How to Make a Crown

Whether for a party or a play, a crown can complete an outfit and turn you into king or queen for the day. There are various types of crowns that you can make, from different materials. A few are suggested here to provide you with a good choice.

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Steps

Printable Template

Crown Template

Basic paper crown

This is a typical "king or queen" style crown. If you make it from metallic color cardboard, it'll even look like a precious metal crown.

1. 1
   Purchase suitable poster board or cardboard. Choose either gold or silver colors, unless you're matching the crown to the outfit's color.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Click on the template provided here. Print off to copy. If it needs enlarging, do so using a grid.
   
   
   
   • Cut out the template once printed and enlarge as needed.
     
     
     
   • The first line indicated on the template shown here is simply for a shorter crown, perhaps more suitable for a princess or prince crown, while the longer one is more suited for a king or queen crown.
     
     
     
3. 3
   Lay the template down on the wrong side of the cardboard. Trace around it carefully. Then cut out the crown.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Right side facing outward, cut out the crown shape.
   
   
   
5. 5
   Draw the edges of the crown together to form a circle. Allow for a little overlap. To check that the head size is accurate, place on the wearer's head. Use paperclips to keep the exact spot before you secure it.
   
   
   
6. 6
   Secure the crown. Either glue or staple into place.
   
   
   
   • If stapling, it's recommended that you place pieces of tape over the staples to prevent the metal pieces from catching on the hair.
     
     
     
7. 7
   Decorate the crown. There are lots of possibilities here but in general, use artificial gems to give it a sense of regal jewels (or even fruit gums or other candies can be used if you don't plan on keeping the crown long). It's also nice to add rows of braid or rickrack, ribbon and such to provide breaks between the gems and create a sense of design on the crown.
   
   
   
8. 8
   Cut a strip of fake fur the same diameter as the crown. Glue around the base of the crown. This will give it a regal finish. Trim anything that may need trimming.
   
   
   
9. 9
   Try the crown on once it has dried.
   
   
   
   • It's not usual to add elastic but if it's going to be windy outside, a small round of elastic can be stapled or taped to keep the crown on. If you've fitted it well, this shouldn't really be needed though.

Reinforcing a paper crown

If a crown needs to be used repeatedly, such as for stage work, it pays to strengthen it. This can be done as follows:

1. 1
   Make the crown. The paper crown above is a good one to use. However, instead of using just one layer of cardboard, cut out two. Adhere both pieces of cardboard together with glue or double-sided tape, being careful to match up all edges.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Cut out a strip of linen or other strong fabric. The strip needs to be the same diameter as the crown.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Glue or staple the linen to the inner side of the crown. If stapling, you'll need to use the artificial gems or a braid, etc., to cover up the staples on the outside of the crown.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Wear repeatedly. It should last a few good wears before it shows signs of dishevelment.
   
   
   

Floral princess crown

This is a pretty crown made from real flowers. It's best when the flowers are in full bloom and is something to make in the garden.

1. 1
   Pick your flowers. Find a bouquet of flowers with bendable stems at least 3 inches (7.5cm) in length (longer is better).
   
   
   
   • The flowers chosen can be of only one type of flower, or a variety.
   • Examples of suitable flower types include: rose, lavender, daisy, clover, violet, daffodil, flax, and the tulip.
2. 2
   Hold three flowers in your hand. Braid them together. Hold the few flowers in your hands, placing the blossoms next to one another in a row, while keeping the stems together. Then simply braid the stems.
   
   
   
   • If you're working with real flowers, be gentle so that you don't break the stems.
3. 3
   Continue adding flowers. Add a flower to the braid before you reach the end of the current stems. Hold it with one of the stems and braid as though the two stems were one. Keep on adding new flowers and extending the chain in this way.
   
   
   
   • Alternate flower varieties to enhance color, texture, and beauty.
4. 4
   Check the length. Every once in a while, keep an eye on the length to avoid making it too long or too short.
   
   
   
   • If too short, continue adding more flowers.
   • If too long, carefully remove some flowers to reach your desired length.
5. 5
   Finish the crown. Complete the floral crown by weaving the end stems into the first flower stems. Tuck in the loose ends into the chain. Make sure it is tight enough to not fall apart.
   
   
   
6. 6
   Crown the princess! It's time for the final step: crowning the lucky girl with your beautiful floral creation. Whether it's for you or another girl, make sure it's worn with delight!
   
   
   

Princess wire floral crown

This is an artificial flower crown that can be worn a number of times.

1. 1
   Use sparkling gold or silver wire. This can be purchased from stationery stores or craft stores.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Wrap the wire around the princess's head approximately 3 times. Secure the end by wrapping it around the join of the three strands. Make sure no wire is sticking out that might hurt the wearer.
   
   
   
   • The crown should fit snugly but not too tightly on the head. The circle should look smooth.
     
     
     
3. 3
   Wrap artificial flowers around the wire crown. Either use a garland or strip of flowers or weave in individual artificial flowers. Secure with the wire or florist's tape.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Cut curly ribbon. Choose at least four colors. Cut two lengths of each color to 6 feet (1.8 meters).
   
   
   
   • Slip knot the curly ribbon at the back of the wire crown, at the center of the ribbon (about 3 feet/91cm in).
     
     
     
   • Eight ribbon strands should flow down the back of the crown. Adjust the length if necessary.
     
     
     
5. 5
   Use the blunt edge of the scissors and curl the ribbon to the end.
   
   
   
6. 6
   Done. The crown is now fit for your little princess to wear.
   
   
   

Napoleon's crown

This leafy crown is a twist on the standard crown with jewels.

1. 1
   Find a paper bag large enough to fit over the wearer's head. A grocery bag is ideal and is the standard used for the measurements given here.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Draw an outline of a crown around the entire bag. The top should be drawn as a line of upward facing leaves. The base can be straight or in bumps, as wished. Part of the success of this crown depends on measurements:
   
   
   
   • Keep the base of the crown 2 1/2" (6.5cm) above the base of the bag at the front and gradually reduce it around the sides toward the back.
     
     
     
   • Keep the width of the crown at 4 inches (10cm) at the front and reduce to 3 1/2" (8cm) at the sides and back of the bag.
     
     
     
3. 3
   Cut out 12 large and 12 small leaf shapes. You can use metallic gold card for this part.
   
   
   
4. 4
   Use double-sided tape to attach the leaves to the crown. Place the leaves diagonally, with their tips facing the front center of the crown.
   
   
   
   • Work from the front center, outward.
     
     
     

Tips

• Crowns can be made from felt as well. Use the cardboard crown method outlined above and glue felt all the way around the outside, in the shape of the crown. This will both strengthen the crown and gives it more solidity to look at, especially useful for a stage crown.

Things You'll Need

The following items will vary according to project:

• Scissors
• Paper
• Ruler and pen/marker
• Fabric
• Decorations
• Printer
• Grid chart
• Paper bag