DIY Church Hats

Fancy hats are highly fashionable.

In high society, fancy, big heads are customary for formal occasions, such as horse races, tea and weddings. Many women even wear elaborately decorated hats to church. While men are expected to remove hats upon entry into the sanctuary, it is proper for women to wear hats throughout the service, according to Darla Sycamore, author of "Hat Nostalgia." Make your own church hat by recycling and upscaling an old straw hat.

Things You'll Need

• Straw hat with brim
• Ribbon
• Organza
• Scissors
• Spray paint
• Feathers
• Artificial flowers
• Faux bird
• Hot glue gun
• Safety pin

Instructions

1. Spray paint an old straw or woven hat. Use non-toxic acrylic paint, so that neither you nor fellow churchgoers inhale noxious fumes. Allow the hat to fully dry before decorating.

2. Tie a ribbon around the hat's crown, where the recessed part meets the brim. Arrange the ribbon into a bow slightly off-center. In lieu of a ribbon, use a long piece of organza or sheer fabric.

3. Add feathers, artificial flowers or other plumage to the hat by poking the feather ends or stems behind the ribbon, so that these decorations are propped up. Keep it simple. Add only three to four pieces; you do not want the hat to be lopsided due to weight.

4. Pin or hot glue a faux bird to the brim of the hat in front. Use hot glue to make the fixture permanent. Use a safety pin if you want to remove and replace this item to wear the hat for different occasions.

Tips & Warnings

• If you intend to wear the hat during the service, you may want to use a straw hat with a small brim. This way, your hat will not block the view of persons in the pews behind you.

References

• Cville Fashion: Fancy Hats – And How to Make One for Foxfield
• Many Hatty Returns: Hat Etiquette for Women