Crafting Regal Flair: DIY Faux Metal Crowns from Upcycled Cereal Boxes

Welcome, creative spirits and Graphics Fairy enthusiasts! Heather from Thicketworks here, thrilled to guide you through a captivating crafting journey. Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of DIY Faux Metal Crowns – an exploration of transforming the most unassuming materials into pieces of rusty, grungy, yet utterly magnificent art. There’s a unique satisfaction in taking humble, everyday items, like a discarded cereal box, and converting them into what appears to be an ancient, weathered relic. This magical transformation is one of my absolute favorite creative pursuits, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Lately, I’ve been on a fascinating quest, experimenting extensively with Rust Effects Paste to achieve that coveted aged, metallic look without the weight or cost of actual metal. The results have been nothing short of enchanting, and I’m eager to unveil some of my latest discoveries. So, if you’re ready to embrace your inner alchemist and craft something truly special, gather your tools and supplies, and let’s embark on this wonderfully rewarding project together. Prepare to unleash your creativity and make something extraordinary!

Should you feel inclined to join this creative endeavor, arm yourself with a few essential tools and materials. Get ready to immerse yourself in a process that promises not just beautiful results, but a truly enjoyable crafting experience!

Essential Supplies for Your Faux Metal Crown Project:

**Lightweight Chipboard:** The foundation of your crown. Two standard cereal boxes are perfectly sufficient for crafting two unique crowns, demonstrating the power of upcycling.
**A Metal Ruler:** Indispensable for achieving precise, straight cuts and accurate measurements, crucial for a professional finish.
**A Sharp Craft Blade & Cutting Surface:** Safety first! A fresh blade ensures clean cuts through chipboard, while a self-healing mat protects your workspace.
**A Sizzix Big Shot or Big Kick:** Your die-cutting machine, essential for creating intricate and consistent shapes.
**Tim Holtz ‘Iron Gate’ Steel Rule Die:** This die will create the primary decorative border for your crown, offering a classic, ornate pattern. Find it here.
**Sizzix “Classic Icons” Steel Rule Die:** Perfect for cutting additional decorative elements like Fleur de Lis and flourishes. (Note: While not always available, these alternative dies can provide similar intricate designs).
**Sizzix “Curly Gate” Steel Rule Die:** Adds another layer of intricate detail to your crown’s structure. (Similar availability notes as above). See similar options.
**Your Favorite Embossing Folders:** These will impress beautiful textures onto your chipboard and metal tape. Anna Griffin’s “Foundry” and “Acanthus” folders were used in this project, but Tim Holtz also offers a fantastic range of designs.
**Fabri-Tac Adhesive:** A strong, quick-drying fabric adhesive ideal for bonding chipboard securely.
**Black Gesso:** Serves as a crucial primer, preparing your surface for the rust effect pastes and deepening the final tones.
**Scruffy Paint Brushes & Water Container:** For applying gesso and rust pastes; old brushes work best for a textured finish.
**Baby Wipes or Rags:** Handy for quick clean-ups and distressing techniques.
**Finnabair Art Extravagance: Rust Paste Set:** The star of the show for achieving that authentic faux metal, rusty patina. Get your set here.
**A Heat Tool:** Accelerates drying times for gesso and pastes, allowing you to move through steps efficiently.
**Scissors:** For precise trimming and shaping.
**A Piece of Cardboard:** Essential as a protective work surface to safeguard your table.
**Metal Tape:** Adds a genuine metallic texture and strengthens your crown. For a detailed guide on using this material, click HERE.
**Matte Medium:** Acts as a sealer, protecting your finished crown and providing a durable, non-glossy finish.
**A Cylindrical Form:** An old Quaker Oats box or similar item provides invaluable support when adding embellishments.
**Flat Backed Pearls and Gems:** For adding that royal sparkle and luxurious touch. Pearls and Gems.
**Gem-Tac:** A strong, clear adhesive specifically designed for securing jewels and embellishments. Purchase here.
**Glitter Glue:** For adding subtle shimmer and highlighting details, enhancing the “glamour” in your grungy design.

