Raimbow Tree is a one woman operation (that's me Amber) I specialize in felted wool headbands and other whimsy delights. My headbands are great for a funky, colorful and casual hair piece. They are light enough to wear in the summer and warm enough to wear in cooler weather.
All my items are lovingly made by me from qualtiy materials, 100% wool or other natural fibers like silk, organic cotton, banana fiber and bamboo.Inspiration for my felted wool headbands comes from my love for color. Seeing certain colors used in conjunction with each other is a delight for my senses. My love of colors is a blessing I hold dear; it formed over the years a strong belief in the power of color over people. Colors can react upon people in the same way as music; projecting past memories, favorite smells or tastes and magnifying unique qualities in us all.
All of my headbands are crochet without the use of patterns; no two bands are ever exactly alike. My designs are honored in the same way; there is no use of templates for cutting designs or needle felting. Each headband is the result of improvisational play.
For me there it is very rewarding to play with color and movement and create unique pieces for others to enjoy. Through the years I have experimented with many mediums in this way. Sewing, painting with acrylics and watercolors, clay, and light projections are among some of my favorites because of their versatility, freedom and texture.
Many years ago when I attended an early childhood art education class in college I discovered the art of needle felting. Needle felting is a natural way to create toys and games for children and a fun activity to do with them, as they get older. This new way of working with wool opened up doors of possibilities in my mind. Wool is such an excellent medium to work with, it is moldable, poseable, forgiving and best of all it is natural. Much like clay, wool is something that we can use to create a wonderland of useable artistic pieces.
Experimenting with color was very easy to do with needle felting, each tiny strand of wool can be placed wherever you desire and felted in with your needle to create a pattern much like painting. After experimenting with needle felting on many different backgrounds, crochet headbands became my favorite canvas. Crochet headbands in a wide variety of delicious colors that are wet felted and shaped by hand.
Please read the “I Love My Warm and Cozy Felted Wool Headband” section for more information on how I create these beautiful wearable art pieces.
I Love My Warm and Cozy Felted Wool Headband (regular and Ultra)The Warm and Cozy Felted Wool Headband is easy to wear and fashionably functional. It is a 100% wool crochet headband, which has been felted for extra warmth and durability. Each felted band then gets colorful adornments of some sort. Each design of mine is fun and imaginative, original and free form, inspired by nature and whimsical delights. Animals, plants, fruits and seeds are all centerpieces for my headbands.
Warm baby fleece, silky velour and cozy cotton knits are some of the fabrics I use to back a Warm and Cozy Ultra. This is where an Ultra band differs form a regular. The less warm and more casual bands are only sometimes backed, depending on the design I make or what the customer prefers (some people who are sensitive to wool over long periods prefer their regular headband backed with cotton). An Ultra headband is always backed for extra warmth and softness against your head.
All of my regular headbands (unless requested) secure around your head with two long felted wool ties, they can be tied up in a bow or left to dangle down your back. Ultra headbands are finished with an elastic band in the back, which has been covered with matching fabric to the lining. A covered elastic band is far superior to a non-covered band; it will never pull at or snag the sensitive hairs at the back of your head. The Ultra differs from the regular by how it secures, because an Ultra is meant to stay snug up against your head and this is helpful for outdoor use like skiing and snowboarding. The regular band is a more casual headband, and should be left adjustable for the person wearing it.
Each and every one of my Warm and Cozy Felted Wool Headbands are handcrafted, unique and durable; a stylish hair accessory that will last many seasons.
Alterations for sizing and repairs are free! And custom orders are always welcome.