The running of the Kentucky Derby is always on the first Saturday of May. In my house it has become a tradition to celebrate with beautiful hats we have made (and Mint Juleps).
When my daughter was just a few months old I made her first Derby Hat. For a few more years I called the shots on the style and colors but once she was old enough we would all make them together.
With some creativity and some time you can make your own gorgeous fancy hat. Here’s how:
First, find a hat to build upon. Pick up a sunhat with a large brim on an Easter or Summer sale, or from the gardening section of store. There are also often hats at craft stores during Derby season. If you don’t have a hat, consider making a fastener off a small piece or cardboard, or once I even helped a classroom full of Kindergarteners make Derby hats on upside down paper plates! (Search Pinterest for paper plate Derby hats for ideas and directions)
Next, select/create your decorations for your hat design.
- I usually start with a colorful ribbon for around the hat. I either glue it on or tie it if it’s thick and/or has wire.
- Pick or make your flowers. Flowers are often a focal point of a Derby hat. I like to make felt flowers and have pinned a number of designs and patterns on my Derby Day tradition Pinterest board. You could also buy silk flowers at a craft store, or make paper flowers.
- Add flare. Feathers are a fun option to add flare to your hat (I have ordered a peacock feather decoration when I was feeling fancy). So is netting! Beads or sequins can be fun too (if you go this route I’d suggest materials already on a string vs. loose).
- Consider small toys as well. One year my daughter chose small plastic dinosaurs for her decoration. Next year I’m going to make a Toy Story hat with small toy packets from Disneyland.
Once you have your plan, use a hot glue gun to attach your decorations.
Then, enjoy the “most exciting two minutes in sports” while looking fabulous!