MILLINER Cynthia Jones-Bryson's head pieces must be seen to be believed. The head pieces are more like works of art with beautiful feathers that fan out like an exploding firework or pieces of fabric that have been twisted and contorted for a more sculptural look.
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The Jerrabomberra resident's talent for millinery is obvious and explains why her hats have graced the crown of former-Governor General Dame Quentin Bryce as well as television talents like news presenter Julie Snook and Queanbeyan racing identities including Danielle Cleary.
Ms Jones-Bryson creates hundreds of hats each year from her home studio for private clients, the occasional market stall and catwalk shows.
It's easy to see why her designs are so popular - no two hats are the same and while each has its own individual character there's a distinct Jones-Bryson flair to it.
"I'd like to think that my style is quite unique. I like to play around with shapes and doing things that are a bit outrageous and crazy," she said.
"I have my favourite hats. Sometimes I hate to sell them but then I think at least it's going to a good home."
Millinery has been a hobby for Ms Jones-Bryson for the last 12 years. She had her first taste of the old fashioned art while studying fashion design at the Canberra Institute of Technology.
"Millinery was one of my electives and I loved it," she said.
"When I lived in London for a couple of years, I took a number of millinery courses with a theatrical milliner. I guess that ignited the passion and it certainly hasn't died down since then.
"It's the tactile thing - it's hands-on and you're feeling things."
Her studio is filled with fabrics in vibrant colours and interesting textures, feathers, flowers and other embellishments she uses to adorn her masterpieces.
A row of finished works are proudly displayed on a shelf which is just as well because it would be a shame for such beauties to be hidden away in a box.
Some of the more intricate creations can take up to 80 hours to complete and prices start from $200.
On the studio walls are several pictures of one of the milliner's more well-known clients, the aforementioned Dame Bryce.
"When Quentin came into office I actually met her and showed her some pictures of my work and that was it. Every time she needed a hat, she would call me," she said.
"I would meet with her and we would discuss what she was going to. If she was going to a military parade or a funeral it had to be very subdued but if she was going to say the Melbourne Cup, you could be a bit more flamboyant.
"Some were interesting just because they were so last minute. I would get a call on Friday and it had to be ready for the Monday."
Not all of Ms Jones-Bryson's clients are necessarily famous but they all appreciate a well crafted head piece.
"It's great, absolutely fantastic [when I see my head pieces being worn]. I have a lovely client, she's 86-years-old and she goes out for lunch every day wearing a hat and dressed up to the nines," she said.
"I hope people think I'm doing a good job and that they have fun."
Ms Jones-Bryson is currently finishing off pieces for the upcoming Autumn races including the Black Opal Stakes while also putting the final touches on eight different pieces for a fashion parade for Beyond Blue.
Ms Jones-Bryson's attention to detail is evident when inspecting one of her pieces - underneath each hat are individual embellishments.
And every collection she creates has a theme and individual hats anointed with a carefully considered name.
The last spring/summer collection was titled 'Almost as good as an ABBA song' with pieces given names like 'Mamma Mia' and 'Fernando'.
Her upcoming Autumn range will be named after classic films like 'Rebel Without a Cause' and 'Love Story'.
While, her hobby shows no signs of slowing down, Ms Jones-Bryson said it might be quite some time before she makes it a full-time venture.
"I'd love to do millinery full-time but I'd need more space and probably some help," she said.
"I could be a lot busier if I wanted but you've got to choose between your work and family as well."