Hana Kanzashi are flowery silk ornaments used in traditional Japanese hairstyles, but Kanzashi artisan Thea Starr is anything but traditional. A self described “half asian half american joe”, Thea’s skills range from garden work to changing brake pads, chopping wood and serving as the co-founder of a Roller Derby league. She even helps run a parenting group called Mama’s Brood, “the funnest & most caring tattooed, crayonbox coloured hair parents in the world.”

All of this of course makes Thea’s brooches and hair accessories all the more interesting. Her lovely creations are one-of-kind and are often made from hand-dyed habotai silk and vintage kimono fabric. Each one seems to have its own unique color and personality, all the while maintaining an obviously high level of quality. For more information, check out her website, An Original by Thea Starr (winner of the 2006 Plummy Award in the Best Crafter Overall category!).

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