Duct Tape Wedding Hat

I have a special event coming up next week.  
I have, in vain, been looking for something special to 
WEAR to the event.  
Something that would make me look 
young, thin.....sigh...
you know how it is.

No such outfit was to be found, 
as no such outfit EXISTS.

So I set my hopes on a special hat.  
They ALWAYS come in your size.  

  

 I do so love this one, alas,
it costs as much as a small car.  
What to do?

As many an Elmore before me 
I determined that lack in the budget 
does NOT have to be the end of the deal.

When you want/need something... 
MAKE DO.

So I have endeavored to make one 
to suit both my hearts desire 
AND my budget.

I started with these.  
Flower pot.  Pretzel container.  
Plastic wrap.  Duct tape.

First I wrapped the pretzel container with plastic wrap.  
This way I can get it off the form when I'm finished.

Next I started wrapping the pretzel container 

with strips of duct tape.

To get a raised ridge I added strips of tape 

and pinched them into shape.

I wrapped all the way to where I wanted the brim to end.  

Then cut slits into the edges to splay them 

out into a brim shape & reinforced 

the slits with strips of duct tape.

Then I began pinning on the 

dupioni silk wire edged ribbon.

The wire edging was soooo helpful 

in getting it to lay smoothly.  

I could pinch pleat it easily as pinned it into place.

after pinning it I used my 

trusty rusty hot glue gun 

to adhere it in place

I lined the inside brim with the same ribbon.

To finish it I made 3 rolled prayer flowers 

from gray/black silk 

to adorn the front.

Viola.... duct tape wedding hat.

Now I just need some matching shoes....