For Target Tuesday this week, I thought I would show you how to take a really simple product and turn it into something really special. I found these basic party hats at Target in the aisle with all the goody bag supplies and paper party products.
They were very inexpensive ($1.49) and came in a package with eight hats. With some pretty scrapbook papers, trims, and some glue you can turn them into completely customized hats. I like to make these for all my parties and often make them for clients as well. To begin, open up one of the hats and lay it flat to form your template (you can put it back together later). Lay your template on top of a piece of scrapbook paper (right-side up) and trace all around it. Then, carefully cut out the shape. It will look something like this:
Trace and cut out enough for all of the hats that you want to make. It's fun to use a variety of color-coordinated, patterned papers. I just LOVE these prints by Heather Bailey!
Next, glue your paper cut-outs to the party hats, trying to match up the seams as neatly as possible. If it isn't perfect, don't worry - you'll be trimming the edges anyway. Now, for the fun part... embellishing! I chose tissue paper garland, paper flowers, and rhinestones, but you can you use anything you want. I've also had great success with pom-pom fringe (so cute) and millinery flowers are really beautiful when making a hat for someone special.
When you are done with your decorating, you can replace that yucky elastic band that comes with the hats with some pretty lengths of ribbon - just glue them to the inside of the hat. That's it! Really pretty party hats to match any decor! Go make some now! :-)
Adorable! I wonder if I'll have time to make these in time for this weekend - my daughter's 3rd birthday. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Melanie | April 14, 2009 at 12:01 PM
I love these!! The kids at my 4-year-old daughter's birthday party loved wearing their hats. From my experience, not too many people remember hats when they're party planning these days!
But the kids love them!!
Posted by: Mrs. Cozy Home | April 14, 2009 at 12:56 PM
BEEYOOOTIFUL! Lovely makeover!
XOXO
Joni
Posted by: Joni | April 14, 2009 at 01:50 PM
oooh!! so cute Jessica!! thanks for sharing! I always make my boys party hats,but I have been doing them a harder way. I never thought to take one apart and use it as a pattern! so darling! Lundyn is turning 2 next week and I need to make him a hat so this was perfect timing :-) I hope you have a fantastic day!!! hugs!!! Britt :-)
Posted by: britt-sparkledvintagecharm | April 14, 2009 at 02:16 PM
Very cute! Where do you get that trim you used? I love it! Your paper choice is beautiful!
Hugs,
Joanne
Posted by: Joanne Kennedy | April 14, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Just love the color combinations you chose. So cheerful and bright!
Posted by: Julie | April 14, 2009 at 02:46 PM
I looove those little hats...I also love the color combination..You did such an amazing job...
STephenie
Posted by: stephenie | April 14, 2009 at 03:02 PM
Pretty indeed!
Posted by: Monicaa | April 14, 2009 at 06:39 PM
Sweet! I haven't seen Heather's papers out there yet.
Posted by: tammyCA | April 14, 2009 at 09:24 PM
Love what you did with the hats! Beautiful papers and trim!
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | April 15, 2009 at 06:59 AM
LOVE these party hats! LOVE Heather Bailey! Found you via Sweet Cuddlecakes! May I post this tutorial on my blog? www.TheTomKatStudio.com
Posted by: Kim @ The TomKat Studio | April 20, 2009 at 02:40 AM
Wow - these are beautiful! I have a blog about design and decorating ideas for babies, kids and teens. Can I share these on my blog with a link back to your site, of course:)
Posted by: toni roberts | May 05, 2009 at 03:42 PM
u have inspired my roommate and i! such great and craetive work!
Posted by: jessica | September 12, 2009 at 01:32 PM
I love these party hats! I made one for my daughters first birthday party!!
I talked about your Pretty Party Hats post in my blog and linked you in my post: http://nowoodenspoons.blogspot.com/2009/12/arianas-first-birthday-crafts.html
Check it out! :) lovelove Cat
Posted by: Cat | December 06, 2009 at 05:35 PM
so adorable!!! linking this project!!!!
Posted by: Rebekah | January 14, 2010 at 03:06 PM
Great tutorial! Love them!
Kim @ http://frostmeblog.blogspot.com
party inspiration
Posted by: Kim Cahill | April 07, 2010 at 10:23 AM
LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Romcdw | May 30, 2010 at 06:31 PM
Thanks for sharing this with us. Your party hats came out beautiful, love the patterns you used.
I would like to make some for my daughter's birthday.
Can you advise what type of glue works best to paste the card stock onto the party hat?
Thanks!
Posted by: Flavia | June 16, 2010 at 03:19 PM
Love this tutorial. Link it up to our Party Tutorial Contest for a chance to win some fabulous prizes: http://www.purejoyeventsblog.com/2011/09/party-tutorial-contest-3.html
Posted by: Christine @ Pure Joy Events | September 18, 2011 at 11:33 AM