How to Decorate a Garland Easter Bonnet

Transform a straw hat into an Easter bonnet by making a simple garland of fresh flowers to decorate the crown. Add a few streamers of colorful ribbon and you'll be able to welcome spring in style.

Things You'll Need

• Ribbons
• Straw Hats
• Flowers
• Garden Shears
• Greenery
• String
• Twine
• Paddle Wire

Instructions

1. Find a straw hat that fits you well.

2. Collect greens and fresh flowers from your garden, or purchase them from a local flower vendor.

3. Measure the circumference of the hat, just above the rim, with string or twine. Add another 4 inches to the measurement.

4. 

   Cut some string or twine to the desired length (circumference plus 4 inches).

5. 

   Cut the greens to a length of 3 inches.

6. Place the string or twine on a flat surface.

7. 

   Attach number 24 floral wire (sometimes called paddle wire) to one end of the string or twine.

8. 

   Select several of the 3-inch foliage pieces and place them together in a bundle, with the stems at one end.

9. Place the bundle of foliage at one end of the string or twine, with the stems pointing toward the other end.

10. Use the floral wire to attach the stems to the string or twine, wrapping once around to secure them in place. You'll need both hands for this - one to hold the foliage in place against the string, and the other to wrap the wire.

11. 

    Wrap the floral wire around the bundle a second time and pull it tight.

12. Place a flower on top of the foliage bundle and wrap the floral wire around the stem end, being sure not to pull the wire too tightly or break the flower stem.

13. Gather another bundle of foliage and place it so that the leaves overlap with the first bunch and cover the stems, leaving the flower visible. Make sure all the stems are facing in the same direction.

14. 

    Continue the process of overlapping the bunches of foliage intermixed with the fresh flowers, wiring both to the string or twine until it's completely covered.

15. Twist the wire tightly around the last bundle, and knot the wire and the string or twine together.

16. Wrap the finished garland around the brim of the hat, and tie the ends of the string or twine together.

17. Tie a few colored ribbons onto the back of the garland to cover the ends.

Tips & Warnings

• If you didn't leave enough string or twine to tie a knot, you can pin or sew your garland onto the hat.