Hat Decorating for Spring

by Cindy Baird

This month Cindy Baird of Lace Patch shows us how to create the perfect head dress for Spring or Easter using ribbon and a little creativity. In this project Cindy shows us how to turn ordinary ribbon into roses, a versatile decorating element. Cindy decorates and sells hats as part of her Kobey's business, using a variety of materials available at her huge craft supply booth. When you're done you'll have an adorable hat to wear or use it as a cute wall decoration! Most of the mentioned materials are available at Lace Patch in space J-54, 55 Saturday and Sunday.

NNNSample of Materials

Straw hat
Ribbon, raffia or lace to surround the crown of the hat. Allow extra for a bow (optional).
Approx. 1 1/4" yards of pastel shade 1 1/2" wide ribbon per rose. Wire ribbon can be used.
12" of 1 1/2" wide green ribbon cut at an angle so it measures 4" at the top and 5 1/2" at the bottom (to make the leaf).

AND: Glue gun, needle and thread, pins, shears

The Trim
Take a length of ribbon and measure it around the crown of the hat. Try the hat on and adjust the trim for desired tightness. Make sure you like how it fits and looks. Once satisfied, cut off excess ribbon and secure the trim with a hot glue gun. If you wish to make a bow, determine the fit, secure the trim, then tie the bow. The hat is now ready for attachments.

To Make Ribbon Roses:
1. Knot your thread. Make a running stitch along one edge of the ribbon and gather it as you go. When you get to the end make sure the ribbon is tightly gathered. Make a knot in the thread and cut it off. If you use wire ribbon, you don 't need the running stitch. Pull the wire out on one side and use the wire on the other side to gather the ribbon. Trim off the wire.

2. Roll the ribbon carefully around the gathered edge into a tight circle. Notice the gathered circle is the base of the flower. Once the ribbon is completely rolled and you 're completely happy with the result, glue the base edges together with a hot glue gun. Keep the ribbon secure until glue has completely dried (about 10 minutes). Make sure all the edges are glued so the flower stays intact.

3. Next, make the leaf. Take one of the prepared green strips and fold it together at the long side to make a cone. Glue it together. Do the same with the second strip. Glue the two "leaves" onto the underside of the flower.

4. Attach the finished ribbon rose with a pin for something less permanent or hot glue it directly onto the hat.

We hope you enjoy both making and wearing this month's project.