Okay, so I’ve been wanting to make this Anastasia crown for ages. I’m a huge fan of the animated movie, and that crown is just iconic. So I finally decided, “Let’s do this!”
First, I gathered a bunch of reference photos. Gotta get those details right! I spent like an hour just staring at screenshots and pictures online, trying to figure out the shape and all the little embellishments.
Figuring Out the Base
Next up, I had to decide what to make the base out of. I considered cardboard, but that felt flimsy. I thought about craft foam, but I wasn’t sure it would be sturdy enough. Finally, I went with some thick plastic sheeting I found at the craft store. It seemed like it would hold its shape but still be easy to work with.
I drew out the basic crown shape on paper first, then traced it onto the plastic and cut it out. This part was a little tricky, getting all the curves and points just right. I messed up a couple of times and had to recut some sections. Don’t be afraid to do that! Practice makes better?
Adding the Details
This is where it got fun! I used hot glue to attach all sorts of sparkly things. I found some plastic jewels in different colors – lots of greens, blues, and reds, just like in the movie. I also used some gold beads and some pearly bits to add extra texture.
I spent a good few hours just gluing everything on. It was kind of meditative, actually. Just me, my hot glue gun, and a pile of shiny stuff. I followed my reference pictures pretty closely, trying to match the placement of all the jewels.
- Used different sizes of gems to create a realistic look.
- Tried some smaller beads for more detail.
- Layered some of the pieces to add dimension.
The Finishing Touches
Once the glue was dry, I added a layer of sealant to protect everything. Just some clear spray-on stuff. Then, I attached some elastic to the back so I could actually wear it. It must be wearable!
And… that’s it! It’s not perfect, but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. It definitely captures the look of the Anastasia crown, and it was a lot of fun to make. If you’re thinking about making one, just go for it! It is a great try.