COOL COLORADO STUFF.

• Author: PETERSON, ERIC
• Position: Novelty items - Brief Article

ELOPE HATS Elope, an acronym for "Everybody's laughing on planet Earth," is the brainchild of brothers Keith and Kevin Johnson. After traveling the Far East for a half-decade, the pair decided to go into the clothing business, selling handcrafted hats, jewelry, and accessories in Boulder. Their quirky hats immediately garnered a devoted following, so the brothers ramped up production at two factories in Asia. From wacky jesters, mad-hatters, fezzes, and "groovewear" to licensed Dr. Seuss and Harry Potter headgear, Elope now makes a wide range of styles. Their catalog -- which also includes sunglasses and kids' lines -- continues to expand. $20 to $40 retail.

Made by Elope Inc., Colorado Springs, (719) 328-1312, www.elopehats.com.

Available at novelty and costume stores worldwide.

BUNGLED JUNGLE CREATURES During a slow spell in the business of making faux landscaping rocks, Pat Landreth started experimenting 20 years ago with sculpting zany beasties "to keep from going crazy." Today, the creatures' construction is a full-time pursuit for Landreth and partner Suzanne Montano, who have collaborated on a menagerie that includes visitors from outer space, rabid monsters, and bizarre interpretations of wild animals. Their medium is a durable version of papier mache, plastered atop skeletons of metal, rubber, plastic, and clay, and every creature is a one-of-a-kind work. Landreth and Montano now travel the country year-round to display the creatures at art shows from Miami to Seattle. $15 to $1,500 retail.

Made by Suzanne Montano and Pat Landreth, 4819 E. Harmony Road., Fort Collins, 80528, www.bungledjungle.com. Permanent gallery open weekends at the Swetsville Zoo, just east of Interstate 25, exit 265.

TRICKS After corporate downsizing left him looking for work, Robert "Ned" Nedbalski decided to do what he loved: magic. A performing magician for the past half-century, Ned bought a Lakewood magic store in 1994...