Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Of bouffants that are not really....

Because I'm a bit of a colonial-era nerd, I decided to try my hand at the 18th century version of the beehive. 

OK, really their hair was nothing like that and REAL historians would be cursing my name for even saying such a thing even in jest, but in essence, it's "big hair". From what I understand, many ladies in those day could do an up-do in just about 15 minutes. Talk about talent! Me? Not so much.

I started with one of those big hair donuts cut in half and twirled the top of my hair around it. They had something similar to the donut--cloth stuffed with wool or some such thing.





After it's pinned into place, rather precariously, it's time to curl the bottom to get those nice little ringlets. Next time I try this, I will need to use my extensions and have my hair completely curled before hand. (And I know you're thinking it--no, they didn't really have "bangs" in the 1700's so I gotta pin those suckers back.)




Pin, pin and pin.

And then curl again.






Results? It looks nothing like I imagined/hoped. AND my selfie skills are sadly lacking because I couldn't get a good enough pic of the back. Which, really, that's OK because it didn't look super. *guffaw* 

Perhaps with my new 18th century pinner in place and more curl? A girl can hope. It's funny what a gal like me is willing to spend time doing...

If you could do a historical hair style, what would it be??

HUGS!!!
Amber


16 comments:

  1. I'd have to go for the lice infested therefore shave the head look, I think. My self hair styling skills are sadly lacking!!

    Terrific post, Amber - loved the pics and commentary :)

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    1. Hey Rel! HAHAHA! I know, its crazy all the little creepy crawlies that they dealt with. Yuck! You have a great shaped head so you could totally do the shaved thing!! Thanks for commenting!

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  2. I applaud you for even trying! I can't imagine how they did it so fast, and with even longer hair. My shoulders started aching just seeing your pictures. :)

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    1. Anne! I'm so glad you stopped by! Yeah with longer hair--I can't imagine!! My shoulders did get quite a work out. ;)

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  3. Love this post, Amber! What fun! And I think you did a great job. Looking forward to more installments. And as for which hairstyle...I'd take Elianor of Emberly's long locks. Never gonna happen :(

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    1. Hi Tamara!! You are so kind to stop by, thank you!! Hey, I would trade my hair for Elianor's ANY day!!!

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  4. You get an "A" for effort! I think I might try the hedgehog, better yet, why don't you? This post was so enjoyable I'd love to see you give it another shot with another style. Lol

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    1. Carla! I'm just tickled you stopped by, thank you!! The hedgehog huh?!?!?! OK, now I might have to take you up on that challenge! But I can almost guarantee the results will be pretty laughable! :) HUGS TO YOU!!

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  5. Wow Amber - I think you did a great job! You are a lovely lady with your big eyes and chiseled facial features - you could be a cover model for one of your own books - hey - - that would be a unique twist - - to be both the author and the cover model - hmmmmm....... something to think about - huh? As for me - I was a teenager in the 60's - so BIG hair is nothing new to me - everybody had BIG hair - all the "tease" that went on in the 60's made your comb your BFF!! And don't get me started on hairspray . . . LOL!! I have been blessed with very long thick hair - - so my favorite historical hairstyle would be one of the Tamara Leigh heroines who has a "thick plait of braided hair" with the tiny whispers of hair that curl around the face - - sounds so romantic and whimsical - - now I just need to learn how to braid - - I've tried, but by the time I get my horsetail mane going in the right direction, the end result is . . . well . . . hmmm . . . let's just say I could possibly win "American's Funniest Home Videos" if my attempt ended up on You-Tube.
    But on another "Wa-Hoo" note - - how about that Tamara Leigh - - her recent book "Baron of Godsmere" hit the #1 Historical Romance on Amazon - - - Fist Pump & High Five Tamara - - you go girl!!!!

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    1. Pam!!!! You are so sweet! I always look forward to your comments! Did you know I am the model on my covers? It's been super fun! I love dressing up so its an excuse for me to get in costume. :) I WISH I had long thick hair, Pam! Tamara's heroines are always so blessed in the hair department and I love that! :) BOG is stellar isn't it?! So glad to hear that you loved it! HUGS and blessings to you!

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  6. Pam, I hope you know your compliments mean a lot to me. :) I've never had anyone say I have a chiseled face so that makes me happy. :)

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  7. It's the truth - the Lord has abundantly blessed you in the looks department - it's no wonder that you're your own model for your books - - how fun!! Maybe your next book could be about a colonial widow - not that I want you to be a widow, I'm sure your husband has plans to hang around for a bit longer (lol) - - but then you and your children could grace the cover all in colonial attire - - you know one of those behind the back shots with one child on your hip and the other holding your dress with your hand atop his head. You could be in profile while the kids are pictured from behind. Gee - - I'm not sure what the story would be - - but I've got the cover shot all laid out - LOL!! When is your next book release?

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    1. Hi Pam! I love your ideas! Thank you for your enthusiasm and for just putting such a big smile on my face! As for SO RARE A GIFT (book three) I have not released any date as of yet. I will be taking more time between these two books because I am trying to balance my life a bit better--and savor my girls while they are young! :) But, I do hope it will be out within a year. Sooner would be great, but I won't make any promises. ;) Many hugs and blessings to you!

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  8. I love this! I love experimenting and having fun with my own hair, too. I have long, thick, curly hair. It may sound nice, but boy is it annoying to wash. LOL. And I cannot do a ponytail since it gives me an instant headache. See, there are downsides to long thick hair!! You looked like you enjoyed playing with it and I personally think you did a smashing job of it! :)

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    1. Susan!!! Oh! Long, thick, curly hair?!?! Sounds like the makings of an HCR heroine!! ;) I do hear that can cause bad headaches though, I'm sorry! :( Thank you for being so encouraging. I do like to try those kinds of things and I plan on doing some more in the future. Thank you for commenting Susan, that was a bright spot in my day. BLESSINGS!!!! <3

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  9. I love that you still wear your hair long. I gave mine up a while back.

    But the apron? LOVE it!!!

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