How to Make Paper Plate Hats
Paper plate hats are extremely inexpensive to make. Because they are so simple, they make a great craft for young children who do not yet have advanced motor skills. Kids as young as 2 years old can make these hats with a little help from parents, and the cost of supplies is only a few cents per hat.
Things You'll Need
- Plain paper plates with scalloped edges
- Crayons, stickers, paint or other decorating supplies
- Straight edge ruler
- Scissors
- Stapler
Instructions
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1
Decorate the plates before you make them into hats. Very young children can decorate the hats using stickers, and slightly older kids can use watercolor paints, crayons, glitter or ribbon. Allow paint and glue to dry completely before proceeding.
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2
Use a straight edge ruler and pencil to draw a line from the center of the plate to the outer edge. Avoid drawing the line through or very near any decorations on the plate that your child will object to being cut.
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3
Cut along the line from the outer edge, stopping once you reach the plate's center point. Depending on the age of your child and her motor skills, she may be able to do this herself.
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4
Slide one cut edge over the other with the decorated portion on the outside. The plate should form a cone shape with about a 1/2 inch overlap.
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5
Staple the overlapping portion of the hat, starting on the outer edge and moving towards the point of the hat. Two or three staples should be sufficient. You should now have a cone-shaped "party hat" for your child to wear.
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Tips & Warnings
These hats can be turned upside-down and filled with popcorn for a fun treat.
You can staple a strip of elastic onto the bottom of the hat, making a chin strap to prevent the hat from falling off your child's head.
To avoid injury, always supervise young children who are using scissors and staplers.
Do not allow children under 3 to play with these hats unsupervised, as the staples or decorations may be removed and swallowed.
