Antique Czech Bonnet

[Framar]

I need some ideas!!! I have a wonderful customer who collects all kinds of artwork and antiquities from around the world, and I am doing more plexi box table frames for her. He apartment is a unique cross between ultra modern chairs designed by architects, glassware, lighting etc, and Persian carpets, carved oak furniture, and antique fabric pieces.

I have been wracking my brain for ideas to display this piece. It is a fairly crudely made linen bonnet, not very stiff, with embroidery and smocking and pleating. Other pieces will be set off with black velvet bases, one has a mirror base, and a small series of children's hats from China are being placed onto 3" plexi tubes (from our very own Acrylic Queen, Lois Bauby).

I keep thinking of a linen base for this bonnet, but it needs a head to sit upon. I could use a wig stand, but what kind of finish on it? Modern will NOT do for this piece. I thought about making an oval "head" on a tubular "neck" but that seems too modern. I can paint anything onto anything, but what to do, what to do?

I sure hope you geniuses have some great ideas for me!!! And I thank you in advance!!!

[CharlesL]

Mar, you could get an old 5 cent stamp and have a little plaque made that says, "Your Czech's in the mail."
(I apologize.....too good to resist)

[EllenAtHowards]

Well, an adult wig stand-type head is going to be too big anyway. How about using a ball? You are going to have to make one, because I fear all the ready-mades (styrofoam, kiddie, dog) will not be archival. Just as you can paint anything, I can sew anything, so this would be a cinch. You need four melon shaped pieces that when constructed, turn into a ball. Stuff with polyester fill (available at any fabric/craft store) and perhaps paint a child's face on it. (but I would leave it plain both so as not to detract from the bonnet and because I couldn't do it well enough anyway). This could then be balanced on an acrylic tube covered with the same fabric... or stitched into place sideways, that is to say where the 'ear' would be. Whichever would look less like a decapitated child.

[Framar]

Ellen, "four melon shaped pieces" sounds so simple when YOU say it! I keep ending up with a squarish, lumpy, squat sort of "ball" that looks more like a hassock. Is there a formula to follow for cutting out the melon shapes? I am pretty good at hit and miss, usually, but the thing just keeps getting smaller!!! And I keep stabbing myself with my new stainless steel silk pins. OUCH!

Any more helpful hints? If it was a purse I could sew it, no problem, but I think a hat would look stupid on a purse...

Thanks!

[preservator]

Polyethylene foam is available from preservation
supply houses and it can be cut with a carving
knife and assembled with hot melt glue to give
the proper shape for the support. It can be covered with polyester batting and fabric to
complete the support and the cap can be sewn
to it.

Hugh