The Voice Said Go-Ahead by Rose Monzyk

Five years from now, my goal is to be embarrassed by the work and design I’m doing now.  Crazy? That would mean to me that I have learned and grown as a designer and milliner.

I am very grateful to BOHM for the opportunity to study an online millinery course. I had been looking at it for a long time. Being self-taught, there has always been the nagging question if I’m doing things correctly, and if there are better ways to do the mechanics. This course allowed me to critique my work and find some additional ideas. There are a few techniques where I will choose to continue with my way and gave myself a pat on the back for what I was doing. As true of many of our arts, there is often more than one way to do things.

It was inspirational to see different designs from another part of the world and to be freed from my own box. For example, I use bows often, but the instructor had a different slant on some bows. The course covered sinamay, wool felt, parisisal and crinoline fabrics. Techniques were shown for doing flowers, feathers, bows and bindings and bands.

Using the recommended supplies for the course, also allowed me to see variations on products that I was not aware of.

I’ve often felt like I was missing something, by not having the diploma on the wall. I am in the process of completing the specific designs necessary to receive the Certificate of Completion from the course.

I have been teaching millinery but feel better qualified to share an art that has fed my soul for about 17 years.

The application for the grant laid on my desk for 2 weeks before I actually mailed it. Hesitation and lack of confidence almost killed the opportunity for me. I’m happy I listened to that little voice that said, “Go ahead”. There may be a lesson there for someone else. It’s never too late to learn. Thank you, BOHM, for believing in me and for granting this opportunity. I look forward to sharing some finished designs.

Rose Monzyk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Juried Best of Missouri Hands Fiber Artist