• Home
  • About
    • About Crafts by Amanda
    • Visit Our Recipe Site
  • Work With Us
  • Join
    • Free Newsletters
    • Join our Facebook craft group
↑
  • Tutorials
    • Tutorial Index
    • Adult Crafts
    • Crafts for Kids
    • Crafts for Seniors
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Seasonal Crafts
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Free Printables
    • Craft Collections
  • Adult Crafts
    • Bath & Body
    • Beach Crafts
    • Clay Pot Crafts
    • Crafts for Seniors
    • Decoupage Crafts for Adults
    • DIY Gift ideas
    • Garden Crafts
    • Home Decor Projects
    • Kitchen Crafts
    • Light Bulb Crafts
    • Luminary Crafts
    • Mason Jar Crafts
    • Needlework
    • Photo Display Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts for Adults
    • Wearable Crafts for Adults
  • Crafts for Kids
    • Animal Crafts for Kids
    • Back to School Crafts
    • Beach Crafts for Kids
    • Camp Crafts
    • Cardboard Tube Crafts for Kids
    • Decoupage Crafts for Kids
    • Easy Crafts for Kids
    • Nature Crafts for Kids
    • Other Kid’s Crafts
    • Paper Plate Crafts for Kids
    • Recycled Crafts for Kids
    • Slimes, Doughs, & Clay
    • Wearable Crafts for Kids
  • Holiday Crafts
    • 4th of July Crafts
    • Christmas Crafts
    • DIY Gift ideas
    • Earth Day Crafts
    • Easter Crafts
    • Father’s Day Crafts
    • Halloween Crafts
    • Memorial Day Crafts
    • Mother’s Day Crafts
    • New Year’s
    • Other Holidays
    • Patriot Day Crafts
    • St. Patrick’s Day Crafts
    • Thanksgiving Crafts
    • Valentine’s Day Crafts
  • Seasonal Crafts
    • Winter Crafts
    • Spring Crafts
    • Summer Crafts
    • Fall Crafts
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Crafts by Amanda

crafts for adults and kid's crafts

  • Tutorials
    • Tutorial Index
    • Adult Crafts
    • Crafts for Kids
    • Crafts for Seniors
    • Recycled Crafts
    • Seasonal Crafts
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Free Printables
    • Craft Collections
  • Adult Crafts
    • Bath & Body
    • Beach Crafts
    • Clay Pot Crafts
    • Crafts for Seniors
    • Decoupage Crafts for Adults
    • DIY Gift ideas
    • Garden Crafts
    • Home Decor Projects
    • Kitchen Crafts
    • Light Bulb Crafts
    • Luminary Crafts
    • Mason Jar Crafts
    • Needlework
    • Photo Display Ideas
    • Recycled Crafts for Adults
    • Wearable Crafts for Adults
  • Crafts for Kids
    • Animal Crafts for Kids
    • Back to School Crafts
    • Beach Crafts for Kids
    • Camp Crafts
    • Cardboard Tube Crafts for Kids
    • Decoupage Crafts for Kids
    • Easy Crafts for Kids
    • Nature Crafts for Kids
    • Other Kid’s Crafts
    • Paper Plate Crafts for Kids
    • Recycled Crafts for Kids
    • Slimes, Doughs, & Clay
    • Wearable Crafts for Kids
  • Holiday Crafts
    • 4th of July Crafts
    • Christmas Crafts
    • DIY Gift ideas
    • Earth Day Crafts
    • Easter Crafts
    • Father’s Day Crafts
    • Halloween Crafts
    • Memorial Day Crafts
    • Mother’s Day Crafts
    • New Year’s
    • Other Holidays
    • Patriot Day Crafts
    • St. Patrick’s Day Crafts
    • Thanksgiving Crafts
    • Valentine’s Day Crafts
  • Seasonal Crafts
    • Winter Crafts
    • Spring Crafts
    • Summer Crafts
    • Fall Crafts
Craft Tutorials | Holiday Crafts | Easter Crafts | Styrofoam Cup Spring Bonnets

Styrofoam Cup Spring Bonnets

Author by Amanda Davis on February 20, 2010 Updated on May 29, 2020

5 from 4 votes
Jump to Project
614 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • Email


 

I learned how to do this several years ago. I’ve made pilgrim hats, leprechaun hats (will post those soon too), and these springtime hats. These springtime hats are the perfect craft for spring, Easter, and Mother’s Day. They are really fun to make and the kids love watching them bake. It’s like having Shrinky Dinks in the oven!

