Pictures of Wisks:

 

Wisks
Elizabethan wisks are frequently seen in portraits of Queen Elizabeth I and consist of a wired frame covered with sheer fabric. The wisk frame typically appears to surround her shoulders and sometimes her head in an almost-haloed effect.

We construct our wisks out of sturdy copper wire, shaped and strengthened by crossing wires and binding them in place with thin wire thread. This is an extremely time-consuming process, done entirely by hand and takes roughly 25 hours to make the most simple version.

Basic versions come with wired frame, sheer fabric covering and starched-lace trim at the edges. We build a custom pocket with a Velcro strap that fastens around the waist for your whisk to keep the wires tucked in your bodice safely. Your bodice should fit snugly over the wisk to help hold it in place. Depending on the weight of your whisk and the fit of your specific bodice, you may need to add additional reinforcements to hold the whisk in place.

Beading, veils and biliments may be added for an additional cost.

Prices start at $350 for a simple design and go up for more complicated designs. If you would like a customized design, please fill out the custom estimate request form to the left and submit it with a picture or portrait of the whisk you would like us to make for you.

Basic Wired Wisks start at $300. Beading and more elaborate trims may be added for an additional charge. Please contact us for a price estimate.

NOTE: Shipping for this item is separate from other items you may purchase, since it must be shipped in its own, oversized package. You will be billed for actual shipping costs when the package is ready to ship.

Our Hand-Made Whisks:

This is what the framework of our wisks looks like without the organza covering.

Here is what the wisk looks like with simple lace and organza, tipped with large glass pearls at the end of each wire. This is a very labor-intesive process that takes a significant amount of time to construct.

Basic Elizabethan Wired Wisk, covered with sheer organza, trimmed with lace (lace design will be smaller than above pictured lace), no beading (we can add pearls for an additional fee, depending on the amount of pearls you require)- $300:

 

 

Rebatos: Our Rebatos are made much like our wired whisks, but on a much smaller scale. They may be worn on their own as a decorative accessory, or may be worn under a ruff. Even basic rebatos are time-consuming to make, because each cross-point is bound by wire thread, a process done entirely by hand.

A basic rebato, comes with a basic cross-bound (non-ornamental) frame, covered with silk or sheer organza and edged with Venise lace. Cost for a basic rebato is $250.

We also offer customized rebatos with decorative wire work. If you would like an estimate for this type of rebato, please fill out the custom estimate request form at the left and submit it with a portrait or sketch of what you would like us to make for you.