DIY: The Professionals! With Connie Cao from Kisforkani

I know that ETSY can often be a source for many lost hours searching for that perfect item, however, I found myself losing time just in the one shop – thanks to Connie from Kisforkani! I think perhaps I’ve previously been something of a headpiece daydreamer, and in real life, I thought I’d never muster the courage to wear one –  but by gosh I’m motivated now! Connie has a gorgeous store with a huge array of styles and colour palettes to suit brides and bridesmaids of all walks of life, and she has been kind enough to not only share her wares, but her journey with us today!

What was your path to crafting/working with handmade/DIY items?

I have always been interested in crafts since I was very young. Whenever I had friends over, we would get crafty in the lounge room, when I was in primary school, my absolute favourite class was Art and I always got so upset if I had to skip the class for some reason or other. So I’ve always had a love for getting my hands involved in creating. A few years ago, a friend told me about Etsy. I was so excited to see that there was a marketplace selling all these handmade goods from around the world and so I opened up shop. I currently sell floral headpieces inspired by nature. You will see all sorts of flowers in my designs, as well as birds and butterflies. It’s been such an exhilarating ride since then, a few months ago I moved into a proper studio big enough to accommodate my growing shop and supplies and I really couldn’t be more motivated to keep on going.

Where do you find inspiration?

Surprisingly, I find inspiration locally wherever I go. Sometimes a walk down the street to clear my head sees me running back home with a bunch of ideas from neighbourhood gardens. I love experimenting with colour combinations seen in people’s gardens, or by creating pieces with colours that are gracing magazine editorials as well.

What is the most common question you are asked by couples?

A lot of couples often come to me with photos of their wedding attire or let me know their wedding theme’s colours and ask if I can help them choose some headpieces that work for the bride, bridal party and flower girl. I’m always more than happy to suggest styles for my customers – it helps them with their decision making as we’re able to work together to choose a series of headpieces that work with everyone’s hair styles, dresses and theme colours.

What is your favourite colour palette?

At the moment, I’m absolutely loving pastel blue, lilac, red and crisp whites. They’re colours that work so well together and I have many of these arriving in store next week just in time for the Summer season in Australia.

Do you have a favourite style of wedding (rustic, vintage, modern, classic etc)?

I just adore weddings and it’s so hard to pinpoint my favourite style of wedding. I love an outdoors wedding, whether on a beach, in a forest, on top of a hill or in front of some beautiful architecture. I think my dream wedding would be outdoors, modern with a quirky touch with lots of colourful bouquets and lanterns in the evening.

Share with us your top Etsy store pick!

A personal favourite, I have designed the roses so they frame the face. The florals go all around the side of the crown as well so it’ll look fabulous on both the front and side of your hair. They’re made with vintage like white florals and is mounted on a natural looking vine base and ties back with silky satin ribbon.

What is your DIY advice for couples?

I would actually personally recommend Etsy for all your DIY supplies. There are some fabulous wedding supply shops on Etsy, selling everything from custom made invitations, personalised props, twine, colourful straws and mason jars. Find out what kind of items work with your theme and order early to ensure they arrive on time.

What is the one tool you can’t do without?

Not quite a tool, but my head model. I make all my headpieces on my head model, it really helps to see how a design will sit on someone’s head and to experiment with how flowers can frame the face as well as different hair styles.

Oh my word I’ve been staring at all these beautiful floral headpieces forever now, and I still can’t decide my favourite! I just love the colours, the combinations and the quality. If you, like me, need to see more of Connie’s beautiful work, head to her ETSY store, or contact her about creating something just for you! Thanks again Connie!