The Story

My name is Nathan, and I love making things—whether out of wood, metal, fabric, or electrons.

I come from a very DIY family. We built things, fixed things, and figured things out ourselves, so that always seemed perfectly normal to me. I was handed power tools, sewing machines, soldering irons, and cutting torches at an early age, along with the encouragement to see what I could do with them.

At first, most of what I made was for myself. I wanted something and had an idea for how to make it better than what I could buy, or I wanted something that simply didn’t exist.

Eventually, I started sharing the things I made, and people began asking if they could have one, too. HaHaBird grew out of that—part workshop, part creative outlet, and part practical way to put a name and accounting ledger to all the things I make.

The Work

I make things for all sorts of reasons. Some are made to sell. Some are challenges to myself. Some are meant to entertain, and some are made to teach or share an idea.

Whatever the inspiration behind it, I’m committed to thoughtful design, honest materials, and good craftsmanship. I like things that are useful, but I also believe usefulness doesn’t have to come at the expense of delight.

I have a hand in the making or design of every piece I sell. Some start as an idea in my head and finish in my own hands. Others involve trusted partners for production steps or techniques that I don’t have the equipment or expertise to do myself. Either way, I stand behind the finished piece.

Have a question about how something is made? Curious about the materials or the people who helped make it? Or have an idea you’d like to bring to life?

I’d love to hear about it. Send me a note!

The Name

When I was a young boy it sounded to me like the crows were laughing, so I called them ha-ha birds. Coupled with the fact that crows are some of the most clever birds around, the name seemed like a good fit.  

On my shop wall I keep this postcard from my grandfather—sent to me when I was two—that mentions the original ha-ha birds that inspired the name.