Testimonials


Sara Shadle
I’m so happy that I found the floral crown headdress workshop, run by Judi Henderson at her Mannequin Madness location in Oakland, Ca. It was a special day for me, since in my case, I was making the floral crown that I will be wearing at my beach wedding in October! I had looked online and couldn’t find exactly the colors and style I wanted, so this class was perfect for me! By making it myself, I could tie in the fall colors in the crown with the flowers that will be in my bouquet. It was extra special to have my daughter, Eve there with me to help, and it will be a wonderful wedding memory for us. Our teacher, Kyana was so nice; and so helpful every step of the way, especially in the beginning since we didn’t really know what we were doing! She assisted in getting us started, and when we needed something, she would good-naturedly call out, “I got you” and then come over to help. Materials were plentiful and it was fun being surrounded by the mannequins while we worked! I would definitely recommend this unique experience to any other brides and bridesmaids out there who would like to add a personal and creative touch to their wedding day attire, or for anyone else who wants to spend an afternoon creating something beautiful for any occasion. Many thanks to Judi and Kyana!


Katreece S
The Headdress Workshop was a unique and fun experience!
After attending a workshop and having a blast, a few months later, I arranged with the owner Judi two private workshops for a group of young ladies to create their lovely headdresses.
Since it was a mid size group of varying ages, Judi suggested splitting them into two so each session could be tailored appropriately. The kids and adults had fun crafting their headdresses and enjoyed the photo session at the end.
If you are looking for something out of the box and safe during these uncertain times, I highly recommend the Headdress Workshop!


Genevieve M
I arrived on time to the workshop, and although we were expecting 2 more people in the class, it ended up being just me!! Judi and Kiara were so wonderful throughout the whole class.
They even offered me tea!! Mint with lemon and agave......I felt just so at home. There is a workshop table on the side of the shop, and mannequins EVERYWHERE as they resell mannequins too.
I was going for a Mother Nature theme for Halloween.
I was looking into pure greenery, not much flowers. I showed Kiara my inspiration, and she knew where to take it from there. They have SHELVES and SHELVES worth of material, as well as example mannequin heads on a shelf above. I seriously could not believe the final outcome.
I was so impressed with myself that I made something so beautiful and on-brand for my costume... I had the most fun at this workshop............. or was it a private class? THANK YOU Judi and Kiara...


Bonnie M
Awesome! Absolutely fantastic. The most creative and fun workshop I have attended in a long time. The instructor was patient and a creative genius. She got your creative juices flowing right from the start. The workshop was two hours but the time went by so fast because I was totally involved in creating my masterpiece. I made the most beautiful autumn inspired headdress. I left feeling like the Queen of Autumn!
Forgot to mention prior to the workshop I felt that I did not have a creative cell in my body. But this workshop proved me wrong!
Loved every second of the workshop!


Hillary
Such a fun experience and super excited to plan a event just to wear my masterpiece and receive allll the compliments. I'm planning on booking another class with more friends in the future!!!


Mable H
"Airbnb was delighted that The Headdress Workshop brought their talents to the Bayview LIVE festival. They hosted an engaging arts and craft experience, encouraging guests to unleash their creative spirits and make fabulous floral headdresses at the Airbnb booth.
Our staff and guests had such a great time crafting beautiful artwork that could be worn in many occasions.We look forward to working with them again in the future."


Sharon Leckie
A friend got me a gift card for my birthday and suggested this experience. I was a little skeptical about the cost, mostly because my friend and I are both avid crafters and have a lot of supplies already.
But the breadth of materials available to use was impressive and the instructor Kyana was an absolute pro in helping us find direction for our headpieces and offering advice along the way. She’s really attuned to finding just the right item or way to do something to match each person’s vision and personality.
We unfortunately showed up late but both Kyana and Judi were very gracious with us. (But I’d definitely recommend getting there on time because we weren’t able to completely finish our pieces, though we were able to take home our finishing touches to add later).
It was a really wonderful and fun experience and I have something beautiful to wear to an upcoming event as well as a lot of inspiration for future crafting. Very high recommendation!”


Sophie L
The Headdress Workshop is a fabulous! What a fun way to learn new skills and make new friends!!
Mannequin Madness has the perfect set up too: big craft tables, good lighting and music, and they have an incredible archive of supplies for you to choose from. Highly recommended.


Crystal M
My mom and I went to the headdress workshop not knowing what to expect. In sum, it was an awesome experience.
My mom and I lead pretty hectic lives. This was a much needed escape from it all. Not only were we able to enjoy ourselves and spend quality time, we also were able to make beautiful art.


Kelli S
Sometimes you happen upon something and it's kismet! My mom and I went to this location to pick up a mannequin for an event and the space was electric with energy and activity.
Everywhere you look there's something visually stimulating and you can feel your creative juices starting to flow.
The owner is so sweet and engaging and she shared about the headdress workshop. How timely - because my wedding was 5 weeks away and I was trying to make a fascinator at home and it wasn't coming together.
See Kismet. We signed up for the workshop 1st person full price, second friend half price. They have all the supplies you need and provide tips for staying safe (cutting wires, protecting eyes).
The creator leader was so helpful sharing ideas and giving tips on how to incorporate more while hands on assisting as well. It was a fun experience and we will be back.


