Wana was a Wolf

September 22, 2015American Hat Makers Leave a comment

Inspiration can be extracted in the most surprising places. In this case, we have the heartwarming story of Wana the Wolf, told by our very own Nikki.

Nikki shares her heartfelt enthusiasm.

Nikki is a talented designer here at American Hat Makers/Head’n Home Hats. Not long ago, Nikki visited Wana at the Wolf Mountain Sanctuary. She describes her experience,

“Wana touched my soul, in a way… I can’t explain.”

Wolf Mountain Sanctuary is a non profit organization, “dedicated to the preservation and proper management of wolves in the wild, and in captivity”. People see the wolf as a threat, and based on that stereotype, this beautiful animal is banned from the ecosystem by many. In addition to the threat of extinction, wolves are also captured, forced into captivity, and then abandoned when they become too big, or unmanageable.

“These wolves cannot be released back into the wild” said Nikki. She elaborates, “People think it’s cool to have a dog/wolf hybrid, or a pure wolf, and then they get too big, and they can’t handle it”.

Nikki was so moved by this wolf sanctuary, and the purpose of it, she decided to do something about it. She used her inspiration to draw some beautiful sketches of Wana, and created a hat specifically designed to compliment the outdoors, wildlife style. Once these specifications came together, the Double G, Wana hat was born! Nikki wasn’t done yet. Next, she put together a plan of action to help fund the program. Every time a Wana hat is purchased, we donate five dollars to the sanctuary.

Wana, Denali, and Takaani

If you would like to purchase a Wana hat in support of the sanctuary, click here. If you would like more information on how to sponsor a wolf directly through Wolf Mountain Sanctuary, click here.

Special thanks to Nikki, for bringing this extraordinary refuge to our attention! When we know better, we can do better.

DIY- Hat Care is EASY!

September 16, 2015American Hat Makers Leave a comment

SolAir, Cabana

If you’re reading this, chances are, you have one of our outstanding hats! You’re in the right place to learn some easy ways to maintain the integrity of your hat, whether it’s leather, suede, mesh, or combinations of these.

Let’s start with the SolAir Cabana.

This super quick video packs a whopping directive in 39 seconds on maintaining the shape of your Cabana. If you have any further questions about the shape of your hat, please contact us.

American Outback, Zephyr

All of our hats are shapeable, in one way or another. They hold up to abuse really well, but you may need, or want to reshape it from time to time. If you have a crushable hat, like a SolAir Breeze, or the American Outback Zepher, and it needs reshaping, we can help! This 2 minute video demonstrates how to shape hard metal wire, or techno wire, into your desired look. We’ll also show you how to use a coffee can to maintain your perfect hat shape.

Now that you have the right shape and storage technique, lets go over a few more things. You should know that your leather hat has had Scotchguard worked into the leather during the tanning process. You do NOT need to apply and kind of weatherproofing. But, we do wear our hats in all kinds of weather, and to every kind of event imaginable. They get dirty. Here is another short video on hat cleaning:

If your hat needs more than a light cleaning, has been damaged, or just been worn to the point that it’s looking tired or wilted, we do refurbish hats. We recommend calling our shop to talk about that process at 1-800-642-3428, or email us at nicehat007@gmail.com.

Full Size Reducer

Half Size Reducer

If your hat is too big or too small, we have remedies for that as well. Let’s start with the problem of it being too large. Sometimes the perfect fit falls by the wayside after a significant hair cut. We’ve designed our own perfect fit sizing system. The velcro tabs sewn into your hat securely hold the sweat liner, but are also ready to accommodate a size reducer. You can purchase a pack on our online catalog after you determine how much reduction you need. If you’re not sure, give us a call, and a team member will happily assist you. Assortment packs are also available containing a full size reducer, half size reducer, and sweat liner.

Maybe your hat was a gift, and it’s just a little bit too tight? Don’t worry! We can offer a couple of options. Hats can be shipped to us for professional stretching. We can also recommend a DIY (do it yourself) Hat Maintenance Kit for home use. This kit includes everything you need to keep your hat in perfect condition.

