The Headpiece Chronicles: A DIY Tale of Trial, Error… and Online Shopping

As a creative, I’m no stranger to big ideas. The kind that start with a spark of inspiration and end with a “how hard could it be?”

So when I decided to make my own headpiece for an upcoming shoot, I dove in with gusto. I envisioned something dramatic, elegant, and completely unique — the kind of piece that turns heads and sets the tone for a whole concept.

My first attempt? An unfiltered disaster.

Armed with some wire, a can of spray paint, a glue gun, and blind optimism, I jumped straight in. An hour later, my workspace looked like a chaotic crime scene of glitter, glue, and frustration. The result? Crooked, floppy, and definitely not wearable. I’ll admit, I seriously considered abandoning ship and just buying something ready-made.

But I hate giving up.

So I paused, regrouped, and came up with a proper plan. I sketched out the design, sourced better materials, and even phoned a friend with some serious millinery skills (because let’s face it, YouTube wasn’t cutting it). I slowed down, approached it methodically, and bit by bit… it started to come together.

It wasn’t perfect, but it had potential.
It had heart. It had… structure (sort of).

Then came round two: the unravelling.

Literally. It wouldn’t sit right. It wobbled. It drooped. I added more wire. More glue. More desperation. Still no luck. In the end, I admitted defeat, poured a glass of wine, and did what any modern artist does when the muse is being stubborn...

I hit “add to cart.”

Yes, friends — the final headpiece you’ll see in the shoot was not handmade by me. And that’s okay. We all have our strengths, and as it turns out, millinery may not be one of mine.

🎥 [Watch the full behind-the-scenes video here]
From chaos to crown (and back again), it’s all documented for your viewing pleasure.

What This Taught Me

Creativity is messy. It doesn’t always go to plan. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is try anyway, laugh at the process, and share the story.

And to all the incredibly talented milliners, crafters, and creators of handmade magic — my hat is off to you. You are truly worth your weight in gold. What you do is not easy, and I have a newfound appreciation for your skill, patience, and artistry.

Whether you’re a fellow photographer, artist, or just someone who’s ever said “I can make that myself”… I hope this makes you feel a little less alone.

Have you ever taken on a creative challenge that humbled you completely?

Drop your story in the comments — I’d love to hear it!