Painting Hats and Chasing Stars

The first in the series—my pink and blue bucket hat, full of whimsy, still waiting for its final sealing coat and waterproof finish.

This week, I’ve traded words for color. 

I started with a playful pink-and-blue bucket hat — decked out in hearts, skulls, flowers, and mushrooms.

Then came blues, purples, reds, ropes of paint pulled across the brim of straw hats. 

Some for friends. 

Some for fun. 

One for a dubstep festival in early August. 

Brian messaged me off my instagram story:

“I want one!

Can you make me one!!!”

And then, 

“I need it by the 7th.”

Haha. That’s Brian. 

I met him in our early 20’s working in Boulder, Colorado

He once convinced me to hike Longs Peak at 4AM after a full night out. 

Another time, he darted out of a bar mid-game. I chased him to the amphitheater where we caught some Shakespeare, dove into a river—clothes and all—lost a shoe because of course he did, climbed a rooftop and ended the night on a shooting star.  

He’s one of the first people I called when I got laid off in 2023. His response?

“You know that sucks… 

but it’s sorta really awesome. 

You’ve been going on and on about things you want to do… 

and your art.”

That same day, I booked a one way flight to Venice, Italy, 

and a hotel in Amicalola Falls, Georgia—the gateway to the Appalachian Trail.

And I haven’t stopped moving.

A butterfly-effect decision that changed the shape of my whole life. 

And he nudged it. 

He’s always been like that—part chaos, part compass.

Backpacking South America. Living in China for years.

Now an entrepreneur who still chases rooftop stars.

So—find yourself a Brian.

And when they blow in, dive in with them. 

They make life a hella lot more worth living.  

The Mad Hatting

Acrylic mischief and wild color: the process behind the painted hats.

The painting process!!! —with bored Pip for support

Painted and playful—before the final finish.

The first blues on a Gesso-ed straw hat

IT’S SHINY!!!

Hand-painted straw hat featuring a fluid dance of bold glyphs, layered blues, and red accents. Each stroke is a symbol—part language, part energy—etched with intention across the brim. Inspired by ancient markings and urban rhythm, sealed with acrylic for durability. A wearable spell.