An understated hat with a curved shape is feminine without being too frilly.
When you design a hat yourself, you can make it any way you want. It can be understated and elegant, statement-making, attention-getting or hilarious. The choice is up to you. A few simple supplies from a craft store are all you need to make a hat that looks like an haute couture designer made it just for you.
Ribbons
Ribbons can be threaded through holes, tied in bows or left to hang loose.
If you want to put ribbon on your hat, find out how much to cut by wrapping the ribbon around the hat's crown, overlapping the edges. Cut the ribbon at that point. Put a 10-inch by 12-inch piece of waxed paper under a glue gun to catch drips. Heat the glue gun with glue sticks in it. When the glue begins to melt, squeeze the trigger of the gun to release a thin line of glue all around the base of the hat's crown. Immediately put the ribbon on the hat, smoothing it onto the glue all the way around. Overlap the edges and press in place. You can also weave the ribbon through holes in the hat and tie it in a knot on the inside or a self-bow on the outside, or let ribbons hang down loosely. (Reference 1,2)
Flowers
Flowers brighten a hat with a feminine touch.
A hat can be elegant with just one or two carefully placed flowers or more attention getting when completely covered with flowers. Every craft store carries "silk" flowers in all colors and sizes. They aren't really made of silk, but are so named because they are much more realistic than the plastic flowers of years ago. If you're planning to attend a wedding or other event, you can easily purchase flowers in the same colors as the outfit you will wear. Position the flowers different ways on the hat until you like the look. Use a glue gun to put a 1/2-inch-diameter circle of glue onto the back of a flower. Immediately press the flower in place on the hat. Repeat with remaining flowers.
Feathers
Feathers are a subtle fashion touch if not overdone.
When adding feathers to a hat, one or two is usually sufficient. For an elegant high-fashion look, choose feathers the same color as the hat, or classic colors, such as white feathers with a black or navy hat. Avoid rainbow feathers unless you want an outrageous look. Tuck the quill end of the feather under a ribbon that circles the hat. The feather should lie mostly flat against the hat, perhaps protruding a bit beyond the hat. Do not stand the feather straight up unless you want a Robin Hood look. When you have the feather in position, squeeze a dot of glue behind the quill, and hold it to the hat until the glue dries.
Beads and More
Use your imagination to add beads, sparkles and other finds to your hat.
Further personalize your hat, if you wish, with beads, sequins, jewels, a brooch or any other items you have on hand. Experiment with some of these until you're satisfied, then glue in place.
Tulle
This superfine, soft netting can be draped or pouffed over a hat many different ways. Purchase tulle in the same color as your hat. Experiment with a 1-yard piece of tulle by scrunching it like a flower, pouffing it over the top of the hat, or positioning a small piece under the brim to just cover your eyes. Glue it in place where the glue will not be seen.
Related posts
Victorian women often handmade their hats using velvet, feathers and flowers.In Victorian times, ladies chose to wear hats in a variety of styles. Depending upon the season, the occasion and the d...
Many organizations, from charities to governments to private businesses, represent themselves through symbols and logos. Symbols and logos use imagery, text or a combination of the two to convey a...
For thousands of years, humans have used turquoise---in startling shades of blue and green---in jewelry craft. A turquoise necklace design is as simple or complex as you make it--impacted entirely...
Adding a peacock feather to a bouquet will make it stand out.Making your own bouquets for a wedding or other special event can save you a lot of money. You also want your arrangement to stand out...
Use silk flowers to modernize a church hat.In the Bible, the apostle Paul said that women should cover their heads while worshipping. Many Christian women, especially those of African American des...