Kit includes the following:

1 HatJack Maintainer
Spray ‘N Shape for stretching and shaping any leather
Cleaning Solution for suedes
Cleaning Kit for the dry cleaning and maintenance of any suede
An assortment of size adjusters
Sweat patch replacements

If your hat gets wet, and then shrinks while drying when you’re not wearing it, get it wet again, and let it dry on your head. Put in on, and gently stretch/pull it in place as you would normally wear it. It will dry to fit your head perfectly.

If you’ve ordered a chin strap, this video demonstrates how to install it:

Now that we’ve provided you with this information, don’t be afraid to wear your every day, at any event, in any weather… it’s tougher than you think!

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if your questions have not been answered.

1-800-NICEHAT (1-800-642-3428)

On Top of the World at Hat-A-Palooza

August 24, 2015American Hat Makers Leave a comment

Hat-A-Palooza is an annual mixer for the members of The Headwear Association. The Headwear Association (THA) is a 106-year-old association, the oldest in the fashion industry. They are committed to globally promoting the headwear industry. Hat-A-Palooza provides a platform to bridge gaps connecting the worlds best hat makers and designers. This year, American Hat Makers/Head’n Home Hats was invited to attend Hat-A-Palooza III, at the Stratosphere in Las Vegas !

“It was 118 degrees outside, walking to the car was like bikram yoga, but we made it”, said Garth. “We are so pleased to be recognized in this elite gathering of like minded individuals. This event gives us the opportunity to emerge among, and alongside the world’s best hat makers. It’s wonderful to be recognize. We’ve been doing hats for 40 years, and now that there is a higher demand for leather, our “cut and sew” method is being recognized. We’re honored to be contenders in this industry”.

Garth reflects, “We were in the Stratosphere, literally on top of the world, sitting at the ’round table’ with the best of the best, discussing our futures in hat industry. And, we’re having some fun in the process too”.

It was a pleasure to meet Preston Souza, of Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs. His “fashion forward” approachable style is top notch in sales etiquette, and technique.

Garth Watrous with Joel Johnston of White Wing.

Beth Watrous with Amber Fekete, Tere Cutler & Monty Goodson of Overland Outfitters.

It’s easy to see why we do this, everyone looks good in a hat.

Garth and Zach Belinski from Village Hat Shop.

Gerry Miller – Sales Manager, Stetson Hats, and Garth.

Steve Wood with Hattitude, relaxing with Beth.

Hannah and Beth Watrous enjoying the view from the Stratosphere.

Matt Katz – Bollman Hat Co.

Our own Cynthia with James Nelson of Nelson Leather Company, and Beth.

Don Rongioni of Bollman Hat Company, John, Garth and Suzi .

Hat-A-Palooza III is happening RIGHT NOW!

August 18, 2015American Hat Makers Leave a comment

We are in Las Vegas, giving away hats! Hat-A-Palooza III is tonight, Tuesday, August 18th at the Stratosphere!

Open Bar, Delicious Food and a FAB crowd. — at Stratosphere Observation Deck.

The event is sold out — but we are giving away a pair tickets. If you are in Las Vegas, click here, leave a comment and you are entered to win!

We are proud members of the Headwear Association and stoked to be part of this years Hat-A -Palooza! Here is a clip from the Morning Blend on the event, we got a mention!

American Hat Makers Trends for Fall !

August 17, 2015American Hat Makers Leave a comment

Leather & Lace! Here we are in Accessories Magazine, showing off some Steampunk style. Click here!

Steampunk Hatters

Don’t limit yourself, find something exceptional about the real you and top it off with an amazing hat. Come into our retail store, or shop online. Head’n Home Hats/American Hat Makers

Be Brave.

Feel Young.

Get Close.

Be Mysterious.

Be You.

