Upcycling Expert - Annie Temmink

Annie Temmink

Annie completed her BA in sculpture and math from Davidson College in North Carolina, and received a Thomas J Watson Foundation Fellowship to travel independently for twelve months studying fashion and textiles.  From Indonesia to Japan, India to Uganda and Tanzania, she worked with village women, dove through sprawling second-hand markets and explored fashion in the world’s biggest cities and smallest towns.  The scope of her studies took her from preparing plants for organic dyes to exploring the factories that produce clothing for brand name stores.

Much of Annie’s inspiration comes from common or unwanted materials whose wide availability sparked her interest in recycling materials six years ago. Now she transforms repurposed clothing into sculpture for solo exhibitions and larger installations. Her work catches attention including that of trend forecasting companies in New York and private collectors on the east coast. Annie looks forward to blogging about her experiences and showing you how to create fabulous projects (clothing, jewelry and beyond) with materials from Goodwill.

Annie currently designs and makes clothing and accessories (and dances like-a-fool) in Charlottesville, Virginia. To learn more and to see Annie's projects visit: www.artemmink.com

Fun Halloween Hats

Posted by Jamie Klinger-Krebs on Oct 30, 2013 2:01:00 PM

halloween hat1Since Halloween is tomorrow, I thought it would be fun to do one last post on costume ideas. This one is for Halloween hats. Hats make great costumes because you can move and dance in them so easily and they make a big statement. Plus, you can make one the night before or even the day of and still have a great piece.  

halloween hat7.fwYou will need:

- A wire headband (which you can find at Goodwill)

- Flexible wire

- Paper/felt/lightweight plastic toys/etc. that you might find at Goodwill

Take a look at these designer hats for inspiration from Fashion legend, Alexander McQueen and haute couture milliner, Philip Treacy.

halloween hat2 3.fwNow just decide on a theme! I decided to use fish, but you could also use jungle animals, an ocean theme, birds, or anything else you can think of. 

While you’re shopping at Goodwill, scan their shelves for toys and knickknacks to see if you find any inspiration.

halloween hat4Once you’ve chosen a theme pick out cardstock in appropriate colors to match your theme. You could also go to a printer and have them print out copies of an image for you, but make sure to use a heavy weight paper that can stand up on its own. You might also try to find reflective paper or something with a little sheen to liven up your cutouts.

halloween hat5Next twist a few strands of wire together to achieve the right amount of strength and flexibility for your shapes.  I started with a thin wire from a standard hardware store but found it was a little too flimsy on its own. Twisted together however, it was perfect. 

Next pierce two holes in your cutouts and insert the ends of the wire through the holes.  Then fold down to secure.

You will want to make lots of these in varying heights.  Once you’ve made them begin twisting the other ends onto the headband until you have an even covering.

That’s all it takes! Now, what to wear underneath, you ask? Look for all black clothing at Goodwill to set off your hat or wear colors to match your theme.  Which ever you choose you’ll find everything you need at Goodwill to make a fun last-minute costume.  Be spooky, fun, or sweet and help your community at the same time! 

Happy Halloween.

halloween hat6

Topics: upcycle, Upcycling, Halloween costumes, Halloween, Upcycling Expert, Annie Temmink