It's starting to get sunny in Australia, and my hats always go missing (I blame my children). So when I saw a blank cap for $6, so many possibilities ran through my head. First I started by painting the cap with clear gesso. This seals the surface and means that you don't have to use as much acrylic paint to cover the surface. Then I painted on watered down acrylics all over the surface. I found stuffing the inside of the hat with plastic bags helped keep the shape and made it a little easier.
To blend the colours together, I used a stencil CM 2019 with a sponge and white gesso. The surface was still damp when I did this (because I am impatient) so waiting until it is dry will give you a crisper image. However, stencilling on fabric when damp allows the colours to blend into each other a little, giving an overall softer impression.
Finally I used gel medium to glue these beautiful birds collage papers over the surface of the hat. If you go slow, and tear the paper so that it lies mostly flat, you get a good result. This collage paper is like rice paper, and you could substitute napkin images instead. I added a quote to finish the piece.
I can't wait to wear this unique piece in public, and I think they would make fabulous gifts for Christmas!!!
Happy creating,
Niamh
What a darling hat! Terrific idea for gits AND oneself!
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