How to Make a Johnny Appleseed Hat?
Making your own Johnny Appleseed hat is a fun craft that celebrates an American folk hero. With just a few simple materials, you can easily shape a paper cone and customize it by adding your own artistic touch.
To embody the spirit of Johnny Appleseed, consider wearing your homemade hat while gardening or planting seeds outside! It also makes for a unique costume piece. Follow these simple steps to create your own hat that looks like it came straight from the pioneer days.
Materials Needed
Gather your materials before starting. You’ll need:
- Brown paper or fabric: Construction paper, kraft paper, brown paper bag, felt, burlap – use whatever you have!
- Scissors
- Tape or glue
- Markers, paint, seeds (optional for decorating)
Read More : How to make Bill Millers Green Beans?
Make the Main Hat
Shape the Cone
- Cut your brown paper or fabric into a large semicircle or fan shape. Make it wide enough to fit your head.
- Secure the ends together with tape or glue so the paper forms a cone large enough to fit on your head.
Attach Fabric to Make Cone
If using paper, attach a longer, wider fabric like felt or burlap along the inside rim of the cone. This covers the join seam and reinforces the shape. Use hot glue or fabric glue to attach fabric to the inside rim.
Create Chin Strap
Cut thin strips of paper, fabric or ribbon to make ties for the chin strap. Attach to the inside bottom edges of the cone with tape or staples. Tie strap snug under your chin to keep hat secure on your head when worn.
Decorate Your Hat
Personalize your Johnny Appleseed hat to make it your own with decorations like:
Add Details with Markers
Draw or color vines, leaves, apples or even Johnny Appleseed himself! Use crayons, markers or paint pens. Add texture with apple seeds glued along the brim or around the base of the cone for a natural look.
Attach Seeds or Flowers
Glue dried flowers, leaves or apple seeds around the hat or just on the brim. Try using flowers or herbs from your garden.
Paint or Color Your Hat
Paint your cone brown or green, or opt for fall colors like red and yellow. Sponge paint color lightly for a rustic vibe. Paint simple apple or leaf shapes.
Wear Your Johnny Appleseed Hat
Once your decorative touches have dried, put on your hat! Tie the chin strap for a snug fit, then head outdoors to dig in the dirt while channeling your inner Johnny Appleseed.
For a fun activity, use your hat when gardening, planting seeds or telling stories aloud from history. Share the legend of Johnny Appleseed with others by explaining how your homemade hat symbolizes his conservation efforts across America.
Conclusion
Crafting your own easy Johnny Appleseed hat is the perfect way to celebrate this legendary American pioneer. By shaping a simple paper cone and customizing it with unique embellishments, you can easily make a rustic hat that honors his environmental efforts in an fun, creative way.
Review Steps
To recap, start by forming a cone from brown paper and attaching reinforcing fabric around the inner rim. Add a chin strap so hat secures on your head. Decorate with markers, paints, flowers or seeds for a do-it-yourself Johnny Appleseed look you’ll love wearing.
Johnny Appleseed Significance
More than just a fun costume or gardening accessory, your homemade hat represents the adventurous spirit and important conservation legacy of an iconic American folk hero. Let your hat inspire your own environmental appreciation and stewardship as you connect with nature.
FAQs
What size should my Johnny Appleseed hat be?
For a good fit, make your cone large enough in diameter to fit snugly on your head without sliding down over your eyes. Customize size as needed. Add extra reinforcing interior fabric if necessary.
What can I use instead of brown paper or fabric?
You can substitute brown paper, kraft paper or felt with any natural burlap, a brown paper grocery bag, brown packing paper or cardboard. Even recycled materials would capture the pioneering sustainability Johnny Appleseed embodied.
Can I wear my hat outside?
Yes! Your hat is durable enough for outdoor wear. Just avoid heavy rain. If decorating with paper or light materials, seal edges with clear glue to prevent damage. Stiffen with light cardboard inside as extra support.
How long will my hat last?
With occasional care and avoiding moisture damage, a fabric and paper Johnny Appleseed hat should last for many months. Take care not to crush the cone shape if storing. Repair any loose decorations or tearing over time.
What other details can I add to my hat?
Customize yours by gluing or sewing pioneer-era patches like floral fabric or leather corduroy as decorative trim. Add buttons, feathers, fake fur or burlap ribbons. Print out old map images from Johnny Appleseed’s journeys to collage onto your hat. The options are unlimited!
