Jessica Meggitt, owner of J’s Artistic Journey, is turning heads with her one-of-a-kind hat-burning workshops, where participants design and decorate cowboy-style hats using wood burners, stencils, and an array of decorative materials.
Meggitt discovered this distinctive art form about a year ago after stumbling upon it on YouTube.
“I jump from different hobbies from time to time,” she shared. “This is a hobby that I came across online, and it all kind of evolved from there.”
Since then, Meggitt has embraced the craft, hosting six workshops to date and booking several more through the end of February. The workshops are held every Saturday at 6036 Rama Rd., Unit 2, and cost $75 per person for a two- to three-hour session.
Participants start by choosing their hat’s colour and material, including leather, polyester, felt, suede, and wool. They then use wood burners to engrave intricate designs onto their hats before embellishing them with ribbons, lace, feathers, and other materials.
“We use a variety of materials and colours,” Meggitt explained. “It’s wonderful to see each person’s personality come out in the hat. People love being able to create something unique that reflects who they are.”
The workshops, described as both artistic and social, have quickly gained popularity.
“I love it when people are giving each other ideas during the classes,” Meggitt said. “It’s a big social thing for ladies to get together with their friends.”
For those who prefer a more private experience, Meggitt also offers home parties, where she brings the tools and materials directly to clients and their guests.
“From burning the designs to decorating the hats, it’s so much fun,” she said. “People who have participated really enjoy the process and the creativity it brings.”
As a mother of four, Meggitt is passionate about fostering creativity and self-expression. Through her workshops, she hopes to inspire others to explore new hobbies and connect with others in a welcoming environment.
Spots for the hat-burning workshops are limited and tend to fill up quickly. Those interested are encouraged to reserve their place by contacting Meggitt on her Facebook page.