Pat P
I loved my experience at Mannequin Madness’s Headdress “Playday”, as I called it! I felt like Alice in Wonderland walking through their doors.
I was welcomed by the owner Judi Henderson, then their crafts leader and shown to our worktable surrounded by endless well-organized bins of colorful flowers, beads, ribbons and trinkets that I would choose from to make my creation.
We unfortunately showed up late but both Kyana and Judi were very gracious with us. (But I’d definitely recommend getting there on time because we weren’t able to completely finish our pieces, though we were able to take home our finishing touches to add later). It was a really wonderful and fun experience and I have something beautiful to wear to an upcoming event as well as a lot of inspiration for future crafting. Very high recommendation!”
She gave a quick tour, which got my creative side really blooming. The first thing I loved was a sense of “freedom” – the gift of choice - to make something just for ME! In a world where I do so much for others, this got high marks for self-care! Next, I got quick instructions on the process and tools I’d be using.
With basket in hand, it was like a treasure hunt, expanding my thinking on ‘what could be’ – exploring possibilities. The actual constructing of my headdress was another wild experience ~ to just stop and focus on something crafty and tactical was powerful. There were no mistakes and no consequences; only lots of laughter and free play time for me! From the start, the middle and finally as I put finishing touches on my beautiful masterpiece (my headdress/crown), it was truly an amazing and rewarding experience.
I came through their doors needing a boost that day and during my time there, was so uplifted, happy and motivated to tackle the rest of the day. By the way my headdress was so beautiful, I wore it to my next appointment and later that week to a big luncheon, where I got lots of great compliments! I’ll wear it to my future personal art exhibits. Thank you for such a really unique and fun gift.


Jacqui
"Because I have chronic health issues, I have difficulty walking/ standing, arthritic pain in my hands and feet, and overall muscle weakness. However, none of my disabilities kept me from fully participating in the headdress workshop. Getting in/out of the venue was easy, even with my wheelchair. Parking was also wheelchair accessible.
Except for selecting my materials, I sat the entire time. I loved that it equalized me among my friends so that we were free to participate, encourage one another, have fun and share the experience together. Many other group activities can make me feel "different, " not equal
disabilities kept me from fully participating in the headdress workshop. Getting in/out of the venue was easy, even with my wheelchair. Parking was also wheelchair accessible.
And my headdress came out fabulous!" --


Darren Heiber
(Judi and the Mannequin Madness team) are a dream to work with. She offers a variety of flower crown supplies, built to suit your audience and any special occasions.You'll find the demonstrations and crafts are so easy to pick up, participants of all ages and ability levels can participate.
And they're able to provide multilingual Spanish instruction upon prior agreement. I highly recommend engaging them for your next event or library program!


Nedra
Have the time of your life at Mannequin Madness. It is a total art experience when you take the headdress workshop.
I went with a group of Elegant Elders (that's what we call ourselves) to make CROWNS for our rite of passage ceremony. We had a ball listening to '60s music and reminiscing about old loves and times while creating our new SELF through a crown.


Adriana Arvizo, External Communications Sr. Manager, Comcast California
We hired Judi and her team to lead a headdress workshop for our Black Employee Network (BEN) Employee Resource Group in preparation for the 2023 Black Joy Parade. Our team had a blast nurturing their creativity and having fun, all while spending quality time with teammates. Our teammates had a chance to wear their headdresses during the parade.
Judi and her team were engaging and warm. They made us feel at home at their studio and were great hosts. They have a great variety of colors and materials to create a unique piece.
I recommend hiring Judi for your next team-building exercise.


Cheryl M.
Definitely a fun, unique workshop to channel your creativity! I found this class by accident as I was looking for thrift store dolls and mannequins for a friend who loves using the heads and other parts to incorporate succulent, and various plants. Um right...not for me and what nightmares are made of!
Well after searching online I also came across The Headdress Workshop which is a subsidiary of Mannequin Madness which was a big score...take a fun class while perusing for used mannequin heads...Class supplies you with all the materials you'll need to create a unique piece: flowers, butterflies, beads, gems, greenery, feathers, etc...the instructor, Kiana was super helpful, energetic, help guide/inspire you while making it a fun experience! Her assistant Susie was equally wonderful with offering help searching for materials or gluing. This 2.5 hour class will fly by and you'll end up leaving with a wearable piece of art.
Great for team building, special event or to unleash your inner Project Runway design skilz...SO FABULOUS! Highly recommend this fun workshop...and photo studio available to show off your work and be silly. And if there's time left, you can play with the instructor's resident dog, Gremlin. :)
Located off I-880 behind the Buttercup Pantry in Oakland. Plenty of street parking
Judi and her team were engaging and warm. They made us feel at home at their studio and were great hosts. They have a great variety of colors and materials to create a unique piece.
I recommend hiring Judi for your next team-building exercise.

