Today’s post is sponsored by Scotch Colors & Patterns Duct Tape.
Kick off Halloween crafting with a simple, colorful project: DIY monster party hats. If you prefer fun and quirky over spooky, these hats are for you—bright colors, playful features and easy assembly make them perfect for kids’ parties or last‑minute costumes. I updated plain store‑bought cone hats with Scotch Colors & Patterns Duct Tape to add giant eyeballs, horns, tassel hair and other monster details. They’re quick to make, customizable and a great activity for a classroom or party craft table.
Supplies
Scotch Colors & Patterns Duct Tape (I used Hot Pink, Sunshine Yellow, Green Apple, Pearl White and Jet Black)
Scissors
Rotary cutter
Cutting mat or board
Plain party cone hats
Make the eyeballs by taping two pieces of pearl white duct tape together (about 3″ each, or long enough for the size of eye you want). Flip the piece over and add two more strips to the back so both sides are covered. Fold in half and cut a half‑circle along the folded edge to create a full round eye.
Cut a smaller jet black circle and stick it to the center to form the pupil. For horns, teeth, eyebrows and other small features you have two simple options:
- Make sticker features by cutting the shape from tape and adhering it directly to the hat.
- Make pieces that stand away from the hat by folding a strip of tape over so about 1/4″ of the sticky side is exposed. Cut the shape and press the exposed sticky edge to the hat so the piece pops up slightly.
To create tassel “hair,” use three 5″ strips of tape layered the same way as the eyeball piece. With a rotary cutter, fringe both long edges of the layered piece, leaving a section uncut in the center so the fringes stay attached.
Roll the fringed piece tightly, fold it in half so the two fringed sides meet, then secure the base with a small strip of tape wrapped around it. Trim any uneven edges for a neat look.
Attach the tassel hair by trimming the top tip off the cone hat and inserting the tassel into the opening. To attach eyeballs and other features, wrap a small piece of tape around itself to create a non‑sticky tab, stick it to the back of the feature, and then press the tab onto the hat for a secure hold.
Customize each hat with different color combinations, eye placements and features so every monster has its own personality. These hats are a fast, inexpensive way to add character to a party—use them as a craft station where kids can design their own monsters, or make a set ahead of time for a themed celebration.
All photos by Studio DIY
Whether you make friendly, goofy monsters or something a bit more monstrous, display extras as colorful party decor or scatter goofy eyes around the table for instant monster confetti.
This post is a collaboration with Scotch Colors & Patterns Duct Tape. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that help keep creative projects going.