Most common question: Does it smell?

Not really. Maybe a slight scent to the sensitive nose, but I could never smell anything. :)

Styrofoam Cup Spring Hats

Note: The temperature and instructions in this craft are based off of a dark coated cookie sheet at 250 degrees F in an electric oven. You may want to experiment with different temps until you receive satisfactory results. I recommend baking one or two cups at the recommended temperature and time first. If they seem to melt too quickly or the ends curl up and under, try reducing the temperature and trying again.

NOTE: Below are two videos. The first one shows a successful shrinking of a cup at 250 F. The second video shows that at the same temperature another cup did not shrink all the way, even at almost 5 minutes. Out of 5 cups that I tried, 1 failed. I also show the successes at the end, and while watching a cup shrink in the oven is a little borning, I do talk during the video and try to give some explanations as to why it may or may not work for people. I hope these help!

VIDEO #1

VIDEO #2

Print Project
5 from 4 votes

Styrofoam Cup Spring Bonnets

Author: Amanda Formaro

Supplies

  • Styrofoam cups
  • acrylic paint in pastel colors
  • small silk flowers
  • small beads
  • pastel or sheer ribbons
  • hot glue gun
  • magnets optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
  • Place Styrofoam cups upside down (open end of cup down) on a dark coated cookie sheet, placing them about 1-2" apart. Note: we experimented with both dark coated and silver cookie sheets, the cups did not melt properly on the silver sheets.
  • Bake in the oven for approximately 3 minutes, don't walk away! It will take about one minute before you see any changes to the cups, then the heat will begin to melt and shrink them rather rapidly after that. It's lots of fun for the kids to watch, so be sure to turn the oven light on.
  • Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and set aside to cool completely. DO NOT try to remove the cups from the cookie sheet until they are completely cooled. As they cool, the Styrofoam that is stuck to the sheet will relax and release its grip from the sheet, allowing you to remove them easily. Most cups will melt rather well, thought you may end up with one or two that look rather distorted or disfigured.
  • Paint the "hats" with pastel colors, one coat is usually enough, and allow them to dry completely. Once they are dry you can embellish them with small silk flowers, pretty beads, and ribbons using a hot glue gun.
  • If you like, you can hot glue a small round magnet to the bottom of the hat at the brim and hang on the refrigerator.

 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Amanda Davis
Amanda Davis is the crafty, entrepreneurial mother of four children. She loves to bake, cook, make kid's crafts and create decorative items for her home. She is a crafting expert and guru in the kitchen and has appeared online and in print publications many times over the years.
Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)
  • Rainbow Tie Dye Shirts - July 4, 2025
  • Mason Jar Solar Lights - June 27, 2025
  • Patriotic Pinwheels - June 20, 2025
614 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • Email

Filed Under: Easter Crafts, Mother's Day Crafts, Spring Crafts Tagged With: adult, crafts, easter, holidays, kid's crafts, spring

Reader Interactions

Free CraftsBy email every week

Latest crafts straight to your inbox!

Comments

  1. Judy R. says

    April 20, 2022 at 9:21 am

    Hi Amanda, I’ve done this project many years ago when they still sold true styrofoam cups. Will this still work on the “newer” hot / cold styrofoam cups?

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      June 12, 2022 at 5:12 pm

      I haven’t tested this in several years so I can’t be sure,

      Reply
  2. Barbara Whitman says

    February 26, 2019 at 5:22 pm

    I keep trying but the cups didnt shrink down they kinda melted together how can i get them right

    Reply
  3. Patty Futch says

    March 3, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    What size cup did you start with. I used 20 oz and 8.5. We are trying to make bonnet pins for a retirement home. Can you advise.

    My email is [email protected]

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      March 22, 2017 at 3:28 pm

      Hi Patty, I used the 8-ounce size. :)

      Reply
  4. NIKKI JILES says

    July 5, 2016 at 10:26 am

    I will make them with K-cups & cardboard. Seems to be about the same size & will be less time consuming. I have no patience in waiting for the cups to melt. I make Christmas ornaments & will probably decorate them for ornaments but I also love the spring hat look.

