Any respectable lady of the Victorian era would have several hats as a part of her wardrobe.  Victorian hats for special occasions could be very highly decorated with feathers, ribbons and flowers. A stunning hat could certainly have been seen as a measure of class for the Victorian lady. Hats would have been displayed on a hat stand or kept in a hat box for storage.

This project is to make a deluxe satin lined hat box, divine for any luxurious miniature hat. 

You will need:

• 10x10cm square of satin
• 1 Hexagon hat box and lid  
• A4 sheet of thin craft paper or wrapping paper in pink
• All purpose adhesive
• 30cm 3mm satin ribbon in pink or white
• 4-5 small cream or pink feathers
• 1 satin rose head decoration
• Scissors
• Pencil or biro pen

To buy miniature cardboard hat boxes, feathers and other craft materials visit: www.thecraftpackcompany.co.uk

1. On the reverse side of the paper, draw around the top of the hat box lid, side of lid and side of box Leave a 1cm border around the side of the lid and side of the box.  Then cut out all three pieces of paper.

2. Spread some glue all the way around the sides of the lid and hat box, then wrap them in the middle of the paper.

3. At each point of the hexagon, you need to make a snip in the paper. This will make it easy to fold the paper over and make a very neat finish. Glue the tabs down on the inside of the hat box, and onto the base. Then glue the tabs down inside the lid and on the lid top.

4. Try your hexagon shape on the lid before you glue into place, it  may need a little paper trimming of to make the right fit. Once you are happy, glue into place.

5. Glue a small hem all of the way around the satin square, to leave a neat finish on the right side of the fabric. Then run a small amount of glue around the inside of the hat box at the top. Place a straight line of the satin square into one corner and begin to work your way around the box.  You will have to fold the fabric as you go, you will have a little while before the glue begins to set.

6. Now you can decorate your box lid with ribbon, feathers and a small satin rose head.

Your beautiful hat box would make a perfect addition to a high class ladies bedroom, placed on top of her wardrobe, or perhaps she has it on the bed after a busy afternoon visiting her favourite exclusive boutique.  Use your hat box as part of a miniature boutique or bridal shop scene to add a touch of pure luxury!

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