DIY Paper Party Hat!

Good morning!  Today I’d like to share with you one of the projects I whipped together for my little one’s Winnie the Pooh birthday party – a DIY Paper Party Hat! 

For this hat, I used a generic party hat I found at Target and then customized it to match our theme using scrapbook paper. You could easily make this from scratch using thicker poster board and your own elastic or ribbon – this is how I usually make them.  If you go this route I’ve included a pattern below under “Supplies Needed”.  I have to say, though, using the pre-made party hat as a base made things go much quicker!  

Supplies Needed for DIY Paper Party Hat:

• Free Pattern: located at the end of this post
• Decorative paper for hat
• Decorative paper scraps for medallion
• Embellishments that match your theme
• Yarn
• Glue stick
• Scoring board and stylus
• Paper cutter or scissors

Step One: Carefully take apart your pre-made party hat and trace it to create a pattern – or use the free printable pattern available at the end of this post.  Use the pattern to cut out the party hat from your decorative paper. Cut slits with your scissors or an X-Acto knife. 

Step Two: Glue the decorative paper you just cut out to the party hat. This isn’t necessary if you are using study paper, but will be helpful for thin paper.  Assemble the party hat and glue or tape in place. Add elastic through the two slits. In the picture below, I was using the pre-made party hat with decorative paper over it. If you are using the free pattern provided, you can tie your elastic through the slits around the bottom of the hat. It is more visible, but secure.  

Step Three: Create the paper medallion.  I love paper medallions, especially on party hats.  They add some really nice dimension and are so much fun!  To create one, start with a strip of paper – mine was 1.25″ wide and I cut the strip the length of my decorative paper, 12″.  Score every 1/4″ using a scoring board and stylus. 

Before I purchased a scoring board and stylus set,  I used my paper cutter and a sharp object like my needle nose pliers.  I laid the paper in the groove where you would usually cut and instead just score it.

Accordion fold along your score lines.  

Glue the two ends together.  I used a little hot glue since I already have that turned on and ready to go. 

Lay a piece of paper down and stand up the accordion pleated circle like in the picture above.  Then push it down bringing the center in. Put some hot glue in the center and push it all the way down and hold it for a minute or two.  I add a small amount of hot glue to the top as well. 

Cut away the paper underneath so you can’t see it sticking out from behind your medallion. Decorate the medallion any way you want!  I added a circle of green plaid and then printed the number 2 off my computer.  I added some Classic Pooh scrapbook bees to finish it off.

Step Four: Adhere the medallion to the party hat!  I used a dab of hot glue and stuck the medallion to the center of the party hat. 

Step Five: Add a yarn pom pom!  You can add a pre-made yarn pom pom or make your own.  I made my own using green yarn and then hot glued it to the top of my party hat!

All finished!! The hat matches perfectly with the party colors and theme and was quick and inexpensive to make. Party hats make any special occasion just a bit more festive, don’t you think? Here are a few more I’ve made before!