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      July 9, 2016 at 9:29 am

      Have fun :)

      Reply
    • Leanie says

      May 27, 2023 at 11:09 am

      Hi, I assume ur K-cups we emptied and washed. Right. I would like to try that. Thanks for the tip

      Reply
  5. Margaret Johnson says

    November 10, 2014 at 4:43 pm

    Melting Styrofoam Cups: How do you make the brim melt out like a Spring Hat or Picture Hat rather than a man’s or Leprechaun Hat? The ones I did don’t make the brims like you have pictured above which are so cute. Thanks for replying.

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      November 11, 2014 at 6:28 am

      Hi Margaret. I’m afraid it’s just trial and error. It all depends on temperature, timing and can also depend on the brand of cup. There’s really no exact science that I have found, just luck of the draw. Sorry I can’t help more!

      Reply
  6. barb says

    April 4, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    hi: my cups did not turn out – didn’t round at the top and didn’t provide a rim at the bottom – bummer. I tried roughly 6 of them and they looked more like something the cat in the hat would wear. I will be persistent though because they are adorable. can’t wait for one of the cups to do what’s right. thanks for sharing. barb

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      April 6, 2014 at 7:15 am

      Try different temperatures too Barb, good luck with it!

      Reply
  7. Michele Schlapfer says

    February 19, 2014 at 10:12 am

    How do you secure them to your head?
    Thanks. Michele

    Reply
    • Amanda Formaro says

      February 21, 2014 at 7:14 am

      Hi Michele. These are miniature hats meant for table decorations.

      Reply
  8. Jenn says

    January 8, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    I used to do these as a kid—37 years ago. Now that I have a 6 year old and a 3 year old. I am excited to do these again. Thanks for the instructional video. I love it!!!

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      January 8, 2013 at 2:52 pm

      You’re welcome, so glad it was helpful!

      Reply
  9. Mariah Randolph says

    September 25, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    Greetings, Craft Goddess! Just wondering, if I pull them out of the oven a bit early, while they still look like top hats, do you think they will maintain their shape? Steampunk wedding are currently very popular, and I’ve been looking for something to do for each place setting. I think these would be great if I added a wig clip to the bottom so the guests could then wear them.

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      September 28, 2012 at 1:46 am

      You can remove them whenever you like, just keep watching through the oven window. The heat hardens the styrofoam, so yes they should hold their shape. Just let them cool before handling :)

      Reply
  10. rita says

    April 29, 2012 at 12:53 am

    Very cute I will be making these. In purple and pink for relay for life

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      April 29, 2012 at 12:55 pm

      How fun!

      Reply
      • Jean says

        September 13, 2015 at 9:05 am

        How do I turn them into place card holders?

        Reply
        • Amanda Formaro says

          September 15, 2015 at 10:29 am

          Hi jean :) If were to use them as place card holders I think I would place the hat on top of a slip of paper with the person’s name, so as not to ruin the hat by attaching a name. I’m sure there are more ways, hope you think of something fun!

          Reply
        • NIKKI JILES says

          July 5, 2016 at 10:21 am

          Cut a slit in the top of the hat and slip a name card in the slit.

          Reply
  11. Megan says

    March 11, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    These are adorable! I’m going to make these with my girls so their AGD’s can have Easter bonnets. Too cute. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  12. lisa armour says

    February 24, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    do you have to attach the decorations using a glue gun i would love to try this with my brownies but find they have problems with glue guns

    Reply
    • admin says

      February 24, 2012 at 1:55 pm

      No, you can Beacon’s 3-in-1 Advanced instant Grab Glue. it works a lot like hot glue but without the “hot” :) http://amzn.to/wxyafD

      Reply
  13. Amanda says

    April 21, 2010 at 11:59 pm

    Hi Teresa

    It's really pretty hit or miss. You have to test different temperatures as well as cookie sheets. Using a dark coated pan will yield different results than that of an insulated sheet, just like with cookies. One pan will heat faster that the other. I always try one at a time until I get it right. The ones pictured above, I probably made 15-20 cups, and ended up with 6 or 7 with perfect brims. You can see some others I did that ended up with curled brims here http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/foam-cup-uncle-sam-hat-craft.shtml

    Reply
  14. Teresa says

    April 21, 2010 at 11:26 pm

    Adorable. But how do you get the brim of the hats flat around the bottom. When I shrank the cups they just shrank in the same shape without a brim.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  15. Jenn @ Delicious Ambiguity says

    April 4, 2010 at 8:44 am

    Those turned out great! I've never seen this done before so thanks for linking up on Tot Tuesdays last week. I hope you’ll join me this week for another party. Happy Easter!

