27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (2024)

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (1)

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Graduation season is here, and it's time to show off your creative side as you sashay into your future. You might be wondering, "What do I write on my graduation cap?" If you're graduating from high school or college, you will undoubtedly be inspired to leave a lasting impression on your fellow classmates with these spirited ideas for graduation caps. And let us tell you, if there's any time to go above and beyond with your cap, it's 2021.

One of our favorite ways to dress up your graduation cap is by letting your parents know how much you appreciate them with a personalized message written across it. Of course, you could also add a funny quote by your favorite author or go a simpler route and just sport a one-of-a-kind statement tassel. And if you really want to give your classmates all the feels, add a photo that captures an awesome memory or write the lyrics to a sappy graduation song on your cap.

And remember, you can either chose to DIY or buy straight online from stores like Amazon and Etsy (if you're school is cool with that). Either way, class of 2021, you may collectively breathe a sigh of relief. You did it! You are graduates and should enjoy this huge moment in your life.

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1

Tassel Toppers That's All, Folks

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (3)

As you officially enter adulthood, throw it back to your childhood one last time with this Looney Toons-inspired grad cap.

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2

Paper Flower Graduation Tassel

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (4)

Don't feel like going too crazy? Just customize your graduation tassel with cute tiny paper flowers using a printable template.

Get the tutorial from The House That Lars Built »

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3

GlitterMomz Still I Rise

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (5)

This inspirational Maya Angelou quote is a great way to honor all your hard work over the past four years. The seller can also customize the cap based on your preferences.

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4

DIY Graduation Cap

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (6)

Set foot into your future with this darling and dreamy DIY graduation cap!

Get the tutorial from Polka Dot Chair»

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6

CalligraBriDesigns Disney Graduation Cap

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (8)

For the grad who's definitely taking a trip to Disneyland to celebrate after the ceremony.

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7

LilyBeanGiftshop The One Where I Graduate

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This Friends graduation cap will have you reminiscing about the greatest moments in your life thus far.

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8

Tassel Toppers Brains and Beauty

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (10)

You'll glow in thisgraduation capfit for a queen who just got their degree.

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9

The Adventure Begins

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (11)

Add some sparkle to the stage with this glittery cap that's super simple to make.

Get the tutorial from I Love to Create »

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This inspiring bible verse empowers grads as they look to the future.

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11

RSVPbyWR Nevertheless, She Persisted

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (14)

This vinyl decal is an easy way to make a bold statement as you cross that stage.

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12

It's Not a Tiara, But...

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (15)

Show them who the real queen is as you cross the stage wearing this glittering cap.

Get the tutorial from HerCampus »

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13

dinahslettering Customized Graduation Cap Topper

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If you're not so confident in your artistic abilities, you can always order a painted capwith a quote of your choice from this talented Etsy seller!

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14

Already Forgot Everything

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Get a little silly with this Finding Nemo-inspired cap that's simple to create.

Get the tutorial from HerCampus »

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15

BeccaMarieBoutique Nursing Graduation Cap Decal

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (20)

A super cute choice if you're graduating nursing school this year!

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16

Just Did It

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (21)

This fun take on the famous Nike slogan lets everyone know how hard you've worked for this day.

Get the tutorial from For Creative Juice »

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17

Bright Blooms

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We love these small, hand-painted blossoms around the edge of this cap. It's a sweet but subtle way to personalize yours.

Get the tutorial from Sorority Sugar »

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18

The Best Is Yet to Come

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (25)

You're done with school and it's time for a bigger adventure. What better place to say it than on a grad cap?

Get the tutorial from For Creative Juice »

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19

Monogrammed Letters

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (27)

We think Lilly Pulitzer would approve of this bright and colorful cap with the grad's initials.

Get the tutorial from Belle of the Ball »

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20

SimpleSentimental Thank You Mom and Dad (and Coffee)

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (29)

Thank those who made a difference in your life. "Those" may include food and/or beverages that fueled you in pursuit of your degree.

