Create a simple top hat by cutting out the inner portion of the paper plate. Fit a thick band of construction paper into the empty circle and glue it to the band formed by the paper plate. Decorate the inner portion of the paper plate and secure it to the top of the hat. For a one-of-a-kind creation, create a scene around the top of the hat. Build a city out of construction paper buildings, plastic cars and figurines for an urban hat. Create a festive look by gluing a lightweight plastic Christmas tree on top of the hat and adding small construction paper squares underneath for presents.
Make a hat fit for a tea party by gluing a plastic bowl in the center of the paper plate rim. Decorate with ribbon, streamers, lace, and fake flowers. Punch holes in the edges of the rim and attach ribbon or elastic to secure underneath the wearer's chin.
Fashion a visor from a plate by removing the center circle and cutting it in half. Staple half of the circle to the front of the rim and decorate as desired. Create a simple bonnet by simply punching a hole in opposite sides of the plate and tying a length of ribbon to each side. Tying the ribbon tightly underneath the chin will pull the plate around the head in a bonnet shape.
All cone hats originate from the same basic shape. Determine how tall the hat should be. A tall hat will need to be formed from a larger circle. Trace a circular object on a sturdy piece of construction paper or poster board. Mark the exact center of the circle before cutting it out. Make a straight cut from a location on the edge of the circle to the center dot and wrap the circle into a cone shape. Tape, glue or staple the edges of the cut together.
Make a child's dream come true with a beautiful princess hat. Decorate the base of the cone with diamond shapes or fake gems. Wrap the decorated cone with a piece of transparent fabric veil or net, securing it on the inside of the hat with glue or tape. Add an additional piece of fabric to trail from the hat.
Create a wizard hat by gluing the cone to a circle of fabric that is larger than the base of the hat. Cut out the center of the fabric so that the hat will fit comfortably.
Use papier-mâché to form a variety of hats. Create papier-mâché paste by mixing one cup of flour with 1 ¼ cups of warm water. Dip small strips of newspaper into the paste and layer them on the project surface to create the basic shape of the hat.
Various objects can be used as molds for papier-mâché hats. Protect surfaces by covering the object with plastic wrap before applying the papier-mâché mix. Bike helmets, balloons, real hats, bowls, and other items can be used to create hats. Duct tape multiple objects together to create a zany masterpiece.