Using the crown iron. Photo: Colin Cone.
Hats being worked on. Photo: Bradly Cox.
Blocking a felt and creating the brim break. Photo: Bradly Cox.
Shawn Simon
Western Hat Making
Shawn Simon is a traditional western hat maker based in Dunsmuir, California. He began exploring felt more than 14 years ago through hand felting and has spent the past 9 years focused on traditional hat making. Largely self-taught, he has developed his practice through historical research, studying old hats, repeated work at the bench, and designing and fabricating many of his own tools. His work emphasizes material knowledge, careful handwork, and learning through repetition. He also incorporates locally foraged botanical and mineral dyes and is increasingly focused on teaching and creating more access to traditional hat-making skills.
Living Cultures Grant
2026
Traditional Western Hat Making Workshops
Funding will support three small-group, western hat-making workshops at Shawn’s hat bench in Dunsmuir, along with public talks and demonstrations introducing the history, tools, materials, and techniques of the craft. Shawn aims to make this rare knowledge more accessible through direct teaching, lower-cost participation, and hands-on learning.
