Instructions on How to Make an Indian War Bonnet
The headdresses worn by American Indians are called war bonnets, which contained a variety of colorful feathers that signified the victories that they had after the war. You can make a replica war bonnet at home for costume parties or performances in less than an hour. If the bonnet is for your child, you can have him participate in making the craft and choosing the colorful feathers to decorate it.
Things You'll Need
- Cardboard
- Clear or white craft glue
- Paint
- Paintbrush
- Long fake feathers
- Blow dryer
- Hole punch
- Thread or yarn
- Small beads
Instructions
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1
Measure the size of the bonnet wearer's head with a tape measure. The measurement should start from the forehead down to the back of the head, just above the nape of the neck and back up to the forehead.
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2
Trace a rectangle on a piece of cardboard that measures 1 1/2 inches by the measurement obtained in Step 1. Cut out the cardboard rectangle.
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3
Glue both ends of the cardboard together with a clear or white craft glue and allow the glue to dry for 20 to 30 minutes. Fit the band on the person's head to make sure you have the right head size before proceeding to the next step.
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4
Make 30 marks with a pencil or a pen along the middle of the band. Space the marks out evenly. To do this, divide the measurement obtained in Step 1 by 30. For instance, 23 inches divided by 30 equals 0.77 inches. Make your marks every 0.77 inches.
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5
Decorate the cardboard with Indian signs and symbols using paint and paint brush and let it dry for few hours. While waiting for the paint to dry, flatten the feathers with a blow dryer.
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6
Use the end of a sharp knife to puncture holes in the cardboard at each of the 30 marks made in step four.
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7
Insert the fake feathers into the cardboard and use a clear tape to secure the feathers if they do not fit in tightly.
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8
Cut a 7-inch-long piece of thread or yarn, tie a knot at one end and thread beads onto the material. Tie another knot at the top when all the beads have been added.
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9
Use a hole punch to put a small hole on both side of the cardboard, just above the ear.
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10
Tie the threaded beads onto the hole in the cardboard. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the headdress.
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Tips & Warnings
Instead of a cardboard band, you can also make the band from leather or other heavy fabrics for a more authentic Indian war bonnet.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit feathers image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com
