Luseland artist transforms hats into works of art

By Joan Janzen

LUSELAND – The Luseland Library Art Gallery is displaying the work of another talented local artist. Sheryl Zunti, from Luseland, paints on canvas and rock with acrylic and oil paints, and also designs, sketches, and burns felt and suede hats.

Many readers may not be familiar with the art of hand-burned and freehand-sketched hats. It was new to me, so I had lots of questions. Sheryl begins by freehand sketching on the hat with floral designs, mountain landscapes, or whatever inspires her.

The artwork by Sheryl Zunti has taken painted rocks to a whole new level. Photo submitted by Sheryl Zunti

Sheryl Zunti from Luseland loves designing, sketching and burning felt and suede hats and boots. The results are stunning. Photo submitted by Sheryl Zunti

“I use many different pens, from acrylic paint markers and watercolour pencils to fine-point brushes and pens,” she explained. “To burn, I use an electric wood-burning tool that has multiple bits to create different textures on each hat.”

Sheryl said it takes between one and two hours to complete the sketching, and about an hour to burn it. “If I’m adding acrylic paint, it takes another 30 to 45 minutes,” she added. She uses a lot of shading with different colours to replicate what she sees in nature. A hat band provides the finishing touch on each piece.

Her artwork appears on the top of the hat as well as underneath, and the hats she works with have an adjustable ribbon inside to fit different sizes. She has also sketched and burned designs on suede boots.

This busy artist works as an educational assistant at Luseland School and also does casual esthetics work. “I make hats as a hobby in the evenings,” she said. She is a member of several online groups that focus on burning hats and draws inspiration from their creativity.

Her new hobby began two years ago, when she was inspired by a hand-burned hat she saw online. “After receiving several compliments on my hat, I decided to make more as a hobby and sell them at my daughter’s salon in Luseland,” Sheryl said.

She also enjoys sharing the skill with others. “Last year, I had the opportunity to work with a high school class at Luseland School and teach them how to design and burn felt, leather, and suede,” she said. “It was wonderful to see what each of them created.”

Sheryl’s beautiful artwork will be on display at the Luseland Library until November, so be sure to stop in and check it out.