Every little royal needs a crown to complete their look, and the best ones are made with love and imagination. Whether it’s for a birthday party, playtime, or just a fun afternoon activity, this simple DIY project will guide you and your child through creating a magical princess crown at home. Let’s get crafting!
Materials You’ll Need for a DIY Princess Crown
Before you dive into crafting, it’s helpful to have all your materials ready. Fortunately, making a princess crown doesn’t require anything fancy—most of the items can be found around the house or in a basic craft kit. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
Basic Supplies
- Construction paper or cardstock: This will be the main structure of the crown. Cardstock is sturdier and holds its shape better, while construction paper is easier for younger kids to cut.
- Scissors: Use safety scissors for younger children. Adults may want to help with more detailed cuts, especially if you’re designing custom shapes or points.
- Glue stick or craft glue: A glue stick works great for attaching paper shapes and glitter. Tacky craft glue is more secure for heavier decorations, such as gems or ribbon.
- Tape or stapler: These help connect the ends of the crown so it forms a circle. Tape is quick and easy, but a stapler provides extra hold.
Decorative Materials
- Glitter: A little sparkle goes a long way. You can use loose glitter with glue or glitter glue for a less messy option.
- Stickers: Crown-themed, alphabet, or sparkle stickers add a fun and easy decorative touch.
- Sequins, rhinestones, or foam shapes: These give the crown a 3D, jewel-encrusted look. Peel-and-stick versions are the easiest to work with.
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils are great for coloring, outlining designs, or writing your child’s name on the crown.
- Ribbon, lace, or tulle (optional): To add elegance, attach tulle to flow down the back or glue a piece of ribbon around the base to create a regal impression.
- Elastic band (optional): If you want the crown to stay snug during play, attach an elastic band instead of taping the crown closed.
Measuring Tools
- Ruler: Use this to make even cuts or mark crown points.
- Pencil: This is for sketching the crown shape before cutting.
Key Takeaway: Having a variety of simple, colorful, and textured materials on hand helps make the princess crown both fun to create and completely customizable to your child’s imagination. A little planning up front means a smoother, mess-free craft session.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Paper Crown
Now that you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to start creating! This process is simple enough for young kids to follow (with a little help), and you can customize each step based on your child’s age or preferences.
Step 1: Measure the Head
Measure around your child’s head using a flexible measuring tape or a piece of paper. Add about an inch for overlap, then cut your paper to that length. If your paper isn’t long enough, tape two strips together.
Step 2: Draw the Crown Shape
On one long side of the paper strip, use a pencil to sketch out your crown design. Traditional points, heart shapes, flower petals, or even a wave pattern work beautifully. Encourage kids to try their unique shapes as well.
Step 3: Cut the Design
Carefully cut along the pencil line to form the top of the crown. For younger kids, parents can help with cutting while they watch and learn.
Step 4: Decorate Your Crown
This is where creativity really shines. Use markers, stickers, glitter, rhinestones, or any other item your child loves. Ensure the glue or glitter is fully dry before wearing it.
Step 5: Form the Crown
Wrap the decorated strip around your child’s head to ensure a comfortable fit. To create a circle, adhere the ends together with tape, glue, or staples. If preferred, use an elastic band for a flexible fit that’s easy to slip on and off.
Key Takeaway: These easy-to-follow steps make crown crafting fun and approachable for all ages. By giving kids space to personalize their creations, you encourage both creativity and hands-on learning at the same time.
Creative Decoration Ideas to Make It Unique
Once the crown is cut and ready, it’s time to make it shine! Decorations are where each crown becomes one of a kind. Let your child’s imagination take over as they turn a simple paper strip into a dazzling royal accessory.
- Color Themes: Pick a favorite color or go with a theme—think royal gold and purple, icy blue and silver for a snow queen, or rainbow colors for a magical fairy-princess look.
- Add Personal Touches: Help your child write their name or initials across the front using glitter pens or foam letter stickers. You can even add a hand-drawn royal crest or symbol.
