A Little Witch

I am struggling this year for Halloween costumes for my children. My son is not your typical 8 year old boy. He doesn't want Star Wars or a ninja or a bleeding, creepy ghoul. It's tough to help steer him to something he likes, but won't get him teased mercilessly by peers. As for my daughter, she would be easy, except she changes her mind 40 times a day. First Shrek, then Snow White, then a monster...
I will help her find whatever she wants, once she can make up her mind.

Until then, I wanted to make a little headband for her. I have seen them around, and they are so cute. But many are really ornate. And that just ain't my baby girl. She is more than a tomboy - she tells me that when she turns 8 {like her brother} she will be a boy.

Now, I was fully aware that she might put this headband on for a brief 3 seconds and then hurtle it across the room laughing. But, try I must. Don't as me why. I am apparently a glutton for punishment.

I am also completely aware that the dog will probably end up wearing it more than anyone else, to her dismay - the dog's, not my daughter's - that would be to her sheer delight! Squeals included.

And yet... I still made this cutie pie a little witch hat headband. It is super easy and easily embellished any way you like.

I bought a 4 pack of the soft fabric covered headbands at the dollar store. I chose to use the black one for this project. I had everything else on hand. So, this whole brainstorm cost me a quarter!

I used a roll of masking tape to trace a circle onto the black felt. {Tip: I would recommend using the stiffened felt you can purchase at craft stores. I didn't have any on hand, so I made due. I suppose you could also use a spray fabric stiffener, too - but again, not on hand here.}

I then found a template online for a mini party hat. I printed it out to what I thought I wanted the height to be. I cut out the template from the paper and pinned it to some black felt. Then I cut it out following the template.

Next, I was realizing who I was making this for, and decided to sew the cone part of the hat together. You could also hot glue or use some other bonding agent for that part. 

Then I again, thought about who would be wearing this, albeit for 30 seconds, and I decided to cut the template out again onto thin cardboard to support the cone shape under the felt. 

I glued the cardboard party hat inside the felt with Quick Dry Tacky Glue and trimmed the excess  cardboard. I would assume, the cardboard step is not necessary if using stiffened felt.

I hot-glued the cone part of the hat to the circle base. Then I sewed it on in a few spots for reinforcement.

I searched for the color, style and width of ribbon I thought she would prefer. This probably took me longer than the rest of the process. I have heaps of ribbons. It's the "what would she like" that was time-consuming.

At this point, you could add all sorts of fun embellishments. I think a little square rhinestone buckle added to the ribbon would be adorable. But, not for my little witch.

I used my quick dry craft glue again to adhere the ribbon around the cone. Then I made a separate bow to put on the front. At this point, I stopped, since it was already getting too girly for her.

Finally, I cut a small oval of felt, and sandwiched the headband between the hat and the oval. I glued and sewed this onto the headband for extra protection.

Then I heard a thump from upstairs and naptime was officially over! 

Upstairs I go, and to my surprise, my little witch was delighted with my gift!

Glad I had camera in hand, as this little photo shoot lasted less than one minute. Thank goodness for fast shutter speed! :)

Then we proceeded to try the witch's hat on many of the different lovies in her bedroom.

Teddy was pretty good about it...

But Lamby was our favorite! So willing to try different poses and locations. :)

She thought this was so much fun, she decided to put it back on with her soccer uniform.

 Good times with my little witch!

*** All photos in this post are my own. Please do not duplicate without my permission. ***

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