Wow. Have you seen these? When I first saw a Juju hat I thought it was some kind of amazing, mystical, heavenly, perfected wreath that I had to make.
This photo is byLouise from Table Tonic, a blog and a shop where you can buy these voluptuous wreath like beauties. Here’s what the Table Tonic website says about Juju Hats::
Traditionally worn by Village Chiefs in the Cameroon region of central Africa, Juju hats have since gained popularity with interior designers, and are often used as an eye-catching accessory for the home. Beautiful bird feathers are painstakingly hand sewn onto a raffia fiber base/basket that splays out into a huge circle. Feathers are considered rare objects of beauty and a symbol of prosperity and wealth associated with the positive qualities of birds. When not in use, the Juju hat can be neatly folded in on itself for easy storage. A perfect example of fine, unique and skillful weaving from Central West Africa, Juju hats have featured in high-end decor magazines, such as Domino, Elle Decor and Inside Out, to name a few.
Because of the craftsmanship these are expensive. I’ve seen them for $400-$800. But just because something is entirely out of my price range doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy looking at it. Or even think about how I can hack something like it for myself.
I tried to follow the pinterest rabbit trail for this photo and it led to From the Right Bank but I still couldn’t find the actual source, the only downfall of pinterest. The colors on these feathers are lovely and these hats are the “look at me” of every room.
another pinterest mystery
And they can fit in with just about any style.
Averill from Odi et Amo held a little discussion asking her readers if they were over with the juju hat craze. Apparently, while I’ve been perfecting my Pioneer Woman version of cinnamon rolls and cleaning toilets, the real designers have been gawking over these for years. She wondered if they were going to be the next “Keep Calm and Carry On” trend. Plus, they were seen on HGTV and real designers hate it when something shows up on HGTV because that means normal folk might start using it and the item has then gone “mainstream”, I wonder if that means they are all throwing their Juju hats in the trash? Maybe I will find one at my local thrift store? Anyhow, it’s a really great post at a beautiful blog and worth the click. Plus, Averill took a poll from her readers to see how they felt about the Juju hat craze and she has lots of lovely photos.
And because bloggers are amazing…
Rosa at Flutter Flutter created a $10 version that uses yarn and looks really good especially for a tiny fraction of the price of an authentic hat. You can also purchase one from her etsy shop.
A new to me blogger, Kelly at View Along the Way had a funny take on the Juju.
They also remind me of the feather boa wreaths we all made 5 years ago~only these are more organized. I wonder if there is a way to use feathers to make your own but not pay $400? If any one does it, email me ASAP.
So, I’d love to hear your thoughts, like em? Hate em? Have one? Want to wear one? Ideas to hack one?
I think I saw Candice Olson use one in a bedroom remodel. If you get tired of it on the wall, you could always wear it to the next royal wedding or as a statement Easter hat! I like your pictures, but I don’t know that I could pull it off on my wall or on my head!
Love those! The first time I am seeing them frankly! Surely there is a way to hack those….
I cannot believe those are hats. I want to stick a stick in one and put it in a vase on my dining room table! How fun!
I think they’re totally cute! I thought they were wreaths until I read otherwise somewhere along the way. I don’t know that I like them enough to try to make one…and I’m certainly not paying $$$ for them maybe I’d pay $$ for one. I don’t like the yarn version enough to substitute that for the feathers.
Too many trends already! I am trying to think of a nice way to say this but poufs, juju’s, starburst mirrors, antlers, white slip covers and the list goes on. Congrats on becoming the house of trend, not MEANINGFUL beauty. I am missing the old Nester who came up with original ideas and seemed to have her OWN style.
oh I’ve always been a sucker for a good trend, from my toile sofa and buffalo check to my garden stools and stump tables~I read twilight and the help and 1000 gifts, I drink frappuccinos and make cake pops and can’t wait to break out my boots this fall. don’t worry, nothing’s changed at all, I’m still playing around with what’s current and hopefully making it my own.
but, i’m still fully expecting pottery barn to come out with a line of stuffed sailfish for your walls, and maybe spoon wreaths and doily window mistreatments!
Well played, Nester!