Tour our Facility

August 14, 2015American Hat Makers Leave a comment

We welcome your tour group with a personal touch.

At Head’n Home Hats/American Hat Makers, we’re proud to be a 100% American made product. We offer free facility tours, geared to educate, and wow you! Check out some pictures from a recent tour.

Bruce explains things.

It starts with raw materials.

After choosing the leather, suede, or other materials from our raw materials area, a pattern will be cut. Our leather is 100% raised and tanned in America. Scotchguard is applied and worked into the material during the tanning process, resulting in a water resistant hat right off the rack. Then we go to assembly. There are several phases to this process.

Watching work in progress.

Pilo talks about banding.

The group is getting into it!

A lot to see.

Visually, you can see we take pride in being an American made product. The evidence is everywhere.

We encourage questions!

Some hats get added detail. We have a laser engraver that adds depth, enhancing the design beyond accessories or saddle stitching.

Nikki uses her creativity to adorn hats with intricate designs, featuring anything from jellyfish, to skulls, and feathers. That layer of texture is only surpassed by adding some airbrushing for a finished product that really pops. You can see it on the “Opal” and “Deadly Love”.

Double G, “Opal” designed by Merry-Lee. Laser engraved and airbrushed. Find it here!

Crowding around the laser engraver, our group can see (and smell) the leather engraver in action. It’s hard to steer folks away from this area, but we must move on.

Laser engraving area.

VooDoo “Deadly Love” designed by Nikki. Laser engraved and airbrushed. Find it here!

From here we walk through the Administrative offices for a quick “Hello” from the Wholesale team. If we’re lucky, Gary Watrous (Founder and President!) is around to say a few words.

Fernando, making magic happen.

Now we’re in shipping. This is not just about sending out packages.The final inspection happens here. Each hat is tagged and shaped to perfection. Fernando is a master at shaping a hat! He demonstrates with certain accuracy and skilled speed. Now the hats can be packed securely and sent out.

The customer is sure to be pleased and delighted!

And now for some fun at the store.

Decisions… Selfies… Smiles…

Thank you, Bridges Youth Group!

Call 800-642-3428 to schedule a tour.

American Hat Makers Grand Opening – A Huge Success!

June 3, 2015American Hat Makers Leave a comment

The grand opening of American Hat Makers was a HUGE SUCCESS and we would like to warmly thank everyone who participated and made this truly memorable event possible.

We would like to give a special thanks to Kurt for catering the event. All the food was absolutely delectable and it really kept the event going. There was enough food for hundreds and none of it went to waste, thank you so much for everything!

American Hat Makers would also like to thank Chris, Jessica, and everyone else at Specialized Helicopters for the amazing helicopter tours! The guests had such a blast and your tours were the talk of the party!

Thank you Wendy at Lina Floral for the gorgeous floral arrangements. Our event wouldn’t have been so lively and vibrant without your gorgeous flowers.

A huge thank you to Marquez Brothers for the tables, chairs, and awnings that provided shade and comfort to many of our guests! We wouldn’t have been able to hold the amount of people that attended without your help.

Last but not least we would like the thank Let’s Party Salinas for the fun, 70ft. jumpy house! It made a great time for everyone of ALL ages!

American Hat Makers could not have had this grand opening without the help from all of you and we profoundly thank you for all your love and support!

Laser Engraving/Airbrushing Process – American Hat Makers

May 9, 2015American Hat Makers Leave a comment

Our process used in the making of the beautiful Deadly Love by Voodoo Hatter is astonishing. From the sketches, to airbrushing, and finally laser engraving, you can’t get any more detailed than with this masterpiece. It takes approximately one hour to complete the full production of this hat, and Nikki is definitely a pro! She is a wonderful designer, and her creations have extraordinarily transformed our Steampunk Hatter/ Voodoo Hatter brands into what they are today. Check out this video and see how Nikki transforms a plain black topper into the beautiful Deadly Love.