One of the most exciting aspects of this project was discovering just how far we could push the potential of a humble cereal box. Can such an ordinary item truly be transformed into something magical, something that exudes ancient charm and regal presence? The resounding answer, as you’ll soon see, is an emphatic YES! This DIY Faux Metal Crown tutorial proves that with a dash of creativity and the right techniques, upcycled materials can achieve truly extraordinary results.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft Your Own DIY Faux Metal Crown

The journey to creating your majestic faux metal crown begins with sustainable crafting. Start by salvaging lightweight chipboard from your recycling bin – those empty cereal boxes are perfect. Carefully flatten and trim the pieces of chipboard to dimensions that will comfortably fit into the dies you’ve chosen to work with. Accuracy here will save time later, ensuring smooth passage through your die-cutting machine.

Next, grab your Tim Holtz ‘Iron Gate’ Steel Rule Die. This intricate die will allow you to cut multiple sections of the elegant Fleur de Lis border, forming the main band of your crown. For an **Adult Sized Crown**, approximately 5 repeats of this pattern should suffice, though it’s always wise to measure your head for a custom fit. For a **Smaller Sized Crown**, ideal for decorative purposes or a child, 3 repeats generally work well.

Once you’ve run your chipboard through the die-cutting machine, you’ll have a collection of beautifully patterned die-cuts. Now, carefully **trim each piece by hand** to ensure they all share a consistent height. This uniformity is key to creating a seamless and professional-looking crown base. Lay them out to check for evenness before proceeding.

With your chipboard die-cuts perfectly sized, it’s time to add texture. **Emboss the surface** of each die-cut using your preferred Embossing Folder. This step is crucial for adding dimension and an aged, metallic quality that mimics intricate metalwork. The raised patterns will catch the rust effect pastes beautifully, enhancing the illusion of real, weathered metal.

Now, meticulously **attach the embossed die-cuts end to end** using a robust adhesive like Fabri-Tac. To maintain the continuous pattern and create a seamless look, **carefully overlap** the repeating designs where the pieces meet. This will form one long, continuous strip that will serve as the main band of your crown.

Once the adhesive has fully dried and your strip is secure, it’s time to apply a foundational coat. **Generously coat the entire chipboard strip with Black Gesso**, ensuring both the front and back surfaces are covered. This black base is absolutely essential; it will provide a deep, rich undertone that allows the subsequent rust effect pastes to truly pop, creating a more convincing and dramatic faux metal finish.

To add structural integrity and another layer of metallic texture, **fold matching lengths of Metal Tape** into sturdy, double-layered bands. These bands will be remarkably flexible yet strong. Before adhering them, **emboss these metal tape bands with a complementary pattern** using an embossing folder. This detail adds authenticity and enhances the overall aged aesthetic of your DIY Faux Metal Crowns.

The resulting embossed metal tape bands are a game-changer. Not only do they look convincingly metallic, but their inherent properties make them both **flexible and remarkably strong!** This ingenious addition will transform your DIY Faux Metal Crowns, making them robust enough to hold their shape while remaining ‘moldable’ for a custom, perfect fit. The dual benefits of aesthetics and durability are truly impressive.

Crafting the Crown’s Ornate Details: Additional Die-Cut Components

Beyond the main crown band, you’ll need additional decorative elements to achieve that regal, ornate look. Continue to **die-cut the following intricate pieces from chipboard** using your Sizzix machine:

**Sizzix “Classic Icons” Steel Rule Die:** For the elegant **Fleur de Lis** accents – cut 2 for each DIY Faux Metal Crown. These will add a classic royal touch.
**Sizzix “Classic Icons” Steel Rule Die:** For the delicate **Flourish** elements – cut 2 for each DIY Faux Metal Crown. These curly cues will provide graceful, flowing lines.
**Sizzix “Curly Gate” Steel Rule Die:** To add a rich, layered texture – cut 2 for each Crown. This will enhance the visual depth of your finished piece.