My friend, how beautifully you share, and I love that when you introduce something that may be out of reach for many, you offer suggestions that we can emulate the look on our own. Thanks for being someone who knows it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Your blog as well as your friendship continues to enchant me. Thanks for all that you share!
hugs
Sweetie
Your blog is lovely. Thanks for putting up all the latest big deals as well as continuing with your classic style. I appreciate how you mix the temporary trends with the more timeless. As for the cranky pants who want to ignore every new thing out there- ignore them. You’re doing a great job.
I love the texture that it adds to a room. I’m not sure that I would like it as a hat, but as a decorating accessory is a definite YES. I love how they add so much energy to a space and the variety of sizes and colors are great. Are they usually a solid color, or is there sometimes a variety of colors? Anyway, great post again. I always enjoy reading your blog, you are always finding great things to tell all of us about. Have a great weekend.
I’m chuckling to myself as I see these “juju” hats pop up in the design world. I spent a lot of time in Cameroon and do not recall seeing the locals wearing them, lol! They were much more inclined to beg ME to trade my printed tee shirts for their lovely wood carvings and suspect animal skins (“It’s goatskin, madame, true’s God, it was a goat!”). You are more likely to see a local chief wearing a Redskins jersey or University of North Carolina sweatshirt in Yaonde than a juju hat. But they are cute and fun and why not enjoy them?
I am in love with these, I first saw one on Candice Olsens show and have been dreaming of one ever since. I saw that tutorial and am planning on making a version for myself or maybe two. Nester you have a great blog well written funny ,stylish and informative. Some people need to to take their medication before blogging. Is it really necessary to launch a snark attack?
This is the first time I am seeing this “TREND” and I am glad that you have pointed it out. I really think there may be a way to DIY this using a wicker bowl or plate and feathers….Might need to think about this. HMMM….I have nothing better to do this weekend. :-)
Wow, why have I never seen these before? I especially love that white one in the living room with the paneled walls. This is so great…I see a craft project coming on!!
Very beautiful but I’ll I can think is AAAchoo! Sorry to be so practical… but how do you dust that thing?
Hi Laura! I can only speak for the wool version, which you can just take it off the wall and shake it outside, lol!
Whoa! What are these beautiful things and why haven’t I seen them before?? See I knew there was a downfall for me not watching HGTV…. I love these! I want a blue one!!
For hacking: perhaps you can get a flat, round shape–perhaps cardboard or even better, styrofoam–cover it in fabric the color of your feathers, hot glue feathers on (this will be the tedious/costly part–how much do feathers cost?–then for the center, you would have to have a hole carved in the middle (the size would he the tricky part–I’d go with a small hole–and then attach the last few some prettier way. The hotglue would show, wouldn’t it? Perhaps sewing the last few on? Stapling all of them? Elmers glue that has red (or whatever) color in it? Good luck!
good idea! someone make this and email me!
I totally agree with Heather. To me, this is just another goofy thing that some designer stuck on the wall and then everyone else fell in lockstep. I absolutely can’t wait to see the post that will no doubt show up on http://www.catalogliving.net! I still love you so much Nester; not so much the juju’s and poufs and white animal heads. :)
Hmmmm, it makes me think it’s a Moroccan pouf for your wall. :) I like it for someone else’s house – not my style, but I can appreciate the interest it adds. Thanks for keeping me updated on what’s trendy, Nester!
Wow, this is the first time I’ve ever seen one and I think they are really pretty. I’m not sure if it would work in my house, but I love that bright yellow one!
LOL-I kinda like the yellow one, it looks like an enormus dandelion! But, no, not something I’d have in my house, though the cats would get plenty of exercise trying to leap up to kill it.
I think they’re really pretty but doesn’t really fit well in my current house. Thanks for bringing it my attention, though! Now I can be a smarty pants the next time I see one and impress my friends with my decor/hat knowledge :)
I think you hit the nail on the head with your “Mainstream” comments. Don’t get me wrong I do like them quiet a bit but has a unique, creative type of wall art. When everyone and their dog has one of these in their homes they will no longer be unique. If the craze continues you can bet that several big box stores will start carrying their cheaper knock off version of these just like they do all design trends. I tend to be “sooo over it” by the time a trend hits mainstream. Maybe because I just get tired of seeing it everywhere and when everyone is doing it totally sucks the wow factor out of it ya know. When a trend hits mainstream status and anyone and everyone can just go down to their local home decor store and buy the “latest” trend, then everyone’s home starts to look the same. Before long it gets boring! Being a good designer isn’t about being able to assemble the latest room trends successfully, it is about coming up with a design that starts a trend or defies the mainstream for a completely custom and unique look. Whoever first decided to use the juju hat was a great designer for sure. They were able to see the beauty in the craftsmanship, texture and color. When our nation becomes covered in juju hats however, will that beauty still be there?
bravo!
