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Create Your Own Kentucky Derby Hat
By Emma Hawthorne
Updated: July 30, 2020
Originally Published: May 6, 2020
While the Kentucky Derby is renowned for its thrilling horse races, the event also showcases another spectacular element: Derby hats! Each year, crowds gather at the iconic Churchill Downs to witness which horse will clinch the coveted trophy, all while donning their extravagant headwear. Even if you can’t make it to the racetrack, you can still design your own fabulous Derby hat.
Interestingly, the stunning hats seen at the Derby involve much more than meets the eye. According to renowned milliner Olivia Carter, whose creations have graced the heads of stars like Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift, crafting a signature hat can take anywhere from several hours to several weeks.
For a DIY approach, don’t stress about replicating celebrity styles. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, anyone can whip up a hat that will be perfect for your at-home Derby celebration. Plus, the interest in DIY Kentucky Derby hats is significant, with nearly 1,000 searches each month, even though the event only occurs once a year!
So, pour yourself a refreshing mint julep and follow these steps to create a winning Derby look.
1. Find Your Hat Base
First things first: you need a hat! For a true Derby experience, look for a wide-brimmed style, as more brim means more room to embellish. Alternatively, you could consider a fascinator, although this style is more common on Oaks Day, the day prior to the Derby.
You have various options for sourcing your base. You can shop online at retailers like Amazon or visit local stores. Check out the gardening sections of big box retailers like Walmart and Target, or scout discount stores like T.J. Maxx or Kohl’s. Craft stores like Michael’s often have hat bases available leading up to Derby season.
2. Choose Your Design
Your Derby hat can be as imaginative as you’d like! If you’re unsure, platforms like Pinterest and YouTube are treasure troves of inspiration. Gather your supplies based on your chosen design. Hot glue guns are often a must-have for decoration, so make sure to have one on hand and ready to go. Remember to coordinate your hat with the rest of your outfit, as Derby fashion is all about matching!
3. Collect Your Decorative Elements
Now comes the fun part! Think of three main decoration categories: flowers, feathers, and netting. You can use any combination of these. Typically, you might start with a central flower and build outward. If you opt for feathers, feel free to bend and shape them to suit your vision—just a little trick: you can use your fingernail to break the spine of the feather for curling.
When it comes to netting, Russian netting and crinoline (or “crin”) are popular choices. Of course, feel free to get creative with your decorations! Have a flair for sparkle? Add some sequins. Prefer a more artistic approach? Try creating a themed scene on your brim. Check your local craft store for supplies, or shop online to fill in any gaps.
4. Get Crafting!
A good strategy for decorating is to begin at the focal point and work your way out. Aim for an asymmetrical look so your embellishments don’t all sit at the front. If you’re not satisfied with a placement, simply use a blow dryer to soften the glue, allowing you to reposition your decorations.
Most importantly, enjoy the process! This is a fun activity best shared with friends and perhaps a pitcher of mint juleps.
Fascinator Options for the Derby
If you decide to go with a fascinator for your watch party, you can still make a stunning statement. Check out this popular YouTube video that shows how to create a fascinator using a plastic lid, some fabric, and a glue gun. It’s garnered over half a million views for a reason!
Fun for the Kids
Don’t forget about the little ones! Kids love crafting, and making Derby hats can be a delightful project for them, too. Just keep the hot glue gun away from their reach. Let them get creative with googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and mini tiaras. They’ll love adding their personal touch!
For more fabulous ideas, you can check out this related post on home insemination or explore this resource about IVF for more insights into family planning. And if you’re looking for quality supplies, visit BabyMaker for the best kits available.
Summary
With a little creativity and some fun decorations, you can create the perfect Kentucky Derby hat at home. Whether you opt for a wide-brimmed hat or a chic fascinator, the key is to enjoy the process and express your unique style. Gather your friends, sip on some mint juleps, and let your imagination run wild!
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