The fun and fashion that is a part of the Australian Spring Racing Carnival is a wonderful experience. Being able to blend this frivolity with your own unique creativity is a special way that one can experience a day at the races while proudly wearing a key wardrobe element that not only have you created, but one that was made using upcycled materials for the finest quality and most unique finish.
Begin with the band
Most fascinators come in either a clip or headband form to which decorative elements are attached in a creative display of design. To find the base element for your fascinator, simply go through your collection of old clips and headbands to find something that you may not be used in your regular fashion choices anymore and give it a new life. Headbands can be wrapped with a simple ribbon to give them a stylish look or items can be easily attached with a glue gun. If you are using a clip, it would also be great to find a base for you to create your design on which can easily be attached to the clip later.
Gather your decorative elements
The kind of fascinator you are making will depend on the outfit you have chosen. Vintage outfits are extremely fashionable at the moment, so you can pair your upcycled fascinator with the gorgeous second-hand dress you may have stumbled across in your search for the perfect outfit. When it comes to the decorative elements you will be using, you need to consider the size of the accessory and what you would like to feature as your main decoration. Flowers are a common inclusion, especially in spring and feathers are also a well-loved feature. You can upcycle old feathers that may have been attached to clothing and small buttons can make great centrepieces for your upcycled fascinator. Unwanted fashion jewellery is a great source of stones and design inspiration and if you have only one of a pair of earrings, which so commonly happens, this can also be a great source of stones and flourishes that will look great in your fascinator.
Have the tools you need on hand
When you are upcycling accessories like fascinators there can be some detailed and intricate work to be done, twisting wires and positioning small gems into place, so having a pair of needle-nose pliers (or even tweezers) on hand can be helpful. Hot glue is a staple for anyone that is creating something like this but really it is a staple for anything upcycled as it allows you to easily reform shapes and attach pieces to create the finished effect. If you have a box of old ribbons and scraps of material, these can be handy for choosing your colour theme and can even be used as a base for attaching your decorative elements.
Get creative
When it comes to race day fascinators, simple and understated are not always rules of thumb. Some of the greatest award-winning fascinators in history have been big and bold to make the loudest possible statement. So go as big as you dare this coming race day. Whether you’re attending the Australian Spring Racing Carnival and looking for the best Cox Plate odds, or you are simply participating in a sweepstake at a backyard barbeque celebration, your upcycled fascinator will complete your race day look perfectly.
