Looking for a fun way to customize a plain felt hat? Sharon Hankins from I Restore Stuff shared the cutest western-inspired DIY using the brand-new Wildflowers & Wild Horses stencil set from Essential Stencil. This project is beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for creating custom gifts, boutique inventory, or a fun accessory for yourself.
Using soft neutral tones and an easy stenciling technique, Sharon transformed an inexpensive felt hat into a beautiful custom piece with a western boho vibe.
Position the floral stencil from the Wildflowers & Wild Horses set onto the brim of the hat. Since the stencil is designed to curve naturally around hat brims, it fits beautifully along the edge without much adjustment.
Using a stencil brush, apply an off-white paint over the design with a light “pounce and wriggle” motion. Felt absorbs paint differently than wood, so it’s important to use very light coats to avoid bleeding while still working the paint into the fabric.
Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second coat if needed for better coverage.
Once the floral design is dry, flip the hat around and position the “Wildflowers & Wild Horses” wording stencil on the opposite side of the brim.
Using the same off-white paint creates a cohesive, balanced look across the entire hat design. Apply the paint lightly and build coverage gradually as needed.
A second coat can really help the design pop against darker felt materials.
This finished hat has the perfect western boho feel and would make such a fun handmade gift or boutique item. The combination of soft florals and western typography gives it a stylish custom look while still being incredibly simple to create.
Ready to create your own custom hat designs? Grab the Wildflowers & Wild Horses Stencil Set and start creating beautiful wearable art with Essential Stencil.
Want to see the entire project come together step-by-step? Watch Sharon Hankins from I Restore Stuff create this beautiful Wildflowers & Wild Horses stenciled hat from start to finish.
Be sure to check out more creative projects using the Essential Stencil Hat Collection and discover how easy it is to personalize hats, apparel, bags, and more!
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