DIY Book Week Costume: Gumnut Hat

Step 1Begin by creating an armature for the hat. Blow up a balloon, making it the approximate size of your head, and then tie a knot. Use scrap paper and tape to create the stem of your hat and tape it in place on top of the balloon.
Step 2Cut up the mod-rock into strips for easy use and have warm water on hand ready to use. Adult supervision is recommended when using scissors. We have used approximately 2.5m of mod-rock to create our hat.
Step 3Begin applying the mod-rock to the armature. Dip the strips one at a time into the warm water. Remove from the bowl, squeeze out the excess water and lay the wet strips over the armature. Think about how far down the balloon you want the mod-rock to sit and create a line. Use your fingers to smooth the surface while wet and overlap the layers in different directions to build strength. Once you’re happy with the shape, allow the mod-rock to dry thoroughly.
Step 4Pop the balloon and gently remove it from the mod-rock hat. You will now be able to see the scrap paper, but it is fine to leave as it will get covered in a later step.
Step 5Paint the outside of the hat green and allow to dry.
Step 6Cut yellow crepe paper into wide strips. Take one of the bundles and unfold. Tape an end inside the hat and then begin to fold the crepe paper into lengths that stick out along the edge of the hat. Work your way around the inside rim, taping the crepe paper as you go to hold it in place. Once you have made it back to the start, add a couple more layers of crepe paper until you are happy with the look.
Step 7Use tacky glue to add some yellow pom poms around the edge of the hat. Allow to dry.
Step 8If your hat is a little big for your head, you may wish to glue some ribbons on the inside to tie under your chin when wearing. Allow to dry if needed.
Step 9Your Gumnut Hat is now ready to wear! You could finish your costume with a yellow tutu!