Last May I graduated with my degree in Biology, with an emphasis in Cell and Molecular Biology, from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. As graduation approached I knew I wanted to decorate my graduation cap, but didn't have a lot of time. During my study breaks I started looking up ideas where else but Pinterest. 

My Graduation Cap Inspiration Page

Thankfully my finals were done about three days before I graduated so I had time after I was officially done with classes to work on in. Our caps and gowns were maroon so I decided to stick with silver for decorations and I knew I wanted sparkle. 

On a quick trip to Hobby Lobby I got silver glitter ribbon, 8mm plastic rhinestones, and some loctite super glue (I got the liquid knowing I would use it sparingly). I also used scissors to cut the ribbon but I had those on hand. 

First I layed out the rhinestones in different patterns till I found one I liked, using my Pinterest page for some ideas. Once I found the pattern I liked I slowly glued the rhinestones down using A DROP of super glue for each and adjusting with a pair of tweasers or pencil as needed. 

After I was done glueing on the rhinestones I started working on my bow. The ribbon I got has some plastic fillament in it which would have made tieing a nice bow difficult so I cut a long piece, significantly longer than I knew I would need, and was able to easily pull out the fillament. Following a set of diagrams I found, yet again on Pinterest, I was able to tie a pretty bow.  I then decided where I wanted it placed and used a few drops, not to many, of super glue to glue it down. 

I absolutely love how it turned out. I stood out so my family could find me with out over doing it. 

After graduation I knew I wanted to keep my hat but had no idea what I wanted to do with it. I knew I didn't just want it to sit in a box somewhere for years until it eventually got thrown out. So, I took a piece of fishing line and tied a loop. I then hot glued the cap down so it was almost flat and glued the loop to the unfinished side. After letting it cool I was able to hang it on my wall as a decoration.

Here is what the back of it looks like.

I love the memories it holds and that it remindes me of something I worked extremely hard to achieve. 

~ Katy