly talented Meghan Mcneer, photographer behind my totes profesh tiny hat pics. I'm excited to see how they all turn out!
Lately I've been toying with the idea of branching out into new tiny-hat fabric territory, namely velveteen. This would up costs considerably but I could charge more for hats that would likely look more elegant as a result. We'll see if that ever happens....
Catch ya on the flip side, y'all.
xoxo
amy
But I'm going to take a moment away from that and do a quick update, including my most recent additions to the tiny hat world. First off, my friend Kip celebrated her half-birthday recently (thanks to the sweet planning of her boyfriend, Brian) and for the occasion, I made what any half-birthday girl would want: a half-cake birthday hat.
More recently, I finished hats for my friend William's band Sleep Creeps, which turned out pretty nice if I do say so myself. Two-fourths of the band donned them at their show at the Earl last Monday, and the entire crew plans to wear them at an upcoming gig at the Cabbagetown festival this March.
Other noteworthy moments of the past couple of weeks include: Antony & the Johnsons at Variety Playhouse, Tim & Eric Awesome Show, finally getting my new glasses and most importantly, last weekend's awesome photoshoot for Abardis, Christy Petterson's amazing line of earrings and barrettes. Below are a few sneak peaks from the shoot, which was conducted by the amazingly talented Meghan Mcneer, photographer behind my totes profesh tiny hat pics. I'm excited to see how they all turn out!
Lately I've been toying with the idea of branching out into new tiny-hat fabric territory, namely velveteen. This would up costs considerably but I could charge more for hats that would likely look more elegant as a result. We'll see if that ever happens....
Catch ya on the flip side, y'all.
xoxo
amy
Labels:
abardis,
Christy Petterson,
half birthday,
Meghan Mcneer,
Sleep Creeps
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A sad, sad day for the publishing world
As a writer - albeit a lazy, unprolific one - I am a carnivorous consumer of the written word, particularly when it comes to that which falls under the journalism umbrella. I devour magazines as if they were sustenance, and find solace in the pages of a fashion spread or witty editorial.
That's why it pains me to bear the bad news that on this gloomy Wednesday, easily one of my favorite publications in print - perhaps of all time - has kicked the bucket. In response to growing economic concerns and lack of market demand, home decor and lifestyle magazine domino has entered its final chapter - Chapter 11, I guess you could say. Conde Nast made the announcement this morning, stating a significant drop in ad sales over the past few months and an inability to pinpoint a necessary niche for the mag.
Even the comprehensive Web site, www.dominomag.com will be no more. That means no more blogs, extended photoshoots or My Deco File, a popular feature that served as a lookbook of sorts for organizing home decor ideas and inspiration.
It's so sad that a glossy of such high quality - one that appealed to a very specific demographic, yes, but never before so thorougly - befell the unfortunate fate of folding due to a failing economy. Sure, some might say the content coating domino's crisp pages was a little too upscale, throwing caution to the wind of economic change. But to me, it was a perfect balance of ritzy investment pieces and bohemian, flea market acquisitions. It emphasized the importance of clever juxtaposition, in the case of high-meets-low, and secured its spot in many a permanent inspiration binder thanks to expert advice and memorable, timeless decorating. Unlike its country-cute and yuppie-yacht decor mag predecessors, domino appealed to a younger age bracket, one focused on personal style rather than trend slavery.
domino's last issue hits newsstands in March. Try not to cry too hard when you leaf through its pages. I can't believe this happened right after my "homegirl" Zooey Deschanel graced the cover. Single tear.
On another, much less somber note, one of my good old friends, Jessica Carantza, (sister to Alex, longtime partner in crime), owns her own jewerly line, Dear Georgette. Alex gave me one of her pieces for my birthday this year and she made a shout-out of sorts to me on the DG blog because of it.
Thanks, Jess! Be sure to find Dear Georgette on Facebook, as well as on the small screen, where Jess recently made her debut on WJXT's The Morning Show in her hometown of Jacksonville, FL. Jess makes gorgeous, handmade, one-of-a-kind (and most importantly, affordable!) pieces for any occasion, and takes custom orders as well. Jess is an inspiration, and I hope her business continues to thrive!
xoxo
Amy
That's why it pains me to bear the bad news that on this gloomy Wednesday, easily one of my favorite publications in print - perhaps of all time - has kicked the bucket. In response to growing economic concerns and lack of market demand, home decor and lifestyle magazine domino has entered its final chapter - Chapter 11, I guess you could say. Conde Nast made the announcement this morning, stating a significant drop in ad sales over the past few months and an inability to pinpoint a necessary niche for the mag.
