At the beginning of this month I shared with you my first attempt at making a mini top hat as I was preparing for this challenge. This mini top hat featured today is taller than the first, but the process was just as much fun!
I started with my hat template from LostWax and cut out my pattern using crafters foam. I used red and black foam this time but it doesn't matter what color you use unless you are going to do a white hat, as everything gets covered with paint. Cutting the pattern with precision is key! Using contact cement to glue everything together is very important!
The first step to beautifying this hat was to add the rivets. These were made with Perfect Pearls (I used white but it doesn't matter the color because it gets painted over) then I Gesso'd the whole thing and after it was completely dry, I painted the entire hat with black acrylic paint. Yes, I paint the entire inside of the hat as well because my crafters foam will range in color.
After the black paint was completely dry I went back over the rivets with Marble Vintaj Patina paint. Most of my metal embellies and Tim Holtz trinkets, were also painted with the Marble Vintaj as well. I then added the keyhole and feathers to the front of the hat.
I wanted to use items I had in my stash and not buy anything for this project so I found some rose lace (a gift from a previous swap) and added that to the bottom of the hat with Tombow Multi glue. While the glue was setting up I added my white and black feathers to create some elegance.
After the feathers were held in check, I added the metal embellies and clock pieces.
I then added the black damask ribbon bow on the back because I just love the damask pattern.
The following pictures were taken using different angles, lighting, and settings.
These hats are just fun to make! The possibilities are endless and I am up to my ears with ideas! I do hope you enjoyed this post! Carpe Diem and Happy Crafting!
If you would like to enter this challenge at Try It on Tuesday click HERE. The DT are just a wonderfully talented group and the challenges are fun!
Thank you for stopping by and leaving your lovely comments! I treasure each and every one and look forward to "meeting" you! Hugz! ~Niki
This project will be shared with the following wonderful challenges:
A Vintage Journey-Anything Tim! HERE I always think of Top Hats when I think of Tim Holtz so I made a top hat.
Country View Challenges-Anything Goes HERE Happy Blogaversary #2!
Mixed Media World-Anything Goes HERE
Beyond Grey Challenges-#66 Mixed Media with more than one medium. HERE I used Gesso, black acrylic paint, Vintaj Patina Paint, and Perfect Pearls.
This is amazing Niki and great to have you as Guest Designer at TIOT for his challenge
ReplyDeleteLove Chrissie xx
Why thank you Chrissie! It was fun to make. Hugz!
DeleteWhat a fantastic project Niki!
ReplyDeleteThank you Susi! Happy Happy joy joy!
DeleteSuper clever, very theatrical and steampunk. Love all the wonderful embellishments. Congrats on your GDT spot.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Cec
Haha! Thanks Cec! It reminds me of a Bridal Steampunk hat for some reason. So happy to be the GDT for TIOT! Hugz!
DeleteStunning piece of art! Love it!
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you very much Lucyna! Hugz!
DeleteHi Niki this a stunning creation, loved that you've shown step by step pics too.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you agreed to join us for this challenge.
Hugs, Avril xx
Thank you Avril! It was a pleasure to be a guest for this wonderful challenge. You all are so talented and wonderful to work with! Hugz to you muffin!
DeleteWow Niki what a fantastic creation! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Try it on Tuesday. Nikki xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Nikki! These hats are just fun to make, from start to finish. Loves it! Hugz!
DeleteOoh this is gorgeous Niki,a real stunning make and I love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you joining us at MMW and good luck ;)
Big hugs
Donna DT xxx
Thank you Donna! I literally just found MMW and am thrilled about anither mixed media challenge to play with! Hugz!
DeleteFabulous hat with beautiful embellishments. I really love it, Niki!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being our Guest Designer for this challenge.
Mar x
It was a real pleasure to Guest for TIOT! This hat went a lot smoother than the first, practice make perfect right? Lol! Thanks for stopping by. Hugz!
DeleteThis is an absolutely fantastic creation. Awesome added details and a super step by step. Thank you so much for being our guest at TioT's for this challenge.
ReplyDeleteYvonne xx
So glad you like the step by step! I did forget to take pictures of cutting the pieces out and while glueing. Oops. Happy to be a Guest! Thanks for stopping by and Hugz to you!
DeleteGreat project, nice to have you with us at TIOT this time round. Valerie
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerie! It was a pleasure. Hugz!
DeleteAbsolutely gorgeous hat-project. Nice to have you our guest designer at TioT-
ReplyDeleteThank you Sirkkis! You all are a fun group. Hugz!
