DIY Sun Hat String (aka Stampede String)

It’s summer vacation guys! I'm ready for sun, sand, unlimited ice pops, and best of all, sundresses! And, the perfect addition to a summer dress is a stylish sun hat. Unfortunately for me though, I have a super small head and they always end up flying off! I got tired of holding them down and/or chasing them around, so I wanted to create a solution that would keep my hat where it belongs- on my head! Here's the super easy, genius DIY so your hat can stay on all day long- a stampede string! PS- I wore the string behind my ears/hair, this way I didn't look like a total dork with a string below my chin! You couldn't even see it.

*This post contains affiliate links.

You will need:

Sun hat with an elastic rim (mine is from Target)
Suede cord (similar here)
Wood bead (similar here)
Flat pin (similar here)
Scissors
Felt Scraps

Directions:

1. While wearing your hat, find the point near your ears and mark on the inside where the strings should go. 
2. Take your suede cord and make a hole for your pin near the top, leaving a little extra on the end so it doesn’t break off. I found that it was a bit hard to use the pin to make the hole, so I suggest using a safety pin or thick needle. 
3. Repeat for the other side. 
4. String a wooden bead through both pieces of suede and tie a knot on each string so it doesn’t slide off. 
5. Using your felt, use a small piece to cover both sides of the pin. If felt is too thick, you can use some regular fabric with fraycheck on the ends. Repeat for both sides. Note: This step is optional, but I realized on the trip that my hair would get caught in the pin and it would hurt when it pulled. 

Although this isn’t 100% foolproof (especially if it’s super windy!) this strap will help you to keep your hat on if a big gust of wind comes your way. I know that without it, I definitely would have had to wave my hat goodbye as it flew down the street. It was already flying off in the Target parking lot after I purchased it!

I left my bead natural wood, but you could totally paint it to match the string, the hat, or to add an extra pop of color. If you're looking for something to do with those extra beads, try this necklace DIY. It's one of my faves!

So what do you think about this hat string? Are you ready to add one to your oversized sun hats? Or, do you have another hack that's even better? Let me know in the comments below!

DIY Snowcone Party Hats

I know what you're thinking- party hats are for little kid's parties! I have many memories of wearing hats with a lame design that matched all the plates and napkins. And they never looked good. However, this isn't a regular hat- it's a cool hat! You can create these in complimentary colors to tie into your theme without being matchy-matchy, preventing the super cheeseball effect. They're cheap and easy to make, and make really cute festive accessories. Plus, since you're adding the elastic yourself, you don't have to worry about it choking you and creating a double chin! Double win! Well, have I convinced ya? Check out the easy how-to below.

You will need:

Snow cone cups (I got mine from Michaels)
Pom poms
Glue gun
Elastic cord (optional)

For this project, all you need to do is glue the Pom Pom onto the snow cone. Easy peasy! If you're planning on wearing them, create a small hole on each side and pull a piece of elastic through an tie a knot.

These are so cheap and quick to make that you can easily create a set for a party. And the bonus? They're SUPER cute!

Try placing a hat on each place setting to dress up the dinner table, or scatter them around the room to ensure everyone sees them. Or, even better, welcome each guest into your party by letting them pick their favorite! How do you plan on using these party hats? Let me know in the comments below! 

My 8 Favorite Places for Party Supplies

This is part two of my party planning series. Be sure to check out the first installment!

So, you've decided on your theme, pinned some great ideas, and made an awesome menu. Now what? How does your party go from dream to reality? For starters, you have to know the right places to go for your supplies! Here is a list of my all-time favorite places to go for my party needs.

Sources: popcorn, hats, suitcase, flowers

Amazon- I love to order my party supplies from Amazon. I use Prime when possible, but when things aren't available on Prime, you'll have to wait a couple of weeks or pay to rush shipping. Giving yourself a little time can help you save on shipping costs, which can add up. Order things as soon as you decide on them to avoid unnecessary rush shipping costs.

Oriental Trading- I love browsing Oriental Trading for party supplies! I use this site for our monthly birthday parties at work. I'm always getting free shipping coupons from them, so I try to place my orders as early as possible to utilize them. Depending on how much I order, I can save $20/month this way!

Target- Target has some really cute party supplies. If you're on a budget, check out their dollar section first. I've found some really cute spring themed supplies and patterned straws for only $1 each! I also like to peruse the clearance sections after a holiday.  This is a great way to get cute decor and supplies for half the price. Just make sure you keep them organized to find them next year ;)

Christmas Tree Shops- I'm not sure if this store is available nationwide, but their stock goes WAY beyond Christmas decor! My parents introduced me to this store several years ago and I am hooked. They have awesome and affordable party supplies and decor items for each season. I've purchased really cute patterned plates, fun lights, outdoor decor... you name it, they have it!

Marshall's/TJMaxx/HomeGoods- While disposable party supplies isn't what these stores are known for, you can find some really cute party supplies here! Near the register, I've found some great printed napkins in a large pack for only $3. In their baking section, you can find seasonal sprinkles or cupcake liners and toppers. If you have some storage space, you can also find some fun ceramic party platters and tiered trays to match a holiday or color scheme.

Dollar Tree- This store is perfect if you're trying to throw a party on a budget! The party supplies can be great, but they can also be super cheesy. In order to prevent your party from looking cheap, only get things that are well-made or very generic. I like to get my solid colored items from there. I can mix those in with nicer, patterned plates and napkins to really stretch out my budget while matching the theme.

Oh Happy Day- This site has the cutest party stuff! They have some of the most unique items to make your party pin-worthy. My favorite are their mini honeycomb balls and this kitten tumbler. As an added bonus, you can check out their blog for some great DIY tips!

Around your house- Before your party, take a walk around to see what you can add to your party to enhance your theme. Look for items that are the same color or go along with the theme. You can add some rain boots for your garden/spring themed party, or use an old curtain as a tablecloth. I've also used pen cups for utensils, paper organizers for napkins, and a small shelf for holding all my party supplies and decor items.

I'm a bit of a hoarder, so after my parties I like to keep all the extra supplies, even if there aren't too many left over. I put plates and napkins in a large baggie so that it's protected from dust and dirt, but also easy to see. This also keeps each set separated for easy use next time. I keep utensils in baggies separated by color. It's much easier than tossing them all in one bag and sifting through for each color. In addition, it's easier to quantify and mix and match this way.  

You might be wondering, what do I do with these small amounts of random leftover supplies? You can either mix them in with your stuff for your next party (especially if you have random snacks scattered around your house), use them on the wall with your decor, or keep them on hand in case you run out at your next theme party. Better to grab a slightly mismatched set than random Christmas plates!

Be sure to follow my Party Inspiration Pinterest Board for TONS of fun party ideas!

What are your favorite places to get party supplies?