DIY Miniature Hat Tree Ornaments

I grew up in my parents home where my Mother was all about Victorian decorating with a splash of angels. She even incorporated her Victorian taste into the holidays, from Easter to the fourth of July. But the one thing I remember most was decorating for Christmas, and the time we spent together coming up with new Ideas for tree ornaments. So this I pass on to you. This project is fun for the family, while letting your children show there artistic side.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

1 Package Of Large Styrofoam Cups With Out Ridges
Foil
Cookie Sheet
Acrylic Primer
Acrylic Paints In Assorted Colors Of Your Choice
Sponge Brushes
White Craft Glue That Dries Clear
Embellishments Of Your Choice
Glitter
Small Ribbon
Large Eyelet Needle

Pre heat your oven to 350 degrees, open a window, and turn on a fan. This step is very stinky. Line your cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Place as many styrofoam cups, opening down, on the cookie sheet as you can with out them touching. Place them in the oven for about two minutes, or until they have shrunk. They should look like mini hats when done. Do not leave them in there for two long or they will burn. Once you have finished melting all your cups and all have cooled. Lay down some newspaper over your working space. Open your primer and prime all the bowls. Inside and out. Set them aside and let dry.

Place all your decorating necessities out on the table and call the children in. You first want to paint your miniature hats inside and out, two coats may be necessary, making sure you let them dry in between. Next take your flat acrylic varnish and give them each a coat or two inside and out. This will seal the paint and protect them from chipping, it also will provide some more sturdiness.

This is where all the magic happens. Lets embellish. Let your children run wild with imagination on this part. Its almost like coloring Easter eggs. See what they come up with. You may be amazed at your child's artistic ability.

Once all the embellishments have been added you want to add your ribbon hanger. Parents you my want to do this part. Cut your small ribbon into six inch pieces, enough pieces for the amount of hats you have made. Take a large eyelet needle and poke a hole in the center on the top of the hat. Loop your ribbon and tie a large knot with the two loose ends. Now feed your loop through the hole going through the bottom of the hat and out the top so the knot is on the inside. And hang on your tree. Make sure your child initials and dates there art work on the inside of the hat, so you can look back when there older and say look what you created. You are not only creating family togetherness and fun, but you are creating cherished memories as well.