This weekend I found this super cute mini hat hair piece, a la Alice in Wonderland.
It was $15.
Ouch.
I like random quirky items. But I knew for sure I could make a replica for much MUCH cheaper. So today I went over to Hobby Lobby and grabbed some crafting supplies to create my own little hat hair pieces.
Normally I would invite Charlotte into my crafting projects, but I wanted to do the first one on my own so I could see if this was a “child friendly” craft. I do believe you could do this with your child, but there is a glue gun safety issue. If you get felt hats, you can probably use Elmers Glue and large child friendly rhinestones, felt pieces, and ribbons to make it safer.
It’s a cheap enough project that it shouldn’t matter if it stays together long term.
1) Gather supplies. Honestly this just depends on what you want to put on it. I already had tulle, fabric, and a variety of ribbons in my house. I purchased the mini hats for $1.99 (a fraction smaller than the one I am wearing) a piece. I also bought a few marabou poofs, some feathers, and some very specific ribbon.
I spent just over $15 and got all the items for 3 hat designs. You can get 40% off coupons right on Hobby Lobby for your area. You will need a glue gun and alligator clips too.
(sidenote: there were all sorts of types of mini hats available- top hats, beach hats, and cowboy hats at Hobby Lobby. I got them out of the doll section)
2) I chose to gather some material around my brim. Once I had the material placed, I added some feathers and decided that I needed another pink ribbon to offset. I took it apart and started again. I don’t believe there are really any rules when it comes to crafting. Just do what you enjoy.
Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, you can always start over.
3. I added alligator clips with hot glue and then used a small felt circle to secure them on. They have alligator clips with ‘teeth’ on them, but Charlotte complains those tear at her hair. She is the boss.
4. I personally felt it needed some tulle (everything needs tulle) so I folded some in half, secured with hot glue at the base and put on the hat. I then trimmed the tulle up to be “poofy”. I also added a little finishing ribbon to the back to cover all the spots where I glued to give it a more “polished” look.
Other ideas are to put a rhinestone, hanging korker ribbons, or a ruffle there.
6. All it needs now is a head to clip on. I cant wait for Charlotte to get up in the morning!
I am off to make another one.
If you love crafting,y ou can also check out my Mardi Gras Mask inspiration or my how to make a tutu tutorial!
~Trisha
I was wondering where you can buy the hats?
Thanks
I bought mine at Hobby Lobby
that is a really quick and easy project, love it! Never thought to look for premade hats, what you did with the ones you demo’ed are simply divine! thank you for sharing with us.
adorable! I make my own hats as well…from “scratch” lol….using the thin foam sheets that are sticky on one side to adhere fabric to it…made my own pattern for a top hat and then decorate accordingly…super easy with a glue gun 🙂
Thanks for posting this! I was looking for a way to secure a mini hat to the hair…I happen to have those alligator clips in my “hair stuff” drawer and of course I have hot glue gun stuff, so now I’m set! Putting the extra circle of fabric over to secure it is a great idea. Thanks again.
I love mini top hats, I just can’t believe I never thought of the doll section! At the BusyBee’s near us they have a bunch of these mini hats! I’ll have to make some now, they are just too adorable! <3
I love this! I’ve been wanting to make one myself. What section of Hobby Lobby did you find the mini hats in?
doll section!
Way Cute! I can’t wait to try this out!!! Love it!
I love that..so crafty!
I think I will make one
Love it! My next tea party will include make your own tiny hat now!
Love it! Seems easy as well.
Adorable Trisha. And so right most of the time you can make items for much less than you buy them.
So sweet! It has to fun to have a girl to dress up! boys are to busy getting dirty & tearing stuff apart! ( wait, so was I as a child??)
That is too cute!! You have 3 days to make 35 of them 😉
You are so creative!!
Hooray for crafts! LOVE this idea!!!
Those are too cute, especially for little people. 🙂
That is too cute.
OMG! How adorable! Plus really easy to make!
Kas
This is an amazing idea, Trisha! I love it! =] I can’t wait to do stuff like this for Hayden.. right now she just destroys everything, so it’s best I wait.
Cute!
Adorable! I want one.
Oh that is so cute! And seems easy enough to make. Thanks for the idea 🙂