DeleteMight be a good idea to visit the people who leave comments and put your answer there!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Anonymous. I stop by other blogs and leave a comment but not usually in reply to a comment that is left on my blog. Good thought though. As you are anonymous, I can't do that though. :(
DeleteYou tell 'em Doc!!! Guess there's a reason this person wants to remain anonymous...if you don't have anything nice to say bub, don't say anything at all!
DeleteYou're doing great Doc, ignore this yahoo!
Wow what a fabulous hat design and details.
ReplyDeleteHugs Diane
Thanks muffin! Hugz to you Diane!
DeleteAbsolutely fabulous, Niki! I love all the beautiful details on your hat! Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHugs :)
Branka xxx
Branka, these hats are so versatile to make! Thanks muffin! Hugz to you dear.
DeleteWow! This is spectaular! Such wonderful details! Chrisx
ReplyDeleteHa! 'spectacular' too!
ReplyDeleteAwww! I get both spectacular and spectaular! Awesome! Lol! That made me laugh Chris, thanks! Hugz dear!
DeleteI like how Cec described it...THEATRICAL!! What an amazing project Doc, I mean seriously, you made a whole hat!! LOVE the feathers and steampunk trinkets, this is definitely a work of art that should be displayed in a window somewhere! Well done! It's such a treat to have you as our guest designer at Try it on Tuesday! big hugs :)
ReplyDeleteHaha! Thanks Bubbles! Now that you and Cec said it, I could see this hat in a play. Maybe a mad hatter themed play with this hat belonging to a Miss Steamy. Lol! Hugz to you muffin!
DeleteI just LOVE your hat creations Niki! this one is so fun in black and with those gorgeous feathers and metal Idea-ology! Thanks for sharing this with the AVJ all things Tim Challenge!
ReplyDeleteThank you ever so much Julia! Tim sure inspires a lot of people! I would love to go to a class of his, or just CHA and see home demo something.
DeleteGreat looking hat.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us this month at Country View Crafts.
Smiles:)
Sue
Thanks Sue! Happy to join in!
DeleteGood Golly, Niki! You are one talented milliner! I love this hat, and would be proud to wear it! Love those feathers and the damask bow! the rivets and the metal are the perfect touches to this steampunk design. I am getting left in the steampunk dust here! Another picture comes to mind...a sweet doggie or my Roger puppy-cat wearing one of your lovely hats! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Sara, I had to look up what a milliner does. Thank you! I would love to see this on a puppy or kitty! I may just put it on my fur babies and take a picture! Fabulous idea. Hugz muffin!
DeleteWow, wow and wow!! This is amazing!! I'm feeling very inspired to make a shoe to match ;) I love the detail like the rivets, those little details just set up the whole piece!! you have such an imagination and a great eye for these things. This is one steampunk style beauty!
ReplyDeleteHuge hugs
Georgie xx
Haha! Thanks Georgie! If you make a shoe I really want to see it, that would be awesome! Your shoes are amazing regardless. Happy huge Hugz to you muffin!
Delete:)
ReplyDeleteA brilliant hat, where the form is really awesome succeeded. Also the design is very creative and fascinating. Wonderful color contrast!
Hugs - Senna
Why thank you Senna! I just need more time to create more hats. The possibilities are endless. Hugz! ~Niki
DeleteStunning top hat and I adore the decorations and Vintaj details. It's great to have you join in with us at AVJ this month.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Annie x
Thank you Annie! I really enjoy using the Vintaj patinas alongside alcohol inks. Awesome stuff to play with.
DeleteSoooo love your mini hats! This one is no exception! Will give it a go....somewhen! Great job and congrats on your GDT, you rock!~kim
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim! You really should get the hat template. I bet you would come up with some gorgeous hat creations! Hugz!
DeleteThis is right up my street - love it! I want one now but large enough for my head to be underneath it. This is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Neet xx (ps Mr linky is now up on AT - sorry)
Haha! I know what you mean Neet! Using the crafters foam makes it really lightweight so no headache from wearing it. I linked up another creation. Thanks! Hugz! ~Niki
DeleteOh my !!!!! this so amazing !!!
ReplyDeleteGreat great job there !! I love how quirky they are ! and so much fun !
Thanks for playing with us at BGC this month
Thank you very much PJ! You are totally correct about fun! Lots of fun to make. :)
DeleteFantastic design on that hat love it!Thanks for playing along with MMWhugs Debs xx
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you Debs! Just found MMW and am happy to play along. Hugz! ~Niki
DeleteFreakin' cool hat!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nan! I have many more ideas for these lovely hat creations.
DeleteWow! That's a stunner! Looks so elegant!
ReplyDeleteThank you for playing along at BGC!
Why thank you Aneta! I would love to see this on a lady in full Steampunk gear. :)
Delete