New Year's party hat how-to's.

I was really surprised at how many of you emailed me with questions on how I made my party hat, so I decided to share the instructions right here. It's very nearly New Year's, so you'll have to get right on this if you want to use it this year. Otherwise, you've got plenty of time if you are thinking ahead for next year's New Year's eve.

Oh, one more thing. Keep in mind that the instructions will work for any kind of party hat, not simply New Year's, so think outside of the box here.

SUPPLIES NEED FOR HAT:

sheet music, book pages or scrapbook paper of your choice

Liquid Starch

Bowl to put liquid starch in

Cardboard or mylar party hat (doesn't matter what it looks like, 'coz you're gonna cover it up)

Adornments like the clock face (make one or google a picture up...whatever you like) buttons, glitter, etc. (I printed the words Happy New Year on my printer and cut out the strip like a mini banner, then glued it in place.)

garland edging if the hat doesn't already have some on it.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Pour liquid starch in a large bowl and tear paper of your choice into strips of various sizes. Dip paper in liquid starch and scrape off excess starch with your fingers as you pull it out of the liquid. Drape sloppy wet paper onto hat at any angle you like until the hat is fully covered with the torn pages.

Let dry. (I placed my hat over a mid sized pyrex bowl to be sure it maintained it's nice round shape at the base of the hat.)

Add adornments with a hot glue gun.

You're finished!

I'd love to see pictures of your hat and so would everyone else, so please send me a picture when you get yours completed and I will add it to this post with a link to you!

Comments

[Barb in CA]

Hi Tracey: I want to wish you a happy new year -- I can't wait to read about your adventures as you settle into your new home and your new life in a new state in the new year! Thanks for the instructions on making the party hat - I'm adding that info to the instructions you gave on decorating a notebook. The addition of "...adding charm to everyday life" in your banner is a perfect touch . . . Barb

[Janelle]

Thank you! I'm already thinking for next year 'cause I'm that organized - yeah right! Great idea for birthdays! I always pull out a few things to honor the birthday person and this would be great to add to that little collection.

Thank you again and have a Joyous New Year! I'm looking forward to see what the new year brings for you to share with us.

[Amy Marty]

Hi Tracey- I have been following your blog for quite a while and love all your ideas. But I have to say, I love the tutorial on the hats. I am for sure going to make some and I will send you pics. My son turns 2 in Feb. and I will make him a Mickey Mouse birthday hat. I have a question though, what do you use for the very top and around the bottom? Do you adhere it with hot glue as well? You are such an inspiration and I just love your blog. Happy New Year.

Amy

[tammy hebert]

Thanks for sharing. I did not get around to doing them but I can now buy some hats 1/2 off and do them for next year huh? Sometimes procrastination is a good thing, or at least that is what I am sticking with.
The booth is looking amazing.

tammy

[Yankee Doodle]

Thanks for the directions. I found some hats at the Dollar Store today and I'm going to get a head start on 2011! With winter here for a few more months this will be a good project to work on in the evening.

[crystal]

This is fabulous! So chic! Party hats for adults!