Even the comprehensive Web site, www.dominomag.com will be no more. That means no more blogs, extended photoshoots or My Deco File, a popular feature that served as a lookbook of sorts for organizing home decor ideas and inspiration.
It's so sad that a glossy of such high quality - one that appealed to a very specific demographic, yes, but never before so thorougly - befell the unfortunate fate of folding due to a failing economy. Sure, some might say the content coating domino's crisp pages was a little too upscale, throwing caution to the wind of economic change. But to me, it was a perfect balance of ritzy investment pieces and bohemian, flea market acquisitions. It emphasized the importance of clever juxtaposition, in the case of high-meets-low, and secured its spot in many a permanent inspiration binder thanks to expert advice and memorable, timeless decorating. Unlike its country-cute and yuppie-yacht decor mag predecessors, domino appealed to a younger age bracket, one focused on personal style rather than trend slavery.
domino's last issue hits newsstands in March. Try not to cry too hard when you leaf through its pages. I can't believe this happened right after my "homegirl" Zooey Deschanel graced the cover. Single tear.
On another, much less somber note, one of my good old friends, Jessica Carantza, (sister to Alex, longtime partner in crime), owns her own jewerly line, Dear Georgette. Alex gave me one of her pieces for my birthday this year and she made a shout-out of sorts to me on the DG blog because of it.
Thanks, Jess! Be sure to find Dear Georgette on Facebook, as well as on the small screen, where Jess recently made her debut on WJXT's The Morning Show in her hometown of Jacksonville, FL. Jess makes gorgeous, handmade, one-of-a-kind (and most importantly, affordable!) pieces for any occasion, and takes custom orders as well. Jess is an inspiration, and I hope her business continues to thrive!
xoxo
Amy
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
So I creep, yeaaaaah
Since last we spoke, dear blogger, I have failed on quite a few of the promises I made. I have not, unfortunately, begun working on a series of cupcake hats, despite a self-imposed deadline of less than a week from today. As of late, my primary concerns have been in the bureaucratic realm, namely of the auto-tag renewal variety, but we won't focus on that because it's just boring. And also depressing. Who knew ad valorem taxes were so exorbitant?
Instead, I have been coming up with tiny hat ideas for my friend William's band, Sleep Creeps - that, in case you live in Atlanta, is playing the Earl Monday, February 2 at 8:30 pm. Below are some mock-ups of ideas I have that will hopefully fulfill the group's '90s goth aesthetic requirements.
Tonight's gonna be a looooong night, my friends. I plan to churn these babies out as quickly as possible which means more burning of the midnight oil.
In other news, swift on the heels of Obamarama and Aretha Franklin's now-infamous inauguration hat - which some might say is lapping the Prez himself as the biggest topic of interest surrounding this regime change - I have been working on a collection of tiny Aretha hats. My first isn't as a profesh or as detailed as I'd like, being that I worked with what materials I had on-hand, but the final product gives me hope for the future of tiny Aretha hats. Honestly, there isn't a sartorial statement I'm swifter to align with than ostentatious church-hat chic; unless of course, you make that miniature, and then i'm already there.
I'd love to stay and type the day away, alas, real life beckons. Here's to having more money in the near future, travel, a tiny hat breakthrough and my glasses arriving, which Zenni Optical seems hell-bent on delaying as long as humanly possible.
xoxo
Amy
Instead, I have been coming up with tiny hat ideas for my friend William's band, Sleep Creeps - that, in case you live in Atlanta, is playing the Earl Monday, February 2 at 8:30 pm. Below are some mock-ups of ideas I have that will hopefully fulfill the group's '90s goth aesthetic requirements.
Tonight's gonna be a looooong night, my friends. I plan to churn these babies out as quickly as possible which means more burning of the midnight oil.
In other news, swift on the heels of Obamarama and Aretha Franklin's now-infamous inauguration hat - which some might say is lapping the Prez himself as the biggest topic of interest surrounding this regime change - I have been working on a collection of tiny Aretha hats. My first isn't as a profesh or as detailed as I'd like, being that I worked with what materials I had on-hand, but the final product gives me hope for the future of tiny Aretha hats. Honestly, there isn't a sartorial statement I'm swifter to align with than ostentatious church-hat chic; unless of course, you make that miniature, and then i'm already there.
