Hello, Upscale Party Readers!
This is the first of many craft tutorials. My instructions assume that you are new to crafting. Of course, if you are crafty or artistic, you can adjust these instructions as desired. But if you are not yet crafty, you can make this lovely hat by following these steps.
Step 1: Find a hat blank.
You can find a plain hat like the one I used here in a craft store or a thrift store. Sometimes department stores will have very inexpensive hats that may have a band or decoration that can easily be removed without damaging the hat. This hat came with a small braid around the crown. I only needed to snip a few threads and I have a perfectly fine hat blank.
Step 2: Gather your supplies.
You will need a yard and a half of ribbon, 16 to 20 small silk roses, one large silk rose, a hot glue gun, glue sticks, some paper covered wire or thin ribbon, wire cutters and scissors. All of these can be purchased at any craft store.
Notes for First Time Crafters:
- RIBBON. When you shop for ribbon, you will find many different kinds at a craft or fabric store. The ribbon that I used on this hat is "flora-satin" ribbon, the kind a florist would use in a fresh flower arrangement. Floral ribbon is less expensive than fabric ribbon, which is usually softer and often made of a satin, silk, organza or velvet like material. Some ribbon will be wired to hold its shape, but in a bow this size, the floral ribbon seems to hold its shape very well. Choose whatever ribbon you like.
ROSES. New crafters are sometimes confused when they buy silk flowers because they come on stems. Each stem will usually have 3 or more flowers. In order to use the flowers in a craft project like this hat, you will need to cut the flowers off the stem. The stems are made of plastic covered wire. In order to cut the flower off, you will use your wire cutters. Don't throw away the green leaves that are also on the stem. You will want to use some small leaf groups peeking out from beneath some of the flowers.
- HOT GLUE GUN. If you have not used a HOT GLUE GUN before, I suggest that read a separate article on glue gun use. They get VERY HOT and children should not use them. There are lots of glue gun tutorials. Here is a good one to start with: http://www.craftsunleashed.com/craft-basics-main/how-to-hot-glue-tips/
Step 3: Come back next week!
The next step in making your beautiful hat is to assemble the large bow for the back of the hat. Assembling the bow is the most difficult step and will probably take a full post to explain. (Experienced Crafters: Remember, I am writing this for readers that have NO experience!) Next time, I will explain - step by step- how to make this lovely bow.
 |
| Queenisms.com |
