3 DIY Graduation Cap Decorating Ideas You Can Make During Finals

Whether you're celebrating virtually or in person, these adorable graduation cap designs are easy to make with only a handful of supplies.

I Did It For My Cat, Roll Out and Pink Floral Graduation Caps

Decorated Graduation Caps

Learn how to decorate graduation caps with cute and orginal designs like "I Did It For My Cat", "Roll Out" and a pink floral cap, as shown on HGTV.com.

Photo by: Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia

Graduation is the perfect opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Decorate your graduation cap with one of these adorable designs by HGTV Handmade's Gabriela Hardan.

Graduation Cap Decorating Ideas
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I Did It for My Cat

Blue, Cat Shaped Graduation Cap That Reads "I Did It For My Cat"

"I Did It For My Cat" Graduation Cap

Dedicate your graduation cap to your biggest inspiration: your cat.

Photo by: Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia

Materials + Supplies

  • graduation cap
  • blue glitter card stock
  • a plate, bowl or any object to trace a circle
  • stick-on letters
  • wire
  • low-temp hot glue gun
  • wire cutters
  • scissors or craft knife

Make the Cat’s Head

The first step to pounce on is creating the cat’s head. Start with the piece of blue glittery card stock (Image 1). Next, use a plate or another round object to trace out a big circle (measure size to correspond with your hat) on blue glitter card stock (Images 2 and 3). Cut out the circle (Image 4).

Make the Cat’s Ears

Next, draw two small triangles on the card stock for the cat’s ears (Image 1) and cut them out (Image 2).

Add Cat’s Head to Your Cap

Find the center point of the large card stock circle. Using a craft knife, cut a small cross shape through the center point of the card stock (Image 1) so you can push the card stock down onto the button of the graduation cap (Image 2 and 3). It should fit snugly, so start with a very small cross and then make any adjustments to the scored flaps if necessary.

Glue Down All the Pieces

Position the cat's ears (Image 1) and then use a low-temp hot glue gun to add the ears (Images 2 & 3). Then, add a few dabs of glue the back of the card stock circle to secure the cat's head onto the cap (Image 4).

Make a Statement

Optionally, arrange the stick-on letters to say, “I Did It for My Cat!” or another feline-friendly phrase of your choosing.

Add Whiskers

Cut a few small pieces of wire to create the cat's whiskers, positioning them around the graduation cap button (Image 1); this will be the cat's nose. Hot glue the whiskers, holding them in place until the glue dries (Image 2). Continue adding whiskers to complete the cat's nose (Image 3).

Purrfect Cap

It's the perfect way to honor your biggest inspiration on your special day.

Floral Cap

Graduation Cap Covered in Pink Faux Flowers

Floral Pink Graduation Cap

Learn how to create a faux floral graduation cap with step-by-step instructions, as seen on HGTV.com.

Photo by: Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia

Materials + Supplies

  • wire cutters
  • graduation cap

Prepare the Flowers

Prepare the faux flowers by cutting off the stems using wire cutters (Image 1). Cut as close to the base of the flowers as possible so they're flush with the top of the cap when gluing (Image 2). Repeat until all flowers are cut.

Add Flowers to Cap

One by one, dip the base of a faux flower into a glue skillet (Image 1). Tip: You can also use dots of hot glue for this. Then, place the flower flush to the cap (Image 2). Repeat the steps until the cap is completely covered (Images 3-5).

Pretty In Pink

A vibrant pink floral cap will definitely help you stand out from the crowd.

Time to Roll Out!

Graduation Cap Reading "Roll Out" with 3D Skate Stickers

Roll Out Graduation Cap

Show that you're ready to "roll out" with this cute skate-themed graduation cap, as seen on HGTV.com.

Photo by: Cassidy Garcia

Cassidy Garcia

Materials + Supplies

  • graduation cap
  • white & black paper or card stock
  • stick-on letters
  • roller blade 3D stickers
  • yarn
  • pom-poms
  • low-temp hot glue gun
  • scissors

Make the Road

Start by making the road. Cut out a rectangle shape on a white piece of paper. Add glue to the white piece (Image 1) and glue it on the hat (Image 2).

Make Road Markers

Cut out small rectangles from black paper, then add a dab of glue to each (Image 1) before pressing them onto the white rectangle in a line to create the road markers (Images 2 and 3).

Add a Phrase

Use stick-on letters to adhere the phrase "Roll Out" to the cap or another phrase of your choice.

Add Pom-Pom

Attach a pom-pom to the button of the hat with hot glue (Image 1). Tie a piece of yarn around the pom-pom and button (Image 2). Hot glue the yarn in place if necessary.

Add Stickers

Add the 3D roller blade stickers on the cap’s road.

See Ya on the Flip Side

Now you're ready to roll out!

Graduation Gifts and DIYs

5 Ways to Wrap Money

Gift money to your favorite grad with one of our fun and clever DIYs. Because who doesn't love money, right?

15 Graduation Gift Ideas Under $50

Shop our curated gift list to celebrate your graduate in style and under budget.

Next Up

5 DIY Graduation Money Gifts

Gift money to your favorite grad with one of our fun and clever DIYs. Because who doesn't love money, right?

Make a Folding Heart Card

Just like magic, this handmade card unfolds to reveal photos of all your precious memories together.

Make Paper Teacup Gift Boxes With This Free Pattern

These adorable, handmade gift boxes are perfect for Mother’s Day or favors at a tea party. Download the free pattern and customize them to your heart's content.

Customizable DIY Felt Letter Banner

Make a different banner for every holiday of the year with these cute DIY letters made out of nothing more than felt and string.

3 DIY Ways to Deck Out Your Party With Disco Balls

No dance floor? No worries! These disco ball DIYs are sure to liven up the party!

How to Make a Brooch Bridal Bouquet

Showcase beautiful family heirlooms and special pieces of jewelry in an easy-to-make bouquet that will last for many years to come.

3 Easy Ways to Dry Your Own Wedding Bouquet

Warning: You're about to save hundreds of dollars on wedding bouquet preservation.

Craft a Party-Perfect Blooming Backdrop on a Budget

Make a big impact on a small budget with this DIY party prop that makes a stunning cake table backdrop or can act as a photo booth for weddings, birthdays, showers, graduation parties or any other celebration.

3 Ways to Make Paper Flowers For a Wedding Bouquet

Learn to make budget-friendly flowers that will last long past the big day.

How to Dry Your Wedding Bouquet With Silica

Weddings cost enough. With this incredible DIY, you're about to save big on flower preservation.

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