How Suede It Is

08/22/2026

Well, I did a thing.

Ive burned alot of hats. Ive burned, jackets, vests, boots, slippers, and bags. But this might be my favorite yet.

A completely hand drawn and hand burned floral design on vegan suede, made into a custom spare tire cover for my Bronco. Every sunflower, tulip, little flower, leaf and winding vine was drawn and burned by hand.

Was I nervous cutting a giant circle of suede? Yep.
Was I nervous about burning something this big? Yep.
Was I really nervous when it was time to glue the whole thing together? Absolutely!

But I wanted it to feel like one of my hats-organic, airy, a little romantic, a little western, and perfectly imperfect.

And now that I see it on the back of my Bronco.....

I Love it! ❤️

08/01/2026

08/01/2026

Blush in Bloom 🌹

Every hat begins the same way...

A blank canvas. A pencil sketch. Hundreds of tiny decisions. One burn mark at a time.

First comes the design...then the outline...then the slow layering of shadows until every petal begins to breathe.

Only after the artwork has found its voice do I "dress" her- choosing ribbons, lace, and textures that feel like they belong there all along.

There isnt a shortcut.

Just patience, a hot woodburning tool, a little imagination...and a whole lot of love.

This is why no two hats from How Suede It Is will ever be exactly alike.

Each one has her own story before she ever finds the person she's meant to belong to.

07/30/2026

Cant wait to see you, this Sunday August 2nd!

07/20/2026

Where Lavender Grows.

Inspired by herb gardens, old roses, weathered ribbon, and the kind of magic found in every day moments, this one is a reminder that beauty doesnt have to shout.

Flip up the brim and you'll find a favorite quote tucked underneath - a little reminder to always throw spilt salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can.

A little wild. A little worn. A little Practical Magic.

🧡🤎 Chris

07/08/2026

Ive realized something lately.

I'm not just making hats.

I'm creating little pieces of the life I love.

Wildflowers. Worn leather. Fresh herbs. Open skies. Quiet magic. And flowers that are perfectly imperfect.

Because the things we wear should tell our story.

They should let us carry a little bit of the life we love wherever we go.

🤎 Chris How Suede It Is

06/18/2026

August birthflower custom in progress.
The customer has no idea this is whats coming.

I actually started with a completely different design and wasnt feeling it. Instead of forcing it, I went back to the drawing board and started over.

The first photos are my hand sketched concept. The flowers are Poppies and Gladiolus, the birth flowers for August. The last photos show the burned outline starting to come to life.

Next up: shading, depth, and all the little details that make a hat truly one of a kind.

Sometimes the best pieces happen when youre willing to scrap the original plan and trust the process.

06/12/2026

When your living room becomes your showroom! Hats, hats, and more hats! 🤎🧡🤠

05/31/2026

Day 2 in Amherst at the LBW Rodeo. Its a beautiful day.

05/30/2026

"How long does it take you to make all these? 2 years?"
"I would buy all of them if I could."
The cutest boys came by my booth today.