The Art of Shaping Felt
It never gets old watching someone expertly shape a cowboy hat.
Out of the box, the hat is only a frame, however with some heat, water and skillful touch, it soon can become something full of character and ready for lifetime of adventures.
We recently came across this young hat shaper, Ruben E. Saucedo (A.K.A Espi), who works out of Allens Boots in downtown Austin, TX.
Below you will find his sweet skill applied to a 7X American Felt. You might notice he starts with the brim and then moves to the crown, which for some is backwards. But as Espi notes, his technique helps him to find the perfect center when defining the top shape.
If your in Austin or traveling through, check out Espi's skills in person at Allens, 1522 South Congress.
