Are you ready to make a statement with your derby hat? Whether you are looking for something fun and flamboyant or more subtle and traditional, here’s how to decorate a derby hat. Whether it’s celebrating at home or attending in person, there is no better way to get into the spirit than with unique decorations and fashion statements.
What better place to start than a Kentucky Derby hat? Stylish, eye-catching hats can be purchased pre-adorned or left plain – allowing you to customize your hat however you see fit.
Whether you’re an experienced “hatista” looking for inspiration on decorating your favorite derby headwear or a beginner who wants to learn some basic tips and tricks, this guide will have something for everyone!
Read on as we explore all things related to how to decorate a kentucky derby hat.
What Will You Need?
First and foremost, you’ll need the essentials – a hat! If you don’t have one yet, consider picking up a straw hat or a felt derby hat in your preferred style. After this, it’s time to gather any materials which may be required for your project, such as:
- Glue gun
- Ribbon
- Jewels, beads, and stones
- Fabric flowers and other embellishments
- Decorative feathers
- Glitter, sequins, or any other sparkly decorations
- Scissors and a hot glue gun for more complex designs
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, it’s time to get creative and start decorating!
10 Easy Steps on How to Decorate a Kentucky Derby Hat
Step 1. Select Your Style:
First and foremost, decide how you want to decorate your hat. Do you want something flashy and sparkly or more subtle? Consider the colors and designs you want to incorporate into your look. Simple hats can be adorned with multiple colors or just one, while more elaborate models might require a certain color scheme to make the design really pop.
Step 2. Choose Your Accessories:
Now that you have a style in mind, it’s time to select the accessories which will help bring your vision to life. Take into account how much space is available on the hat and if there are any features already built-in such as ribbon bows or feathers, that need to be considered when making selections.
It will also help to have a good idea of how much time and effort you are willing to invest in the project.
Step 3. Start Glueing:
Using your glue gun, begin attaching each accessory one by one around the brim of the hat (or wherever else you choose). Be sure to take your time and use a generous amount of glue, as it will ensure that your decorations stay in place. Be careful not to apply too much glue, as it can ruin the look of your hat.
Step 4. Add Some Sparkle:
Next, add some sparkle with sequins, glitter, or other shiny accents. Pick colors that complement the rest of the design and adhere them with a hot glue gun for extra security. If you’re feeling extra creative, consider using a variety of sizes and shapes to create interesting patterns.
Step 5. Embellish With Jewels & Beads:
This is where you can really get creative! Use jewels, stones and beads to create unique patterns or simply sprinkle them randomly around the hat for an eye-catching effect. Once again, only use enough glue to keep each piece secure – too much could damage certain materials.
Step 6. Add Decorative Feathers:
Feathers are a classic addition to any derby hat and can be used greatly. Whether an ostrich feather or a peacock, choose one that really stands out and attach it with hot glue. Consider using more than one for a unique look!
Step 7. Finish With Ribbons:
Ribbons are the perfect way to tie all of your decorations together. Choose colors that match or complement each other and wrap them around the brim of your hat in single loops or double knots – whichever you prefer! You can also use them to create bows, tails, and other designs.
Step 8. Make Final Adjustments:
Once everything is in place, take a step back and assess how it looks. Are there any areas which need to be adjusted? Maybe some decorations need to be moved around or rearranged? Do a final check before affixing the pieces to ensure that everything looks how you want it.
Step 9. Secure Your Design:
Now is the time to make sure nothing falls off! Use hot glue around the base of each decoration and ribbon knot in order to secure them into place, giving your hat extra strength and stability. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 10. Enjoy Your Hat:
And there you have it – your very own derby hat! Put it on proudly and show off all of your hard work for everyone to admire. With some creativity and patience, you can make any hat look great – so get creative and enjoy the process!
By following these steps, you have now decorated a Kentucky derby hat. Whether it is simple or elaborate, the possibilities are endless for making your own unique design! Go ahead and try it – who knows what amazing creations you will come up with!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Don’t be afraid to add some sparkle! Sequins, glitter, and feathers make great decorations and help you stand out from the crowd.
- Add a personal touch by using your favorite colors, fabrics, or patterns. This is an opportunity to express yourself!
- Consider how you’ll attach your decorations to the hat. You may need craft glue, wire or bobby pins, depending on how elaborate you plan to get.
- Think outside the box – why not use a bouquet of flowers as a centerpiece? Or tie ribbons in colorful bows around the brim? Get creative with your design and have fun!
- Be sure to take photos of your finished masterpiece! Show it off online or print it out to hang on your wall. You’ll be proud of how it turned out and how you made a statement at the Kentucky Derby. Good luck and happy decorating!
With a little time and effort, you can create an unforgettable hat for the Kentucky Derby that will turn heads. Have fun with the process – there is no wrong way to decorate your hat as long as you have fun doing it! With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to celebrate the iconic event in style!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid using heavy-duty glues, as these can weigh your hat down and make it uncomfortable to wear.
- Avoid using anything too large or bulky that may take away from the overall design of the hat.
- Avoid painting on designs, as this can be messy, and hard to control how light or dark the color comes out.
- Avoid using glitter, as it tends to get everywhere and will stick to you long after taking off your hat.
- Avoid using any material that is not lightweight enough for a comfortable day at the races!
You can confidently decorate the perfect Kentucky Derby hat with these few tips and tricks! Have fun, and let your creativity shine. Good luck!
Whether you’re attending the Derby or just looking to add a fun accessory to your wardrobe, decorating a Kentucky Derby hat can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
With some careful planning and thoughtful consideration of how you want your hat to look, you can create something sure to stand out. Remember to avoid these few common design faux pas while crafting your masterpiece. Have fun and enjoy the races!
What Color Hat for Skin Tone?
When choosing the color of your Kentucky Derby hat, you should consider your skin tone. Light colors such as white, cream, and pastels look best for those with fair to medium skin tones. If you have a darker complexion, try bolder hues like navy blue or black for a dramatic look.
Additionally, any bright or vibrant colors will help create an eye-catching ensemble. No matter what color you choose, it’s sure to be the perfect addition to your outfit!
No matter how you decide to decorate your Kentucky Derby hat, it’s sure to be stylish and memorable! With these helpful tips in mind, you can craft a unique accessory that is just as stunning as the event itself. Good luck and have fun creating your fabulous hat!
Conclusion
Derby hats are a staple of any Kentucky Derby party. If you want to deck out your hat for the big race, you can do a few things. You can add ribbon, tulle, flowers, or anything else that strikes your fancy. Just make sure not to go overboard – remember, less is more. With a little bit of creativity, you can have a derby hat that’s both stylish and unique.
Now that you’ve learned how to decorate a kentucky derby hat and what materials and decorations work best, you’re ready to start designing your own! The key is to have fun and be creative – there are no wrong answers when it comes to derby hats. So put on your thinking cap, grab some supplies, and let your inner milliner run wild!