What can I do with all of my old Cowboy hats?

Question

I have about 20 or so Cowboy hats both felt and straw, and I was trying to figure out what I could do with them besides hang them on the wall. Is there anybody out there that has any neat ideas that I could do with my old hats. I am not above cutting, painting, or doing what ever to them. I love these old hats and really would hate to just throw them away, they have seen many miles and I would love to still be able to incorporate them in my life. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

Do a western theme in your guest bathroom.Cover the ceiling with them.Do leather looking paint walls.

Answer 2

If you love your hats then you must be attached to them sentimentally. If they have specially memories attached to them and the stories of when you wore them; then don't paint, cut or alter them in any way. If you have photos, or cowboy outfits; put them on buy a Little camera and have someone take photos of you wearing your hats. Now find the perfect wall. Hang the hat place the photo beneath the hat and print out a short story on your computer using large fonts and tell a brief story regarding you and your association with the hat. Now you have a beautiful collection of hats that have sentiment therefore, they just aren't any old hats to either you ar others who look at them ENJOY! REIKI56

Answer 3

I would actually recommend to hang them on a wall. If this is a collection you like. Place like items togther. You could also buy hat hooks and create an focal wall by framing them in, like a 3-D sculpture.

Or you could sew them and make a cool little "quilt" to hang from loops you can buy (either plastic or metal). I saw a cute space divider at an Indian restaurant made from tiny quilted squares and it was hung from a rafter with little rings. It hid a big space above a screen from the dining room to the kitchen. Those rings were plastic.

Post when you decide what to do.

Answer 4

take a picture of each one (just a regular size photo)
Then matt-frame the photos for a relagular large-over a sofa picture.With the pictures all lined up like 6 across and 4 down
Take a few extra pictures to make it even. Then store your hats away.

Answer 5

I used brewed tea to age bone hair pipe, and I think the same approach will work for the straw hat. Just be careful not to do too much at a time or it may get too dark.

Answer 6

I have to agree with another, find a focal point of one or two of your hats and find plastic hooks (not metal, as metal will tear/destroy) and find/create a quilt with photos that correspond with that hat. Between the photo, quilt, and the hat you will have a memorable piece of art. If you aren't the artsy type go to the local quilt shop and someone there will be "more" than glad to help you with a project of this making. And if not contact me and I'd be happy to help you. Last but not least--Do NOT Get rid of them as it sounds like you are attached, and you will regret it. Charleen

Answer 7

when I was in Wyoming this summer, an artist had taken old straw hats, and covered them completely with paintings. Some of scenery and some crazy ones like zebra or leopard, and some with western scenes.

Answer 8

Do you have plants in your house? You could put the plant pot in the upside down hat. Paint them and make them into a centerpiece or put a candy bowl in them for guests?

Just random thoughts.

Answer 9

I quote your phrase " I love these old hats and really would hate to just throw them away ". I will gladly pay for postage/packaging if you are willing to part with 'em felt/leather hats?
good day to you sir.

Answer 10

Hang a few somewhat close together on a wall. Maybe add a frame with different barb wires in it.