Summer Session 1 - Week 2
Welcome back explorers to our Switzerland excursion. Today we are going to learn how to make an alpine hat.
An alpine hat is sometimes referred to as a Tyrolean hat or a Bavarian hat. It originated in the Alps, part of which are in Switzerland. This hat was worn as a traditional garment of "local folk" apparel and was made out of green felt. It is known for its brim and pointed tip, which makes it unique in comparison to hats from other parts of the world, alongside the feathers or flowers that are tucked into the hat as well.
The history of this hat dates back to as early as the 1800s, and became part of the local folk and village wear. It later took on more tourist connotations as a symbol for local color and tradition of the Alpine communities. It became more known after King Edward VIII of Britain endorsed the hat as a fashion statement and a tip of homage to his ancestral past.
Today, we are going to learn how to make a homemade Alpine hat using a big sheet of green construction paper, glue, elastic string, clips, a hole puncher, and feathers or whatever else you'd like to decorate your hat with. .
Educational Component - How To Make Swiss Alpine Hats
We wanted to make this arts and crafts activity fun and accessible to all learners. We include a link down below for people who are more of visual learners and would like to see an example of the hat being assembled.
Step 1: Fold your construction paper in half vertically and press down the creased edges.
Step 2: Fold down the top corners (like triangles) inward towards the center of the paper. You should end up with two triangles facing inward towards one another and are equivalent in size with about an inch or so of extra unfolded paper below. Crease down the edges until they are completely flat.
Step 3: Fold up the bottom flaps (one per side) and smooth down the edges again.
Step 4: Fold in the flap corners (inward triangles, two per side), glue, and clamp down with a clamp or paper clip.
Step 5: Glue a feather in the in seem if the body of the hat.
Step 6: Use the whole puncher to punch a whole into each side, this will be where you string through the elastic string, which creates a chin strap to keep your hat on.
Step 7: Decorate as you'd like and take a picture! Send in a picture of your alpine hat for a chance to win our Summer Sessions Contest!