Velvet sombreros offer a formal, fun look.
Sombreros are not only traditional to Mexican dress, they're also a stylish way to protect yourself from sunburn. Sombreros come in many styles, from straw and leather to fabrics like velvet. Velvet sombreros aren't usually part of daily dress; they're usually saved for special occasions. However, if you're going to a themed summer party or an all-day outdoor bash, a velvet sombrero could keep your skin healthy and complement your outfit at the same time.
Instructions
1. Spread out two pages of newspaper, turning the top page so its corners bisect the sides of the page below it. Lift up the papers carefully and place them on your head.
2. Gently push and mold the papers down against the crown of your head. Starting in the center of your forehead, wrap painter's tape tightly around the newspaper. This forms a bowl shape for the crown of your hat.
3. Take off the hat and set it on a flat surface, pressing gently down on the crown to splay the excess paper out around the bottom of the crown. Fold up the edges of this excess paper to create a round sombrero brim. Tape the folds into place with more painter's tape.
4. Mix equal parts white school glue and warm water in a small bowl. Paint the mixture all over the inside and outside of the paper hat to stiffen it. Allow the paper hat to dry overnight.
5. Spray the crown of your hat with spray adhesive and drape a piece of stretchy velvet over it. Smooth and press the velvet down over the glued crown. Tie the velvet into place at the base of the crown with a piece of faux leather thread. Tie the thread into a decorative bow or let the ends hang against the brim of the hat.
6. Lift up the velvet and spray the paper on the brim with adhesive. Press the velvet into the brim of the hat, smoothing it with your palms. Cut away the excess velvet around the edges of the brim, leaving about 1 1/2 inches of excess.
7. Flip the hat over and cover the inside with velvet as you did the outside. Trim this piece of velvet right along the edge of the sombrero.
8. Fold the extra fabric from the top of the sombrero down around the edge. Stitch it into place with faux leather thread and an embroidery needle using a whip stitch. The whip stitch should wrap around the edges of the sombrero.
