DIY Wire Crown

In the midst of planning for my two boys' birthdays this month, I came across these very tiny and very darling wire crowns by Etsy seller WireDreams via Pinterest. I got to thinking that a larger version would be a minimalist (but still whimsical) take on the birthday crown which are typically made of felt or paper. With a few items and some steady hands, you can make your own crown in a pinch -- which is exactly what I did the day of my son's birthday! - Jenn from Ambrosia Creative

You will need:

12 gauge gold jewelry wire

Wire cutters

Pliers

Sticky-back felt to cover up plier teeth

Ruler

E-6000 Clear Craft and Jewelry Glue (not pictured)

Gold spray paint (optional -- in case you can't find gold wire)

Step 1: Measure size of your child's head.

Step 2: Gently straighten a length of wire sized to your child's head. Add in an extra 1/2 inch for the ends. Cut with wire cutters. This will be the crown base.

Step 3 (optional): If you're using non-jewelry pliers like me, you may want to stick some felt over the teeth. Jewelry wire is exceptionally malleable and your plier will leave unsightly teeth marks.

Step 4: Form the crown base into a circle with your long piece of wire you just cut out. With pliers, twist the ends together. Set aside.

Step 5: Gently straighten out some fresh wire from off the roll. Cut off 5 inches.

Step 6: Bend this metal in half (I used my ruler to get the exact middle) against your thumb fingernail.

Step 7: With pliers, bend the ends up about a 1/4 inch and spread out the point ends about 2 inches apart. This is your finished crown point. Make 12 or so more pieces just like this.

Step 8: Attach crown points to base by hooking the bent ends under the base. With pliers, squeeze the bent ends around the base. Repeat with remaining crown points, going all the way around the crown, adjusting the width and spacing between points as you're going along. Depending on the size of your child's head, you may need more or less than the number of points on my crown.

Step 9: Lastly, dab some clear E-6000 where the crown points hook around the crown base. This is to keep the points from getting loose. Let dry overnight.