Steampunk Hatter

May 1, 2015American Hat Makers Leave a comment

Victorian grace collides with Sci-Fi in these retro-future Steampunk hats made for your inner mad-hatter. Hailing from the San Francisco bay area, the birthplace of Steampunk, our creative designs flow with authenticity. Truly inspired by vintage designs and incomparable craftsmanship, these are the most transformative Steampunk hats out there.

It is so amazing to see the growth and revolution of our Steampunk Hatter line. They have become such desirable masterpieces, and every day we receive accolades on the incredible durability and originality of our designs. Our Steampunk hats will instantly take you back to the 19th century world of dark elegance. Check out our full line of hats for yourself and find one that brings out your inner mad-hatter.

The Absinthe is a stove-piping topper that gives an eccentric touch to a fearless wardrobe. Handcrafted from the finest American leathers with a uniquely exotic design, the Absinthe is meant for those who withhold an extremely bold personality.

The Cirq is a lightly striped, laser-etched hat with incredibly sophistication. Its hand-tooled, custom hardware on the band brings out the faint color of the crown and makes this hat an exclusive piece of art; perfect for those Steampunk circus masters.

The Coachman topper features a wickedly exaggerated flare and a nearly formal look and feel. Accented with a leather-trim band and finished with a feather, this is truly a hat for any punk occasion. Upscale and customize your Coachman by adding from our collection of hatbands.

The Curio is a true stunner. With a curious curl pattern across the crown and beautiful hand-stained gradient throughout, every piece is totally unique. It is finished with an antique clock gear secured with an antiqued brass chain.

The Danbury is a felt/leather hybrid, which makes for a very light and elegant piece of headwear. Its round crown and low brim give off a very classy edge. Worn best in fancy settings that will turn heads without a doubt, you can still throw on this hat to upscale a very casual wardrobe.

The pistol may be a replica, but the flat-out, wild-west, gunslinger coolness is 100% real! The Derringer offers up quick-draw slickness with a snap-top, riveted holster that sports a two-toned, airbrushed design. The band is accented with a pair of reproduction bullets and a small bottle for elixirs or potions. A card-player’s dream, THE DERRINGER shoots for style and hits the bullseye.

From the depths of time itself comes an all-leather masterpiece of fierce design and regal pedigree. Our Draco asks nothing more from its wearer than 100% boldness, as that’s what it presents to the world. Hand-worked dragon-scale pattern, scalloped leather band, powerful wing accent and serpentine eye all come together to speak of battles yet to win and skies to seek aloft. Available in black and brown, to match almost any mood, the Draco is a solid beauty. Water-treated, like our other offerings; however the wing itself holds its shape best when kept as dry as the dragon’s breath. Buy the Draco today, wear it to your next gathering, and utter not a sound. Let this beauty do the roaring for you.

Bring out the Evil Within with this airbrushed, laser engraved beauty. Its sharp polished claws are strikingly magnificent through the black finished leather. Durable and always in style, this hat will last you a lifetime.

The airbrushed/laser engraved hAtlas is truly a one-of-a-kind beauty. With the shape and length of a 19th century topper and the intricate detailing of an actual atlas, you will never find yourself lost in this one.

How many moods do you have? Satisfy each one with the Havisham; a laced and leather topper with enough elegance to turn heads at the dance, while maintaining just the right hint of danger and mystery. In three (or perhaps more) striking color combinations, THE HAVISHAM is decked with lace, handworked leather, velvet and a curiously beautiful accent piece front and center. The corseted side panel allows a wonderful glimpse of what lies underneath and about the top of your hat. Calling attention to oneself is not a character flaw. On the contrary; it is absolutely required; especially when adorned with a majestic piece like THE HAVISHAM.

The Julep is a fabric and suede hat that drops jaws everywhere you take it. It features gorgeous velvet, luscious striped fabric, antiqued brass buttons, a twisted cord band, and is finished with a white peacock eye. With a chopped crown and short brim, it’s perfect for people looking for a smaller profile.

