Rhinestone Plastic
How to make this hat?

I’ve been assigned a school project where I have to make a hat that shows a literary tone. I’ve chosen to do a pompous hat.

So, I’m trying to make a top hat, covered in rhinestones, with a large red feather. I’m making the top hat out of an old yellow plastic bucket. My question is, should I just spray paint the bucket black, or should I cover it in black felt? Would the rhinestones stick better to the plastic, or to felt. I’m planning on using hot glue for the rhinestones. Also, which would look better?

Cover with felt. I think they will stick on either but come off easier on the plastic. I think the felt will look nicer.