I couldn’t agree more.
but, I also believe that even if a trend is so over, and tired and done, if you love your “keep calm and carry on” sign or your ceramic clown collection or your live laugh love wooden sign then by all means, you should keep it
but maybe reconsider on the clown collection? scary?
I love these! They make such a wonderful statement.
Wow, so much controversy over home decor! : ) I love them! And not just because I made one. ;)
I had never heard of these before my husband I went to South Africa this past May and our daughter asked us to look for one while we were there. Well, the folks we visited in ZA had never heard of them before. We did find one (and they are so much more beautiful in person!!!)…but it was at the Johannesburg airport, so it was a little too pricey!
Hi Nester,
I have seen one of these recently, but I can’t remember where. I do remember wondering what it was! Thanks so much for explaining. That’s actually really interesting about what they are and where they are from.
I would never spend $400 or more for one. Totally not worth it. I love the traditional style, and this looks more modern, so I don’t think I’d ever hang one on my wall. However, I would totally make one and put it on the wall in the childrens’ room or in a play room (if I had a play room…). It would actually be lots of fun to make, and I think it would be pretty simple with lots of feathers, hot glue, cardboard circles, and cardboard rings.
We’re in the process of moving right now, so it’s not a practical time for me to tackle a project, but oh how I would love to! Even once we do move I don’t think I could afford to buy all of the feathers for a project like that! However, if I come across a ton of feathers that are free or super cheap, I will totally make one and email you pictures and instructions! :)
Thanks for your blog and all of your hard work. You are so fun and so classy in the way you post and interact with your readers. You have my admiration and respect. Hats off to you.
Rachel
“So, I’d love to hear your thoughts, like em? Hate em? Have one? Want to wear one? Ideas to hack one?”
To answer your question(s)…no, yes, no, NO, no. But then again, you probably would not like my colonial gameboards and braided rugs and crocks. That is what I love about your blog, Nester…I don’t have to decorate like you do, but I can get inspiration to create the home that I I love!
actually, I could use a braided rug or 4~the oval ones? love
I will confess this is the first I’ve seen or heard of them! And I real alot of blogs (okay I’m an addict LOL). Not sure if they are for me or our house. I’d like to see one in person. Anyhoo, I can kind of relate to what the designers feel. I think once something like this becomes a trend, for me it loses some of it’s appeal. It’s no longer unique.
I have no doubt you will figure out how to “hack” one!!
tina
All I can think of when I hear the word “juju” is “Bad juju!” LOL! (I can’t even remember which kids movie that came from!) Anyway, the juju hats are very striking but not my style.
Additionally, I love how you take high-end design and make it accessible to us low-budget folk! Nesting Place is still meaningful and beautiful to me! And even if I never get to try one of your hacks, I still love hearing about them ;) You continue to inspire Nester!
Blessings!
it’s from George of the Jungle with Brendan Fraiser
I had no idea that was a hat!! I’m actually using Candice Olsen’s monochromatic bedroom featuring one of these suckers as my bedroom makeover inspiration. I wasn’t planning on recreating the juju hat though, basically because I didn’t know what it was. Maybe I can make a yarn one… hmmmm
Thanks for “enlightening” me, Nester. :)
omg, i love those things. in the same kind of way that i love a good, cool, fluffy pillow. ive seen em around, didnt know what they were called, and most def. didnt know the price. ick.
im sure you will find a way to make one. the nester can do anything!!
although, due to the feather trend happening right now, you may not be able to use feather. there is a feather shotage. no lie.
xo
i said shotage. obviously, i meant shortage.
someone should just get like 8 feather dusters and make one that way
I so don’t want to be the one to hack this, but I really want to see what someone else comes up with #lazy
hmmm, beautiful .. but could i do it in my home .. probably not .. just too much dust. this old drafty belgian house just isn’t up to the challenge. but i agree with you about the pinterest downfall .. it drives me crazy when people don’t pin at the source .. but someone put me onto http://www.tineye.com … type in the pic URL and it will tell you all the places on the web it can be found (if it’s been trolled – not everything has been yet) – i’ve been able to find a lot of original sources since I discovered tineye – good luck!
ohhh thank you!!!!