- Use 3D Embellishments: Stick on craft jewels, buttons, pom-poms, or sequins for texture and sparkle. These small additions can make the crown look more luxurious and eye-catching.
- Fabric Fun: Add ribbons, tulle, or lace to the sides or back of the crown to create a flowing veil or train effect. This adds drama and movement, especially during dress-up play.
- Nature-Inspired Details: Glue on small paper flowers, leaves, or stars for a seasonal or fantasy-inspired look. A flower crown variation is perfect for spring-themed parties or woodland adventures.
Key Takeaway: Encouraging kids to decorate their crowns in their style sparks creativity and confidence—there’s no right or wrong way to make it royal.
Fun Ways to Use Your Princess Crown
Once the crown is complete, the fun is just beginning! This simple craft can lead to hours of imaginative play and special moments your child will treasure.
- Dress-Up and Pretend Play: A princess crown is the perfect finishing touch for costumes. Kids can pretend to rule a magical kingdom, attend royal balls, or go on fairytale adventures right from home.
- Birthday Parties: Crown-making makes a great party activity, or you can craft personalized crowns ahead of time for each guest. They double as fun party favors and photo props.
- Storytime Magic: Wearing the crown during storytime can turn an ordinary reading session into a royal experience. Choose princess-themed books or make up stories together.
- Puppet and Doll Accessories: Mini versions of the crown can be made for dolls, stuffed animals, or puppets—perfect for setting up a full royal court.
- Family Fun and Photos: Host a mini photo shoot or a family dress-up day. Crowns can also be used in school projects, homemade theater plays, or just as a fun surprise at the dinner table.
Key Takeaway: A handmade princess crown isn’t just a craft—it’s a doorway to creativity, storytelling, and playful bonding time for kids and parents alike.
Bonus: Printable Crown Templates to Get You Started
If you’d rather skip the drawing and cutting guesswork—or want a quick head start—printable crown templates are a fantastic option. They’re especially helpful for younger kids, group settings, or when you’re short on time but still want to make something special.
Why Use Templates?
Printable templates take the pressure off freehand drawing, ensuring neat and symmetrical designs. They also make it easier for kids to focus on decorating, which is often their favorite part of the process. Templates come in a variety of styles—from classic pointy crowns to floral, heart-shaped, and even animal-themed versions.
How to Use Them
- Download and print the template on sturdy paper, such as cardstock, for added durability.
- Cut out the crown shape, following the outline. Younger kids may need help with this step.
- Color and decorate the crown using crayons, markers, stickers, and other craft supplies.
- Fit and fasten the crown to your child’s head using tape, glue, or an elastic band.
You can also enlarge or shrink templates on your printer to fit different head sizes or use them to make mini crowns for dolls and stuffed animals.
Recommended Printable Crown Templates
Here are some free resources with high-quality templates to choose from:
- FirstPalette – Printable Crown Templates: A great collection of blank and decorated crown outlines, ready to print and personalize.
- Crayola – Crown Coloring Page: A simple and fun design that doubles as a coloring activity for young children.
- Hello, Wonderful – DIY Paper Crown Templates: It offers stylish and unique crown shapes that are perfect for themed parties or fancier designs.
Key Takeaway: Printable templates are a time-saving, kid-friendly way to enjoy the crown-making experience without the hassle of designing from scratch—perfect for busy parents, teachers, or anyone crafting with a group.
Conclusion
Creating a princess crown is a simple, fun, and budget-friendly activity that allows your child to express their creativity and enjoy imaginative play. With just a few supplies and a little time, you can craft a magical accessory that your little one will cherish.
FAQs
What age group is this craft suitable for?
Children aged three and up can enjoy this activity, with adult supervision required for cutting and gluing.
Can I use recycled materials?
Absolutely! Old cereal boxes or cardboard packaging make great sturdy bases for crowns.
What if my child wants to make a crown for a prince or superhero instead?
The steps are the same—switch up the colors and decorations to suit their style.
How long does the project take?
Approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the level of detail in the decoration.
Are there crown kits available for purchase?
Yes, many craft stores and online shops offer DIY crown kits that include all the necessary materials for crafting a crown.