Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Halloween Party Hat Swap and Tutorial

Blogging and joining in swap projects are relatively new to me. I worry about whether my ideas and style will be welcomed. In terms of swaps, questions abound about whether the recipient will like my work and the packaging.

This is what I told my swap partner Laura at
Beelicious for the Halloween Party Hat Swap. She sent me the loveliest thank-you note about her package that really gave me much more confidence.

Since Laura has received her package, I can post my project—both components were new challenges for me and, frankly, I’m tickled with the results.



Heather at Speckled Egg hosted this swap
, tasking us to make a party hat decoration at least 10” in height.

Halloween Party Hat



The idea to make a fabric party hat instead of a paper version popped into my head the minute I read about the swap opportunity. So I made a pattern and set to work.

For decorating the hat, a band of black twill serves as the hat band. I made gingham covered buttons (which I learned how to do for the Embroidered Button
Swap which ends Oct. 15) and then added a small bouquet of sunflowers along with a little raven. A little wood sunflower button on the very tip of the hat point finished it off.



Whipup and Party Hat Tutorial

I documented the entire process and am extremely pleased to announce that my tutorial for making the hat has been accepted by
Whipup and posted today. Isn’t this the most amazing timing?

You can make all kinds of fabric party hats with the instructions, not just for Halloween. Here is the link to the tutorial.

The Witch’s Haberdashery

Along the hat creation path, I gave a lot of thought on how to package it. To me, presentation is just as important as the gift itself.



It seemed to me that a hat box from “The Witch’s Haberdashery: Fine Purveyors of Elegant Hats for the Discriminating Witch” would be ideal.



I found a vintage hat box on eBay that was pretty much falling apart but would perfectly accommodate the finished hat. I reinforced it as best as possible and recovered the inside, outside, and lid with pretty papers and added a length of black twill for a carrying strap.

Naturally I had to make labels for the box—I so love making labels.



A package of Martha Stewart’s Halloween paper banners was tucked inside as a little surprise.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

June your witch hat is to cackle for! I'm heading off to Whip-up to read all about it. (Congrats on being selected.)

dottycookie said...

Fabulous! You had nothing to worry about I think!

Kristi said...

That is the most beautiful witches hat! And what a creative box. I wish I had half your creativity! How fun. How do you get into all of these swaps? I am in one now, but others I have seen on that swapbot site require that you have a few under your belt before you can join in. How does that happen?!

Lena said...

I love your hat, June! The black gingham is a whimsical touch, and it's a truly wonderful hat box. I sometimes think I spend more time on the presentation, than on the gifts I choose. I enjoy that part of things so much. I love the idea of a "discriminating witch".
Congratulations on having your tutorial chosen!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on being posted at whipup! I love the hat, and really, your presentation is gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

Anyone would be super fortunate to have you as a swap partner. Everything is so clever!

Unknown said...

OH what a beautiful hat! I think mine pales next to yours. This too was my first swap ever on these blogs. I bought a witch's hat made for a toddler and then trimmed with fine glitter and handmade ribbon roses with a glittery spider in the middle of one and a belt buckle on the other. And the top of it was a orange tuft of orange netting and another glittery spider. And because my partner first name begins with a 'G' I found a glittery G, about 3 inches high and nestled it on the front of the hat and added a sign that said "the witch is in".

I can't post it till I know that she has it! Gosh! I am praying that she loves it! Oh my! I am stressed now...

Junie your work is so perfect! Stunning is more the word!

carrster said...

That is fantastic! I'm in love with your packaging ideas. So much fun!!

BEELICIOUS said...

Whooo Hooo! Your Gift was Amazing & I am So Delighted that You are on Whipup! How very Exciting!

Congrats to You & another Big Hug!

bluemuf said...

Your hat is wonderful and the hat box is just over the top. I have so enjoyed reading all about it.

Karen

Kristi said...

Great and easy tutorial! I finished a hat that I will give as a gift. It was so fast I may make another or two...

Anonymous said...

Sunny Kristi: I am so tickled you tried the tutorial. It is easy, isn't it? I tried to make the tutorial as simple to do as possible. I hope you post pictures on your blog and then let me know so I can link to them for others to see.