Now that we’ve finally recovered from our birthday party sugar highs, the family and friends, and the sweet birthday gifts, it’s time to share a quick how-to tutorial for those funny hats. The goal when I made them? Make a plain hat that looks good all by itself, but that could handle lots of coloring, stickers, glue, feathers, etc. So this was a craft project for me (but a quickie one!) and a crafty moment for the kids if they felt so inclined.
The little things you’ll need:
- 11″ x 17″ paper (2 sheets per hat)
- decorative packing tape (this orange polka dot packing tape is from Jo Ann’s)
- scissors to cut the tape
- Double stick tape, but only if you’re a perfectionist!
1.Grab 2 sheets of 11″ x 17″ paper. I used heavy white printer paper from our oversized inkjet. Lay the sheets on top of each other horizontally. Then fold them in half.
2. Unfold. Using the fold line as a guide, fold the upper LH corner to the center fold line, keeping both sheets together.
3. Now, here’s the change from your classic newspaper hat. Traditionally you would fold both LH and RH corners together on the same side. I’ve found you’ll have a sturdier hat if you fold them on opposite sides. So. After step 2, FLIP THE HAT OVER. Then repeat, folding the remaining upper LH corner down to the center line. You will have one folded trinagle on each side of your hat.
4. Cut a strip of packing tape 1-2 inches longer than your center fold. Secure your corners down the center with your packing tape. Flip the hat over and repeat on the back side.
5.Fold one sheet of the remaining bottom panel up to create the brim of the hat. Flip over and repeat on the back side. Add a bit of double stick tape on either end of the brims if you’d like them to stay put. But they’ll be fine without them too.
6. Trim the excess tape at the top of the hat with a sharp scissors.
7. Add the feathers, crayons, pencils, stickers, pompoms, and kids. Make a royal mess!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Loooove it!! ;)
Thanks Tiffany! It’s so easy, it’d be great for any crafty-day.
Easy project and fun for the kids to decorate – love it!
– also love your table cloth ;)
Thanks – it really is an easy project for kids, older ones could definitely help to make them too.
The tablecloth is from etsy – and I LOVE it – crayons and colored pencils WIPE RIGHT OFF of it! It has saved our antique table.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BabysIndulgence?section_id=7304905
how cute! stop by I have adorable felt food giveaway today! thecoolkidsblog.com
Thanks Betsy – that giveaway is sweet, I just tweeted it for you too.
This is fantastic! Great tips and info
Thanks Jenny, and thanks for stopping by!
i’m making these for my sons birthday…they’re hilarious! he loves it
Thanks Carrie – have lots of fun!
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