Congratulations, Skyline seniors—you did it! Well… almost.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a soon-to-be graduate looking for creative ways to decorate your graduation cap. What better way to show off your personality than with a one-of-a-kind mortarboard? These tips will help guide you through the process and inspire you to keep your style personalized and niche.
So many ideas, but where do you even start? Pinterest, Instagram, Google, TikTok? The inspiration is endless, so be sure to set aside some time to explore the creative world of cap decorating.
Once you’ve browsed your favorite platforms and gathered some ideas, just dive in:
Theme
If you’re especially confident in a particular area of work, try creating something career-oriented, like a Bob Ross-inspired art scene if you’re heading to art school, or a camouflage background if you’re off to a military academy. If you aren’t sure what you want to do yet, you can always go with a college logo or something meaningful, like your favorite flowers or a Skyline eagle. Choose whatever makes you feel confident and truly reflects who you are.
Quote
If you’re a fan of movies, books, or anything with a powerful line that’s stuck with you, this one’s right up your alley. Whether it’s a quote that has made you laugh, cry, or just totally inspired you, adding it to your cap is a great way to share a bit of what shaped your journey.
Graphics and Items
The final step is to put your thoughts into action! The baseline material every cap should include is some form of paper barrier between the cap cloth and your design to ensure items won’t fall off. This can be cut to fit the area of the top of your cap and glued as needed. I suggest cardstock, a sturdy form of paper that can be found at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or Target.
Please be mindful of school guidelines: Skyline High School requires that all graduation caps remain relatively flat (nothing sticking straight up or off the cap), and nothing can be hanging down from the cap. If you choose to include text, it must be school-appropriate. Here are a variety of decor tools that can be found at your nearest craft store:
- Liquid/stick glue along with glue gun: for item and cardstock gluing (glitter glue is also encouraged).
- Sticky gems/rhinestones: these are most commonly found in big packs, so don’t be shy – share some with other crafty graduates.
- Stickers: an easy and quick way to add some more accessorization.
- Artificial flowers: to add a pop of florals, free from mess.
- Acrylic paint: to freehand some designs for a more artistic flair.
- Small utility knife: for cutting small sections and cardstock.
- Beads, ribbon, and washi tape can be used in a variety of creative ways (e.g., lining the cap, extra decor, etc.).
After you celebrate your hard work and graduate, hold onto your cap as a bittersweet memento of your high school years. Grab a frame from Frames Unlimited, TJ Maxx, or Home Goods to display your cap and hang it on your wall.
The Skyline Post wishes you well on your cap-making journey! Please see our photographers at the ceremony to be sure we get a photo of your creation.
