How To Make a Fascinator

A fascinator is a bold, fashionable headpiece that you wear near the front of your head.A hat that is balancing on your head should look like it.You can purchase a piece of furniture, but it's much more fun to make your own.Pick items for your base, accents, and centerpiece to create a headpiece that is unique and stylish.

Step 1: A circle of felt is cut out.

If you want a smaller base, go for a larger one.Use a pair of scissors to cut the circle.You might want to use a bowl or cup to trace a circle onto the felt before cutting it out.You can change the shape of the felt by cutting it into different shapes.

Step 2: To cover the felt circle, add layers of mesh or tulle.

Adding more layers will give you more coverage and volume.To tie a knot, thread a needle with a matching color thread.Attach the tulle to the base by sewing along the outer edges of the felt.You can drape mesh over the base or cut out larger pieces and cut them into smaller pieces.

Step 3: To create a feathery base, layer feathers around the felt circle.

If you want to make the felt backdrop for other things, you can cover it with feathers.Press a feather into the felt with a dot of hot glue.For 10 to 15 seconds, hold the feather in place.Add more feathers to the base.If you don't want to completely cover the felt base, use feathers in colors that complement it, such as pink dyed feathers with a pink felt circle, or peacock feathers that are green.Don't touch the hot glue.If it gets on your skin, it can burn you.

Step 4: To hide the edges, glue the fringe around the felt base.

Adding a fringe trim will make sure the felt base's edges are not visible.Hot glue to the outer edges of the felt circle.The fringe trim should be put in the hot glue all the way around the circle.For a black felt base with red silk flowers, choose fringe that will complement the other colors.

Step 5: Glue ribbon loops onto your base.

Take the end of a piece of ribbon and fold it over about 2 to 3 in.As you like to create more loops, repeat this many times.To secure the loops, staple through the ribbon layers at 1 end.You can use ribbon that has wire in it for a 3-D effect.Attach the ribbon to your base with loops or waves.

Step 6: Attach a spray of feathers that complement your other colors.

You can choose a bundle of feathers or a single long feather.Attach the bare ends of the feather with hot glue.The ends of the feathers should be directed towards the back or top of your head.You can position the spray of feathers so that the bare ends are at the center of your base.If you want to see what looks best to you, put the base on your head and hold the feathers in a few different positions.

Step 7: An easy centerpiece can be made with a silk flower.

Silk flowers can be purchased in a craft supply store or online.You can choose a silk flower in a variety of colors and styles.The bottom of the flower should be flat if the stem is cut off.Put hot glue on the back of the flower and press it into the base.The silk flower can be placed in the center or off to one side.Try surrounding the silk flower with other smaller ones or layers of petals around the main flower.You could trail a vine off one side of the fascinator.

Step 8: Glue on your base with beads, paste-gems, or buttons.

You can glue on a single large bead, sequin, or button as a centerpiece or use a variety of smaller beads, sequins, and buttons to accent your fascinator.Attach a bead, sequin, or button by pressing the item into the hot glue and holding it for about 10 to 15 seconds.If you want to avoid burning your fingers on hot glue, try pressing the item in place with the back of a pen or pencil.

Step 9: You can secure your base with a headband or metal hair clip.

The most stable types of bases are these.You can get a 1 in headband or a 3 in hair clip.Don't use combs or small clips because they may not be strong enough.Make sure the headband or hair clip doesn't have anything that makes it hard to glue it in place.A plain headband or hair clip is a good choice.If you want to make the headband snug, try it on first.It is best to wear a headband with texture on the underside.

Step 10: Attach the headband or hair clip with hot glue.

If using a headband, apply enough glue to cover the diameter of your felt base, and position the line of glue so that it is slightly off to the side you want to wear the headband on.If you want the headpiece to tilt to the right, apply the line of glue at the center of the headband.If you apply hot glue to the inside of the hair clip, you may not be able to open it.

Step 11: The headband or barrette needs to be pressed onto the felt disc.

After applying the glue to the headband, press the bottom of the felt disc onto the line of glue.Hot glue dries quickly.If you want it to be completely dry, hold the felt base against the headband or hair clip for 30 seconds.After the glue is dry, your fascinator is complete.If you want to see how it looks, try it on.