    Reply
  16. Heather - Dollarstorecrafts.com says

    March 20, 2010 at 9:27 pm

    Fun idea! :) I found your blog because you were on my Blogher ad feed. :)

    Reply
  17. Lori says

    March 6, 2010 at 6:31 pm

    These are totally cute. Love them..

    Thanks for joining Get Your Craft on Thurs. Please join me next week for another great party.
    Lori

    Reply
  18. Amanda says

    March 6, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    Thank you all so much! :) :)

    Reply
  19. Andy Porter says

    March 5, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    Cute CUTE cute!

    Reply
  20. Rachelle says

    March 5, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    Ugh! Look at you go! That looks great! I love them.

    I also love the tie dye letters on your side bar. You've got some great ideas, I'm going to bookmark you! :)

    Rachelle

    Reply
  21. Tiff @ Making The World Cuter says

    March 1, 2010 at 5:21 am

    How fun is that?!!
    My kids would love that!
    -Tiff

    Reply
  22. Laurie Turk says

    February 28, 2010 at 3:31 am

    Those are amazing and so creative!

    Reply
  23. Amanda says

    February 24, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    Thank you all :)

    NormaJean – you can use any size, they all melt, but I used coffee cup size, sorry, don't know the oz.

    Reply
  24. NormaJean says

    February 24, 2010 at 3:49 am

    How big are the styrofoam cups??

    Reply
  25. Heather@ My Frugal Family says

    February 24, 2010 at 12:00 am

    Those are really cute- a great Spring craft!

    Thank you so much for linking up with the Talented Tuesday link party at My Frugal Family, which is hosted every Tuesday. Please feel free to stop back in every week and post your newest projects!

    Reply
  26. Lady Jane says

    February 23, 2010 at 5:44 pm

    Those are beautiful I wish I had a working oven so I could make them.

    Reply
  27. Amy @ Simply Sugar & Gluten Free says

    February 22, 2010 at 8:31 pm

    Precious, Amanda. I think they'd make perfect place card holders for a Ladies Tea. You've been SU'd. :)

    Reply
  28. artsy_momma says

    February 21, 2010 at 4:05 am

    I love them- can't wait to see the leprachaun hats! You are so good at explaining things- so easy to understand :)

    Reply
5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This Project




The maximum upload file size: 640 MB. You can upload: image, video. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I’m Amanda and I’m the founder and head designer of Crafts by Amanda. I have spent over 25 years creating projects to share, but it’s not just me anymore! It’s turned into a complete family affair. Come and meet the Creative Team!

Free CraftsBy email every week

Latest crafts straight to your inbox!

All Time Favorites

Learn to make these adorable ladybug painted rocks. use special outdoor paint for this adorable garden craft so you can keep garden ladybugs all summer!

Ladybug Painted Rocks…

These colorful little ladybug painted rocks are the ... Go To project

snowy pinecone candle jar luminaries

Winter Luminaries: Snowy Pinecone…

Make pretty winter luminaries that appear to be covered ... Go To project

Make this wonderful deco mesh pumpkin wreath to hang on your door this fall!

Deco Mesh Pumpkin Wreath…

Adorn your door this fall with a pretty deco mesh ... Go To project

Reuse those empty prescription pill bottles in all sorts of ways. From organizing to making cookies. Yes, cookies! See how to use your empty pill bottles!

20 Uses for Prescription Pill…

You've been collecting prescription pill bottles for ... Go To project

Meet the Family

Amanda

Founder and Designer

Kristen

Editorial Manager

Lindsay

Social Media Manager

As seen on:

Footer

Favorites

  • Jar Photo Frames
  • No-Sew Roman Shade
  • Paper Flowers
  • How to Make a Scrunchie
  • Mermaid Slime

About

  • Home
  • Meet the Creative Team
  • Work with Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Contact Us

Images/text copyright Amanda Formaro 2020. To feature a post from Crafts by Amanda, you may use one photo credited and linked back directly to the project post.

Free CraftsBy email every week

Latest crafts straight to your inbox!

Copyright ©2025, Crafts by Amanda. All Rights Reserved.
Design by Pixel Me Designs

Rate This Tutorial

Your vote:




To share a photo with your comment click here!

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.