Once all these components are cut, **coat every single one with Black Gesso**, both front and back. Use your **Heat Tool** to thoroughly dry each piece. This expedites the process and ensures an even, dark base for the subsequent rust effects, maintaining consistency across all elements of your crown.

The application of Black Gesso is a critical step in creating the convincing faux metal effect. Ensure you **apply Black Gesso diligently to both the front and back of each die-cut piece**. This comprehensive coverage creates a unified dark canvas, which is essential for the rust pastes to achieve their intended depth and vibrancy. Don’t rush this stage; an even, opaque base is fundamental to the success of your final aged aesthetic.

Now, it’s time to bring your crown’s structure together. Carefully **form a circle by securely adhering the ends of your main Iron Gate Die Cuts** using a strong adhesive like Fabri-Tac. Once this circlet is established, **apply the previously prepared bands of Embossed Metal Tape over the exterior** of the circlet. This adds an additional layer of texture and reinforces the crown’s shape. To ensure a truly firm and lasting bond, you might want to **clamp the pieces together** for several minutes while the adhesive cures.

To create the central decorative elements of your crown, **layer the Large Fleur de Lis die-cut directly over the Curly Gate Die-Cut**. Carefully align them to achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing design, then **adhere them together** with your strong adhesive. You will need to **create two of these combined components for each DIY Faux Metal Crown** you are making, as they will form prominent features on opposite sides of your crown.

With your layered decorative pieces ready, it’s time to integrate them into the crown’s main structure. Carefully **sandwich the main circlet (your crown’s base) between the two Fleur de Lis / Curly Gate pieces**. Position them evenly and symmetrically on opposing sides of the crown. Once satisfied with the placement, **securely adhere them with a strong adhesive**. This step establishes the primary focal points of your crown and gives it its distinct regal silhouette.

After adhering these crucial layers, it’s important to exercise a little patience. **Allow the adhesive ample time to cure completely** for a few minutes before proceeding to the next steps. A fully cured bond ensures the structural integrity of your crown, preventing any shifting or separation as you continue to work on its detailed finish. This pause is essential for a durable and lasting creation.

Now, let’s refine the flourishes. Take your two **Flourish Die-Cuts and carefully snip them to isolate the longest curlycue** from each. These elegant, curving pieces will add a graceful touch. **Adhere each of these main flourishes to either side of the Fleur de Lis** on your crown, allowing them to arch outwards. If you have smaller, remaining flourish pieces, feel free to incorporate them as desired. Trust your **Executive Designer Decision** and glue them into place wherever they enhance the crown’s intricate design.

With all the structural and decorative chipboard elements securely in place and the adhesive fully set, it’s time to unleash the magic of the rust effect. **Apply a generous, even layer of Rust Effect Paste in Brown to the entire surface of your crown, both inside and out**. Use a scruffy brush to dab and spread the paste, ensuring it settles into all the embossed textures and crevices. This initial layer establishes the foundational hue of weathered rust.

To create a more dynamic and authentic rust appearance, immediately **follow with strategic touches of Rust Effect Paste in Red**. Focus these applications on areas where natural rust would typically accumulate or intensify, such as edges, corners, and recessed textures. This layering technique adds depth and variation, making the rust seem more genuine and giving your crown a truly aged character.

As the layers of rust paste begin to merge and dry, this is the stage where you can truly step back and **appreciate the grungy magic** unfolding before your eyes. The combination of brown and red pastes, settling into the embossed textures, creates an incredibly convincing aged metal finish. The transformation from a simple cereal box to a piece that looks like it has endured centuries is nothing short of captivating.

