Tiara Making Workshop: Wirework, Jewels & Ballet-Inspired Design

Description

$384.00 8 Hours / Session Single Session All Levels, Beginner Friendly In-Person Class Materials: Included

East Village in New York

Join this tiara making workshop and create a ballet-inspired wirework headpiece in a working NYC millinery studio. The class focuses on techniques that help make your piece sturdy enough for stage-ready wear, and is beginner-friendly.

In this full-day workshop, you’ll learn how to design and construct a tiara using wirework, jewels, and finishing techniques, with time set aside for a lunch break during the day. Guided by Catherine Zehr, costume designer for Ballets with a Twist and an expert in tiaras made for movement, you’ll explore how a headpiece can combine elegance with the durability needed for performance.

This workshop is a great fit for anyone interested in ballet, costume design, fashion accessories, bridal-inspired headpieces, theater, cosplay, or special occasion styling. No sewing skills are required, and all materials and tools are included.

By the end of class, you’ll leave with your own handmade wirework tiara.

What You’ll Learn

  • How a ballet tiara is designed and constructed
  • How to build a wirework structure and add jewels and decorative details to your tiara
  • Explore finishing techniques used for movement and stage wear
  • Leave with a handmade ballet-inspired tiara

How The Class Works

  • The class begins with an introduction to ballet tiara construction and examples of how these headpieces are designed for performance.
  • You’ll plan your tiara design, then learn the wirework techniques needed to build the structure. Catherine will guide you through each step as you shape the wire, add jewels, and assemble the piece.
  • This is a hands-on, full-day workshop with demonstrations, guided making time, individual support throughout the day, and a lunch break.

Supplies And Materials

  • Learners will use wire, jewels, and finishing materials to construct and complete a tiara. No sewing supplies are needed, and no sewing skills are required.

Space and Atmosphere

  • East Village Hats is a cozy working boutique and millinery workshop in the East Village. Visitors are surrounded by hat blocks, trims, ribbons, and tools used in daily production. Classes take place in a real shop environment, so the atmosphere feels intimate, active, and close to the materials.

What To Bring

  • Your finished tiara may be dimensional and delicate. You may bring your own box for carrying it home or gifting it. Purchase one from the studio for an additional cost if available.

Cancellation Policy

We aim to be fair to both learners and instructors while ensuring artists and studios are paid for their work. This policy helps ensure instructors and studios are compensated for their time and preparation. We encourage learners to review class details carefully before booking and to reach out with any questions in advance.

Tickets are refundable if canceled at least 7 days before the event. Please note that processing fees are non-refundable, even if your ticket is canceled. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to give your ticket to a friend. Please have them check in using your name.

In the rare case that the event does not meet minimum participation requirements, we’ll contact ticket holders at least 48 hours in advance with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund (excluding third-party processing fees).

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at suport@dobedous.com.

Location

East Village, East Village Hats, 80 E 7th St, (Located at Street Level), New York, NY, 10003 View Direction

Additional information

Enter through the street-level storefront entrance. The space is wheelchair accessible.

Your Instructor

East Village Hats is a working millinery studio and boutique in New York City, led by English milliner Julia Emily Knox. Trained at FIT, Julia joined Barbara Feinman Millinery in 2012 and took over the business when it moved to its current East Village location in 2016. The studio is also home to a collection of traditional millinery tools, including an antique sewing machine that reflects Julia’s appreciation for the craft’s history and enduring techniques.

Through its class program, East Village Hats introduces students to hat making, repair, styling, and related creative skills in a hands-on way. Taught by Julia and East Village Hats milliners, the workshops give students a chance to learn traditional tools, methods, and materials from people who work with the craft every day.

Who This Is For

  • Adults, 18+
  • 16-17 with a parent or legal guardian

Good To Know Tips

Arrive a little early

Please arrive about 10 minutes before the class starts so you can settle in comfortably.

Check your confirmation email

After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with directions and any important details for the class.

What to expect

Class format, materials, and preparation are all outlined in the class description. Most classes are beginner-friendly unless noted otherwise.

About the instructor

All classes are taught by vetted artists and makers who are experienced in both their craft and teaching.

Why DoBeDoUs

We offer local, artist-led classes that support ongoing creative learning and bring people together through community.

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East Village Hats

What we love about this studio

Teaching Rooted in Traditional Millinery

East Village Hats teaches from the perspective of a working millinery studio. Julia Emily Knox and East Village Hats milliners bring their professional experience in making, repairing, restoring, and styling hats into the classroom. Their teaching is practical and material-led, giving students a chance to learn traditional tools, methods, and construction techniques as they are used in real studio work.

Encouraging, Hands-On Teaching

Classes at East Village Hats are small, focused, and hands-on. Students often describe the instructors as knowledgeable, helpful, and encouraging, whether they are beginners or already studying millinery. The atmosphere feels approachable and supportive, with enough guidance for students to try unfamiliar techniques without feeling lost.

An Authentic East Village Hat Studio

Classes take place inside an intimate working boutique and workshop in the East Village. The space is filled with felts, straws, trims, sewing tools, and a long-collected set of hat blocks, including antique forms over a century old and newer designs by Julia. It gives students a close view of the materials, tools, and everyday setting of a real neighborhood hat studio.

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Still Have Questions?

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, view our FAQs or contact us.

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