I was inspired to write the information about the Symbolism of Peacocks while I was working on a headband for The Shop. Initially, I had planned on a simple floral design painted with wool but when I crocheted the border onto the headband everything changed.

The felted design was lost next to the magnificence of the Himalayan recycled silk yarn, dropping so far into the background that the piece no longer looked harmonious. I set it aside for a day to incubate and my thoughts turned to peacocks.

I wonder what process the Creators were going through when the peacock was brought into fruition? Was it a combination of beautiful parts or was it an idea that was clearly planned? What if this most stunning of creatures was simply a few odds and ends that were incredible on their own but when joined together suddenly didn’t mesh? Maybe it started out as a rather large bird with a rather large tail that just needed…a little something more. “Should we make it blue?”

Out came the beads. I find that there is rarely a problem in my work that can’t be solved with some serious yet tasteful embellishment. Was it the same for the creation of peacocks? “Well, now the tail looks a bit off. Let’s put some things that look like eyes on the tips.”

Almost there. The flowers still drooped into the background. I’ve broken my habit of running to the store whenever an issue like this arises, so I dug into my inventory of trims and decided that a hint of embroidery in gold just might do the trick. I think I must have been a crow in a former life…I have a real affection for shiny things.

“Let’s make it shimmer in the light. Keep going. A little more. Now that’s a bird.”

And that’s a headband, which is of course much more stunning in person.

Though the process was a bit of a reach for me, I instinctively followed the inspiration that was leading me to this point. This little beauty has already been claimed but you can count on more designs featuring my new path of wild abandon. It’s the difference between a peacock and a bird that slightly resembles a turkey.

Follow your bliss. ~Joseph Campbell