To introduce a subtle gleam and simulate the appearance of aged, tarnished metal, **highlight small areas with Rust Effect Paste in Gold**. This is best achieved using a delicate **‘dry brushing’ technique**, where you apply a minimal amount of paste to a mostly dry brush, then lightly sweep it over the raised textures. This method allows the gold to catch on the high points, adding an antique metallic shimmer without overpowering the rustic charm.

Once your rust effects are complete, **dry the crown thoroughly with a Heat Tool** to set the pastes. This ensures durability and prepares the surface for embellishment. For stability during the next phase, **slip your DIY Faux Metal Crown over a cylindrical form** – an old Quaker Oats box or a similar container works perfectly. This cylindrical support will keep the crown’s shape consistent and provide a firm base as you begin the intricate process of embellishing.

Now, the truly exciting part: **Let the Embellishment Begin!** Grab your chosen assortment of flat backed pearls and gems. For this delicate work, I highly recommend using Gem-Tac. Even if your gems come with an adhesive backing, an extra dab of Gem-Tac provides superior hold, ensuring your beautiful embellishments stay firmly in place.

Because, truly, nobody wants to lose their Royal Jewels!

To further enhance the crown’s allure, **add delicate dots of Bronze Glitter Glue**. Apply these strategically to accentuate the intricate details and the rich, rusty texture. This subtle sparkle introduces a touch of “Rusty Glamour,” creating a beautiful contrast between the aged appearance and the subtle shimmer, making your crown truly stand out.

With a few final, precise dots of a **brighter gold sparkle**, your elaborate crown is now complete. The interplay of deep rust, antique gold highlights, and shimmering embellishments creates a truly magnificent piece. This crown, born from a simple cereal box, is now **fit for Royalty… like YOU!** It’s a testament to the transformative power of imagination and crafting, resulting in a unique accessory ready to command attention.

Beyond the grand, embellished version, we also crafted a **smaller, less elaborate rendition**. This particular crown is perfectly sized to **perch gracefully among the branches of a Christmas tree**, adding a unique, vintage touch to your holiday decor. Alternatively, it could **sit fetchingly on the head of that Grecian Bust** you might have tucked away in a quiet corner, lending an unexpected touch of regal whimsy to your home aesthetics. Its understated charm makes it incredibly versatile.

There’s something truly captivating about the juxtaposition of ruggedness and refined elegance. The rich combination of **Rusty Goodness**, achieved through meticulous layering of pastes, alongside the soft, sparkling touches of **Bling**, creates a visually stunning effect that genuinely melts my heart! It’s this intricate balance that gives these faux metal crowns their unique, irresistible appeal and character.

And here, for your admiration, is our more **Elaborate and Stately** version. This grander creation truly embodies the essence of ancient regality, showcasing intricate details and a commanding presence that would impress any onlooker.

This masterpiece is perfectly sized to fit on your own lovely head, making it ideal for those moments when you wish to embody royalty and issue your very own Royal Decrees!

Both variations of our DIY Faux Metal Crowns possess a **Serious Presence**, each in its own unique way. Whether grand or subtly charming, they command attention and exude a rich, historical aura. These remarkable creations could also make **Fabulous Presents** for your loyal retinue, fellow crafting enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates a touch of handmade royalty and unique, upcycled artistry. They are gifts that truly convey thoughtfulness and creative spirit.

And there we have it: an incredible transformation from a Humble Cereal Box to a truly Royal Treasure!

Thank you SO much for joining me on The Graphics Fairy today! I genuinely hope you’ve enjoyed delving into this **Royally Frivolous Experiment** and witnessed the incredible potential of upcycled materials. May the techniques and ideas shared here **spark fresh inspiration** for your very own precious projects, encouraging you to look at everyday items with a creative eye. Remember, every piece of discarded cardboard holds the potential for something truly magnificent.

If your creative spirit ever craves a bit of **Quirky Crafting Madness** or you’re looking for more unique art transformations, please do come and visit me over at Thicketworks. I’m always cooking up something new and exciting!

Until next time, happy crafting!

Warmly,

Heather ♥

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