Oh such passion I see from your readers over a hat…I remember these being used a lot in the 70′s but they were larger and milder on the feathers. Either way they are eye catching.
I’ve been pondering whether to make a cushion like this in a mono-tone natural cream. http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2011/07/blooming-flower-cushion-ta-dah.html
It’s not quite the same, but has a similar textural interest. I really like how you highlight current trends without losing your own authentic style.
This is the first time I’ve seen these and I love them! Not sure if my I could pull it off in my house, but i’ll store it away for my dream house!
I do like them and think one would make a fun, interesting accessory for sure. Here’s hoping they don’t become too trendy, but the more I realize what trends bloggers see as ‘overdone’, the more I realze that main stream America has no idea about.
I’ve asked my friend to being me one back from Africa, maybe she will!
Like the feather duster idea! The dollar store has dusters in bright colors, would probably take 5 or 6 to make a nice juju. I was thinking about making one out of some sheer fabric. Similar to a coffee filter wreath (bunches of small folded circles hot-glued to a cardboard form). Sort of like the hair clippy flowers you can find all over etsy, only wayyyyyyyy bigger and on the wall.
Whenever a trend like this shows up, I wonder: do people think about where that comes from? In this country, birds are euthenized so their feathers can be used as ornament. In countries that don’t have the regulations that this country does, birds are plucked live so their beautiful plumage can hang on your wall. I’m not condeming anyone, being a meat eater myself, I don’t feel I have any right. I just say, think about it. Egrets are endangered today because their tail feathers were once worn in women’s hats. Buffalo. . . but we all know that story. I’m just asking, beyond today, is it worth the cost?
Exactly what I was thinking. Thanks.
All classics began somewhere and stood the test of time.
The beauty of trends is that they create a new bubble of potential.
Just within this blog and these creative feedback posts, the trend/idea
has taken on new form. Like a good debate-it advances an idea.
nicely played
love em!! right up my alley. I am so ready for a hack!
There are some wool ones on Etsy.
I’ve seen them in a documentary about Cameroon being worn by the tribesman (with the focus on preserving the special birds). They’re stunning. Too bad they’re waaaay out of my budget and the fact that they’re gigantic feather dusters/dust magnets.
I have LOVED them for a while, but have always regarded them as something out of my price range!
I sadly don’t believe that the price is related to the craftsmanship. I would not be at all surprised to discover that the person who made these was paid a pittance and the money is going to either the retailer or a middle man. I would not pay for one of these unless I had reason to believe that their production was ethical. Better to make your own or buy from Etsy (if only ethnic craftspeople could get access to Etsy!).
oh, ouch that’s probably true yikes, that would be interesting to investigate~any investigative reporters want to take this on? dateline? anybody?
So fun! Love the pop pf color and texture. Way too expensive though. The thought of making one is nice but I’d never get around to doing it. Just have to wait for Target to make one for me. :) Too bad because I could really use it right now over my fireplace. I am really not liking the huge painting sitting their right now. Thanks Nester for letting to know what is cool. Love you!
If you love the juju hats, go for it!
I’ve gotten along all this time without one and I think I’d like to keep it that way.
clicked over to the “view along the way”. . pretty sure her name is Kelly, not Heather?
oh mercy, I wonder who Heather is now? thank you!
I didn’t read all the comments, so if this idea came up already, my apologies… what about old style feather dusters? They are cheap and come in different colors. I haven’t looked for one in a while, but the feathers are “flouncy” enough to work. I’d consider trying it if I didn’t have 29384 projects to work on already.
Brilliant! Feather dusters – maybe from the dollar store!
Me? I don’t get it enough to want one…but trying to make one could be fun.
I think I’ve prolly seen them in magazines and thought they were a messy 1960′s wreath….
Now that I know many are from feathers…I can appreciate that craftsmanship.
Now, who else is gonna hack it?
never heard of it!! ha!
All I can think is “dust collector”.
it bothers me that “real designers” are so snobby. who cares that it’s on hgtv or that it’s mainstream? nothing under the sun is new, but everything is just re-done. i think if something is pretty and you like it, use it. who cares if the “normal people” of the world will now do it? does this attitude make anybody else feel like “designers” think of us “regular folk” as a bunch of lame peons or something? just sayin.