Funny hats are great for many occasions; it's fun, for example, to present someone celebrating a birthday at work with one. If you start the hat with a simple base, you can make it work for any occasion, decorating it as simply or elaborately as desired.
Instructions
1. Start with a paper plate. It can already be the color you desire, or choose white and then paint with acrylic paints.
2. Think of the hands on a clock as you make cuts across the paper plate. Using a utility knife, cut from 12:00 to 6:00. The second cut is across from 9:00 to 3:00. Now make cuts diagonally between 9:00 and 12:00, across to between 3:00 and 6:00. Then make a cut at the same angle on the opposite side. Do not cut all the way to the edge. Make the cuts large enough for the head the plate will be fitting. For an adult head, you would make cuts an inch from the plate edge.
3. Fold all the triangle shapes made by the cuts upwards.
4. Cut out shapes to match the celebration, using decorative or construction paper. Cut out egg shapes for Easter, hearts for Valentine's Day or four-leaf clovers for St. Patrick's Day. Glue the shapes onto the spikes of the hat. Use these same directions to make a birthday crown. Add glitter and plastic jewels.
5. Try these variations for paper-plate hats. Cut out the center of the plate for the head for an Easter bonnet; staple or glue a tulle bow and silk flowers all around. Cut the center of the plate into a shape, such as a heart, a birthday cake, a train, a cat or a castle. Leave the very front of the shape uncut. Then pop the center cutout up so that it stands up. These are great for kids' parties.
