Every graduate walking across the stage to collect a diploma wants to stand out from the sea of hundreds of other 18-year-olds. The black gown may be mandatory at a high school graduation, but the cap could definitely use a little individuality. Consider this the perfect time to showcase your unique personality by doing a little DIY makeover on your graduation cap.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
State Pride
Consider showcasing to the crowd of families and friends, as well as your fellow graduates, your state pride. This can be either the current state you live in, or the state you will be attending college. There’s a couple different ways to show your state some love, including:
- A silhouette cutout of the state
Adorn the top of your grad cap with a silhouette cutout of your favorite state. You can trace and cut the shape out of almost any material, including fabric, paper, cardboard, etc. Choose something with a fun, bold pattern such as fabric with the American flag printed on it, or choose to brightly paint the state yourself. If you want a more sophisticated look, consider cutting the shape of the state out of an old map of the United States or the world.
- The initials of the State
Boldly declare your statehood by printing the initials of your home state (or the state you’ll be attending college) on the top of your graduation cap for everyone to see. While you can’t really go wrong with decorating the top of your cap, try to make the letters large and vivid so even the people sitting in the nosebleeds can see them. You might also consider adorning your cap with the initials of the college you’ll be attending.
Favorite Quote
Twenty years ago it was fairly common for high school yearbooks to print a favorite quote for each senior in the graduating class. It isn’t done as often anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share your favorite quotation with everyone you know. Use the top of your graduation cap to fearlessly proclaim the words that have carried you through the past four years. It can be a movie quote, a line from a favorite television show, or words spoken by an ancient philosopher. It doesn’t matter where the quote comes from as long as it has real meaning and value to you.
DIY decorating your graduation cap is a great way to let the world know a little more about you. Regardless of who you were in high school, graduation is your time to determine who you really want to be. Make a fresh start by boldly showing your friends and family your creative side.