Kid's Victorian Hat Craft

This craft is inspired by our miniature, decorative, Victorian village. This hat is a child-friendly version of the Victorian hats found in Beth's Fine Millinery.

Women and girls in the Victorian Era never left their homes without a hat - the fancier and more decked out the better! Here we offer a way to create a hat fit for afternoon tea or a garden party with the Queen. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

SUPPLIES:

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• 12" styrofoam floral wreath with flat back (this will become your hat brim)

• Sturdy, large, paper bowl (this will become the top of your hat)

• Scissors

• Mod Podge

• Foam brush

• Decorative paper - Enough to cover the outside of the bowl (2 8"x11" sheets should do it). Craft stores have tons of patterned scrapbook paper that work great for this project. You can also use tissue paper or wrapping paper.

• Hot Glue Gun (I use a low temp glue gun but any glue gun will work). Gorilla Glue or Super Glue work too.

• Hat decorations! Pick up some fake flowers, stickers, feathers and anything else you can think of that you might like on your hat. Dollar Stores frequently have good decorating supplies and of course craft stores have an overwhelming abundance. We stayed simple and just used an inexpensive feather boa.

• Decorative ribbon - at least 1" wide. Use to wrap the foam wreath..

• Satin ribbon - at least 1" wide. Use to tie your hat under your chin.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Take the paper you want to use to cover your bowl. Cut out a piece that is large enough to cover the outside of the bowl (this will be the top of your hat).

2. Using your foam brush, spread Mod Podge over the outside of your bowl.

3. Put your cut out piece of paper over the bowl and pat it down around the top and the sides. You may want to cut a few slits in the paper to make it easier to fold. Don't worry if you don't cover the whole bowl. We'll finish covering it in the next step.

4. Cut additional strips of paper and Mod Podge them onto the outer rim of the bowl.

Fold them over the rim so they cover it completely

5. Set bowl aside and let it dry completely. It typically takes about an hour for the Mod Podge to dry.

6. Take your foam wreath. Glue one end of your decorative ribbon to the flat side (that's the side that will go against your head and won't be seen). Wrap the ribbon around the wreath until it is completely covered.

7. Cut your ribbon and glue the loose end to the flat side.

8. Set your now be-ribboned wreath on a flat surface, flat side down. Glue your dry, Mod Podged bowl onto the middle of your now be-ribboned wreath. You now have a gorgeous hat, ready for decoration!

9. Decorate! You can glue the feather boa around the bowl like we did, or go crazy with feathers, stickers and jewels. Remember, the Victorians were all about excess when it came to hats so don't be afraid to embrace a "more is better" policy.

10. Cut two, long, even pieces of satin ribbon. Make sure the pieces are long enough that they can tie under the hat wearer's chin.

11. Glue one piece of ribbon to each side of the wreath (make sure you attach it to the flat side).

12. Put hat on head, tie ribbons, and you're ready to go!

Here are two examples of our finished millinery masterpieces!