27 Creative Ways to Decorate a Graduation Cap (2024)

FAQs

What do I decorate my graduation cap with? ›

Stock up on Crafting Supplies

It's a great way to save on glue sticks, foam stickers, fabrics, beads, ribbons, silk flowers, glitter glues, colorful washi tapes, and decorative papers. We guarantee that no one will be able to tell the difference between grad cap decorations from the dollar store vs.

What is the tradition of decorating graduation caps? ›

In addition to being a fun way to express yourself, decorating graduation caps is also a way to promote individuality and diversity. Each cap tells a unique story and represents a different experience. It's a way to celebrate our differences and acknowledge that we all have something unique to offer.

Do people still decorate graduation caps? ›

Decorating your graduation cap or mortarboard has turned into a tradition for graduates.

How do I put pictures on a graduation cap? ›

Step 1: With your ruler, measure approximately 2 inches in height for each picture. Step 2: Cut out your picture and use that as a guide for the remaining photos. Step 3: Decide where you want to place your images. Step 4: Glue the photos to your cap.

How to decorate a graduation cap without ruining it? ›

One of the easiest ways to make a big, colorful impact without ruining the original graduation cap is to use scrapbooking paper as a base. This is an especially useful strategy for those who rent their cap and gown and need to return them afterward.

How do you make caps look good? ›

Visually, caps look best when they do not completely cover the ears and there is not too much space between the ears and the cap. The cap should also not stick out to the side. This creates a mushroom look - and not for the classic, indeed iconic, Beetles version.

Can you put stickers on a graduation cap? ›

While decorating my cap, I found it easiest to buy things like glue dots, velcro strips, and I used a lot of hot glue. Things like stickers or regular Elmer's glue don't usually stick to the cap material very well. Once everything is placed as you like it, let the cap sit still in a dry place overnight.

How do you put glitter on a graduation cap? ›

Apply a generous amount of Aleene's Tacky glue to the cap. Spread it out with a paint brush to cover it completely. Sprinkle glitter over the entire cap. Wait until dry.

How do you attach flowers to a graduation cap? ›

Position the flowers on the cap where you want them. Use the hot glue gun to add glue to the bottom of a flower and press it onto the graduation cap, holding it down for 3-4 seconds to secure. Continue doing this until all the flowers are glued down and the glue is dried.

What is the dangly thing on a graduation cap called? ›

A graduation tassel is an ornament made up of a bundle of threads hanging from a cord loop secured with a gold or silver metallic clasp. Graduation tassels are tied to graduation caps and are an essential part of a graduation ceremony.

Why do people throw their hats after graduation? ›

Graduates tossing hats emerged as a symbolic gesture marking the conclusion of academic pursuits, evolving alongside the institutions of learning themselves. Mirror of Educational Transformation: The evolution of the cap toss mirrors the metamorphosis of education over centuries.

Why are graduation caps squares? ›

Around the 17th century, thanks to Oxford University undergraduates, rounded caps were adopted for college goers, while the squared caps were reserved for the ones with higher university degrees. However, in 1675, to ensure a common accessory for all graduates, square hats were permanently embraced.

What glue to use for decorating a graduation cap? ›

Asking around I was told that the E-6000 glue was the best for applying the rhinestones to graduation caps, so I threw a tube in the cart and checked out. 2) When I got home I put my blank cap in front of me and just started laying down stones without any glue, just to get a rough idea of how I wanted it to look.

What kind of vinyl should I use on a graduation cap? ›

What kind of vinyl should I use on a graduation cap? Because graduation caps are covered in fabric, iron-on vinyl (a.k.a heat transfer vinyl) is the best choice.

Can you use a Cricut to decorate a graduation cap? ›

DIY your own grad cap topper with me. using images in the Cricut design space, I was able to create this topper easily. was just a few Cricut materials. the machine can cut the cardstock for you, cut the vinyl for you, and all you have to do is peel and stick with Cricut.

Can you use mod podge on graduation cap? ›

You'll need some form of glue like fabric glue, Mod Podge or a hot glue gun. This will be best if you're looking to stick on any glitter, pictures or paper letters to spell out a selected quote. Mod Podge is best for paper elements that you're adding onto your cap.

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