DIY Paper Crowns
Strips of card become custom crowns children design, decorate and wear the same afternoon.
By WonderCraft Kids Editorial Team, Editorial team · Updated 8 September 2026
A paper crown is a fast route to pretend play: cut a strip, decorate it flat, then fit it to the head and it is instantly wearable. Children can make one for a birthday, a made-up kingdom or simply because they like hats, and the decorating stage covers everything from careful colouring to sticking on whatever is in the craft box.
What you need
- Card or thick paper, a strip about 8 cm wide and long enough to fit the head plus overlap
- Scissors (adult use for cutting)
- Crayons, felt tips or paint
- Glue stick or tape
- Sequins, stickers, foil or gems for decoration
- A stapler or extra tape to join the ends
Step by step
- 1
Measure the strip of card around your child's head and add a couple of centimetres for overlap.
- 2
Cut a zigzag or wavy top edge to give the crown its point shape.
- 3
Let your child colour, paint or draw across the whole strip while it is still flat.
- 4
Stick on any sequins, stickers or paper jewels once the colour is dry.
- 5
Wrap the strip around the head to check the fit, adjusting before joining.
- 6
Join the ends with tape or a staple placed away from the head to avoid scratching.
What kids learn
Creative self-expression
Choosing their own colours, patterns and decorations gives children a small, low-stakes design project to call their own.
Spatial planning
Working out where to place decorations along a curved band takes some early spatial judgement.
Imaginative play
A finished crown often becomes the starting point for a longer pretend-play scene once it is worn.
Make it easier
Pre-cut the strip and zigzag edge, and offer a small set of ready-made stickers so decorating is the only step your child manages alone.
Make it more challenging
Ask your child to design a crown for a specific character or role they invent, including a name and a short story about who wears it.
Safety and supervision
- An adult should do any cutting for children under five, especially the zigzag edge.
- Keep staples or tape joins away from the forehead and hairline to avoid scratching.
- Check small decorations such as sequins or gems are not swallowed by younger siblings nearby.
Adult supervision is required for every activity on this site. Read our full child safety guidelines.
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wondercraftkids.com
DIY Paper Crowns for Kids
Ages 3-7 · 30 min · low mess
Ages 3–7 · Low mess
Suggested pin description
DIY Paper Crowns for Kids: Strips of card become custom crowns children design, decorate and wear the same afternoon. Ages 3–7, 35 minutes total, low mess. Full step-by-step instructions and a materials list at WonderCraft Kids.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best material to use for the base?+
Thin card holds its shape better than plain paper and still cuts easily with scissors, which makes it the sturdiest easy option.
How do we make it fit properly?+
Wrap the strip around the head before sticking the ends together and mark where it meets, rather than guessing the length in advance.