From the depths of the seas and hearts of Steampunk lovers everywhere comes The Kraken. The airbrushed artwork covers a full three-quarters of the crown, while a beveled hatband rises ominously to reveal the eye of the beast itself. Our best-selling new hat, the Kraken offers old world elegance, mid-crown suave and a hint of danger lurking just beneath the surface.

The underestimated yet timeless Marlow features the smallest brim and crown of any top hat that we make. With an intricately detailed Nocturn band, this hat will elegantly guide you through the night where you’ll find the most mysterious, sophisticated, and dangerous creatures.

The Parlor is an indestructible piece of art that is elegantly simplistic. With a silver laser engraved and airbrushed crown, the Parlor creates a perfect blend of bold and grace. This hat can dress-up or dress-down any style.

Made of full grain leather and exposed stitching, this dashing Peacekeeper has a breathtaking design. The replica of two removable handguns from the 1800’s and a miniature polished buckle along the crown will completely blow you away. And for the final touch, our bullet band will keep the people around you always on their toes.

Recall the days of the gasworks with this amazing top hat. Our Pipefitter is copper, leather and Industrial Revolution madness with dials, coils and enough Jules Verne style to make any 19th Century aficionado happy. Be the king of steam and stove with pipes and prestige. You can’t help but get recognition in this gem!

There’s no hiding the bold statement made by the Pistol. A replica firearm sits snugly inside and snap-side, riveted holster with its barrel pointed in an ever-so-cavalier direction. Leather and lace make this the perfect choice for the lady Steampunker who can take care of herself. A laser-etched band and upturned brim finish a look that says, “I’m ready for adventure.”

Milky, luscious, and smooth with handcrafted buttons and an array of colors, the Spat-in-the-hat is a work of art. With thin brims and stylish shaping this hat is sharp and daring.

When it comes to clockwork precision, the Sprocket is spot on. Laser-cut leather and engraving with an airbrushed design add elegance, style and mechanical beauty to this topper. Accented with a dual-colored, beveled-edge band and gear concho, this hat is perfect for Steampunk events, cosplay or simply topping off that weekend outfit.

Add elegance to your morning walk with the Strut; A low profile topper that has high-profile appeal. The beautifully two-toned leather is laser-etched, and is paired with a flowing peacock feather accent. Hand-crafted style is yours in this classic piece of headwear with a sense of the ethereal.

Control time (at least in your wondrous imagination) with a mid-crown top hat we call the Time Port. In inky black or dusky brown leather, the Time Port is fully-equipped for any and all situations the discerning, yet adventurous time-traveler may face. The bullet-belted, hand-tooled band holds six cartridges, two elixir bottles, and the key to your time machine. While the side of the hat is adorned with your favorite timepiece that wraps its fob-chain around the crown so as not to get lost in the vortex. Like it even could! The watch itself is held in place by a riveted ‘time holster,’ with a generous cut-out so you and your companions will always know just what time it is. And what time is that? Time to purchase THE TIME PORT and add it to your wardrobe!

Function in fashion. The Trinket features an ageless timepiece with visible movement & a monocle for reading the evening Gazette. The Ammo headband completes the package.

The Vested topper features a clever hat “vest” complete with corseting, decorative stitching, grommets, and a functional pocket! This hat dresses down to a traditional topper with the removal of the vest. Traditional brown integrates nicely with any wardrobe, while the red and black combination is a real standout.

Specialized Helicopters – American Hat Makers

April 25, 2015American Hat Makers Leave a comment

Specialized Helicopter tours have been confirmed for the day of our Grand Opening. We can’t wait for this event, it’s going to be such a good time. What better way to get pumped for an event than a HELICOPTER TOUR! Along with the tours we will have food, games, prizes, raffles, and tons more! Bring your friends and family out to Watsonville on May 23rd, 2015 at 1 pm. We’ll see you there!

American Hat Makers

We are THE #1 hat manufacturers in North America who produce quality leather hats to fit any personality.

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