I'd love to stay and type the day away, alas, real life beckons. Here's to having more money in the near future, travel, a tiny hat breakthrough and my glasses arriving, which Zenni Optical seems hell-bent on delaying as long as humanly possible.
xoxo
Amy
Labels:
Aretha inauguration hat,
goth,
Obama,
Sleep Creeps,
the Earl
Friday, January 16, 2009
And now, for something completely different.
So, this really has next to nothing to do with tiny hats, but lately I have become thoroughly consumed by my quest to find the PERFECT GLASSES. Unfortunately, I am poor and just started a new job, though that certainly hasn't stopped me from spending hours (seriously, HOURS) scouring the web for my ocular "other" (forgive the postmodern literary allusion). Having been a long-time contact lense devotee, the task is a little more daunting than i expected. Trying to pick out a pair of glasses that are not only cute and stylish, but flattering, has been a challenge, especially since my recent purchases were made online without ever trying them on.
Case in point:
I am currently impatiently awaiting the arrival of the above pictured glasses from Zennioptical.com - which are taking a fairly normal, if not short amount of time to be mailed as far as prescription lenses are concerned, but I am exceedingly impatient - and desperate to put them on my face for the first time. I figure since I only paid 25 big ones (including shipping!) for both pairs, I won't feel too guilty about spending the dough even if I look like Rick Moranis or Harry Potter in them. My goal, at least as far as the second look is concerned, is to emulate the fashion-forward Anna Karina of Godardian fame, taking a nod from her style in 1967's Anna:
If money were not an object, however, my sights would be much higher, towards the new Spring/Summer 2009 Resort Collection by Oliver Peoples, ever-so-appropriately modeled by the disgustingly adorable Zooey Deschanel (who is also the cover girl for this month's issue of domino, in case anyone was wondering).
Should you deem me worthy of such a nice gift, please consider the following optical options for your charitable donation, preferably the middle selection.
In other, more tiny hat-related news, today is Friday and you know what that means: Tiny hat/me time! Hopefully I can squeeze it in amongst my growing mound of weekend committments. My newest and perhaps funniest inspiration is coming in the form of a childhood obsession: American Girl doll clothing and accessories. Taking cues from the classic playtoy of my youth, I'm envisioning all sorts of historically-based tiny headgear, including dainty pinner caps, tiny traditional church hats, small flight caps a la Amelia Earhart, mini tri-corners (which I attempted and successfully created for Kari's George Washington costume on halloween), tiny nurse's caps and shrunken holiday wreath hats.
I've even been influenced by the tiny food and decorative items on the site, all of which would make pretty adorable tiny hat subject matter. Here a few of my favorites:
Here's to a weekend of productivity AND relaxation! See you next week!
xoxo
Amy
Case in point:
I am currently impatiently awaiting the arrival of the above pictured glasses from Zennioptical.com - which are taking a fairly normal, if not short amount of time to be mailed as far as prescription lenses are concerned, but I am exceedingly impatient - and desperate to put them on my face for the first time. I figure since I only paid 25 big ones (including shipping!) for both pairs, I won't feel too guilty about spending the dough even if I look like Rick Moranis or Harry Potter in them. My goal, at least as far as the second look is concerned, is to emulate the fashion-forward Anna Karina of Godardian fame, taking a nod from her style in 1967's Anna:
If money were not an object, however, my sights would be much higher, towards the new Spring/Summer 2009 Resort Collection by Oliver Peoples, ever-so-appropriately modeled by the disgustingly adorable Zooey Deschanel (who is also the cover girl for this month's issue of domino, in case anyone was wondering).
Should you deem me worthy of such a nice gift, please consider the following optical options for your charitable donation, preferably the middle selection.
In other, more tiny hat-related news, today is Friday and you know what that means: Tiny hat/me time! Hopefully I can squeeze it in amongst my growing mound of weekend committments. My newest and perhaps funniest inspiration is coming in the form of a childhood obsession: American Girl doll clothing and accessories. Taking cues from the classic playtoy of my youth, I'm envisioning all sorts of historically-based tiny headgear, including dainty pinner caps, tiny traditional church hats, small flight caps a la Amelia Earhart, mini tri-corners (which I attempted and successfully created for Kari's George Washington costume on halloween), tiny nurse's caps and shrunken holiday wreath hats.
I've even been influenced by the tiny food and decorative items on the site, all of which would make pretty adorable tiny hat subject matter. Here a few of my favorites:
Here's to a weekend of productivity AND relaxation! See you next week!
xoxo
Amy
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