DIY: JuJu Hat

Ever since I saw a juju hat on the wall of a home in the Style at Home Magazine, I knew I wanted that feathery goodness in my own house.  Only problem was, they cost a ridiculous amount of money...like hundreds and thousands of dollars.  So I decided I needed to find a way to make one...or at least make one that would give me the fluffy cloud feeling that the real hats inspire.

During royal court affairs, tribal chiefs and dignitaries in Cameroon wear these spectacular headresses, known as juju hats.  The feathers are individually sewn on and are a symbol of prosperity.

I thought about buying individual feathers and gluing them on a base, but a) that is way too time consuming, and b) feathers are surprisingly expensive!  So I went the next best route - the feather boa.  What do you think of my attempt?  I'm super happy about how it turned out!

All of my supplies were purchased at the Dollar Store (you can do this project for under $15!)  You will need:

• Feather boas (I used 9 of them)
• Double sided tape
• Foam core board

I was originally going to use hot glue, but once I got started I realized tape would be easier.

I started by tracing and cutting out my base on the foam board.  I didn't have anything big enough to trace, so I made a giant compass using a tack and string.  It took me a few tries to get the right size :P

I taped down the first boa around the edge, leaving a bit of an overhang with the feathers.

I continued to layer and tape the boas one on top of the other, making sure to cover up any holes and thin spots.

I glued (and taped just to make sure...don't want it falling on my head at night) a paper clip on the back to serve as a hanger (it's a very light hat!)

I LOVE the way it turned out! It looks just like a fluffy cloud on my wall! It's not quite as "neat and tidy" looking as the original juju, but I feel it still captures the essence!

(See the update to this post here where I alter the design!)