DIY Mad Hatter Hat for Halloween

It's been too long! I do apologise! I have had severe bloggers block but I have a couple posts planned for Halloween.
Recently I did a post about an Alice in Wonderland tea party I had and I thought I would do a DIY post on the Tim Burton style Mad Hatter hat which I wore. This is actually quite simple and everything that I used were things I found in my house, I didn't need to purchase anything. This is a great look for a Halloween party or it could be used as a prop or decoration.

I have another post to come on the makeup and outfit for anyone that wants to do the full thing. Here is how to make the hat in 12 easy steps:

Items used: 
Strong Cardboard (I used the bases of two cardboard boxes)
Paper
Cellotape
Staple gun or glue gun
Black or patterned fabric
Other fabric for inside and band
Wooden skewers
Cocktail sticks
Beads
Paper Mache + newspaper strips

Steps:

1. Create a circle for a base that fits your head using one or more pieces of strong cardboard. (I stupidly made it a bit small so it doesn't actually fit around my head, only sits on top)

2. Make the bottom band where the bright fabric strip goes. Attach to the base with cellotape or masking tape.

3. Attach 6 or 7 wooden skewers to the band. I stuck them into the cardboard and used tape to secure them in place.

4. Place a circle of cardboard, a similar size to the base on top of the skewers. Bring the skewers to the outside of the circle so that they bend a little, giving the frame of the hat. Push the circle down a little so it would stay in place and secure it to the skewers with tape. Make sure the top is flat.

5. Cover the sides with paper to form the shape.

6. Use paper mache over the paper and the board. The end of the skewers prove very handy as you can do the bottom of the hat without the paper mache touching the table.

7. Once you have done a layer or two (one will do, it's quite sturdy by itself with the frame) leave it to dry.

8. Cut off the top of the skewers that are sticking out.

9. Depending on what kind of fabric you are using, cover the hat by sticking it in place with glue or staples. I used a staple gun with mine as PVA glue wasn't strong enough and a glue gun went straight through the fabric. The staples do look a little messy but I tucked in what I could under other sections on the fabric.

Make sure you cover the whole bottom of the hat as you will see underneath it when worn.

10. Use another kind of fabric for the inside. No need to line the whole inside, just a kind of bubble in the centre.

11. Create a band of bright material around the outside of the hat. I used the same red material although I ended up putting a scarf around it as it gave a better effect.

12. Decorate the hat with the traditional 10/6 note which i made by drawing it onto some card and burning the edges to make it look old. Add any other decorations such as feathers or pins which I made from cocktail sticks and beads.

I hope you enjoyed this post. I haven't done a DIY in a while so I might get back into doing them. I hope this has given you some interesting Halloween ideas.

Étáin

xxx

Five Autumn Essentials

 It's October! I have an fashion essentials post today, with five of my favourite things to wear in Autumn.

 I hope this post gives you a little inspiration! Also recently I found an online site called Raise. They sell gift cards for discount prices and buy unwanted gift cards They have loads of different shops like Zara and H&M. It's super handy, I never knew anything like this existed.

First is jumpers! Knitted jumpers and cardigans are just perfect to stay warm without the need of a winter coat. These are a few of my favourites.

 (Top to bottom) Green cardigan from Primark/Penneys // chunky jumper from New Look // light pink jumper from New Look // cropped lavender jumper from Missguided // black knitted jumper from Primark/Penneys.

Next is socks! Fluffy, knitted, patterned and frilly socks to wear over tights and with boots are my favourite. They just make an outfit for me, even if you can only see the top sticking out of your boots. Some of them just scream "Cute!".

 All socks from Primark/Penneys apart from no. 4 which are New Look.

Next in my list are boots. Boots are a perfect Autumn accessory. I have been loving ankle boots in particular. They go great with everything - dresses, jeans, skirts, etc.

 These first pair are from Penneys (Primark) which I bought last Winter.

The second pair I wore pretty much all summer. I picked them up in a New Look sale back in the Spring for €22! I just adore them.

The third pair are again from Penneys/Primark. They have a wedged heel and a suede type material. The slightly more formal of the three.  

 Now for me, this bowler hat is essential. It's maroon, and maroon is my favourite Autumn colour, it just goes great with any outfit!

And finally... scarves! They are warm, simple, and complete Autumn look! I own a lot of them too. I have four of my favourites here:

Snood from Penneys/Primark // blue scarf is from New Look.

 These two were gift so I'm not sure where they are from but I love the designs.


Thanks for reading and let me know your fashion essentials for Autumn!

Étáin

xxx