Fantasy Circlet
This tutorial covers how to make a fantasy circlet, sometimes called a wire crown or elven tiara. I originally created this piece as a birthday gift for a friend. We’ve been making and exchanging handmade items in preparation for an upcoming Renfaire/LARP this summer, and this was one of my most recent!
Supplies
The supplies you'll be needing!
- Ruler
- Masking tape
- Markers
- Pliers
- Wire cutters
- 14 gauge wire (colour of your choice)
- 18 Gauge wire (colour of your choice)
- Beads (optional)
Drawing Your Design
Begin by laying out two parallel strips of masking tape. The width of them should match the desired height of your circlet.
Next, measure and mark the length. This should be slightly smaller than the circumference of your head—approximately 5 cm or 2.5 inches less for a snug fit. For reference, an average head circumference is about 56 cm, so in this example, I measured and marked out 50 cm along the tape.
Draw a straight line down the center of your measured length to indicate the center of the circlet. If your design is symmetrical, you will only need to draw one half.
Sketch the general shape of your circlet directly onto the tape. Focus on the flow and placement of each wire rather than on small details at this stage. Once you are satisfied with the design, trace over it cleanly using coloured markers. Assign a different colour to each wire segment to clearly distinguish how the pieces will be formed. Using at least two colours is recommended for clarity.
If you’d like to see my design process in action, including trial and error, refer to: Making a Fantasy Circlet Part 1
Bending the Wire
Starting at one end of your design, place your 14-gauge wire along the end of the line you drew. Carefully bend the wire to follow the line, securing it in place with small pieces of tape as you go to hold the shape.
Continue shaping the wire until you reach the center point. At this stage, mark the midpoint directly onto the wire. This will act as your guide for mirroring the design.
Remove the tape, then flip the wire to align with the opposite side of your drawing. Match the center mark to your guideline and secure it with tape. Continue bending and taping the wire so it follows the mirrored half of your design.
Once you reach the end of the pattern, cut the wire to length and make any small adjustments needed to refine the shape.
Repeat this entire process for the second line of your design.
For a full demonstration of this step in motion, refer to: Making a Fantasy Circlet Part 2
Wire Wrapping+ Beads
To hold your shaped wire pieces together, use 18-gauge wire to wrap and secure key connection points. The amount you wrap is flexible—use as much or as little as needed to achieve your desired look and level of stability.
Before wrapping, it can be helpful to tape the sections you plan to join. Remove the tape from one section at a time as you work, allowing you to maintain alignment while wrapping.
For the ends of the circlet, begin by threading a bead onto your 18-gauge wire and securing it in place. Then, continue wrapping the wire around the two main structural wires, building up the design until you reach your desired appearance.
When finishing a wrap, choose a point where the main wires naturally separate. Trim the excess wire and tuck the end into the small gap between the wires to secure it discreetly.
To attach elements at smaller points, cut a longer piece of 18-gauge wire and position its center at the connection point. Wrap each end in opposite directions around the structure until the piece is firmly secured. Trim and tuck the ends as before.
If additional security is needed, apply a small amount of UV resin or super glue to the tucked ends.
Once all wrapping is complete, place the flat circlet on your head and gently bend the ends inward to achieve a snug, comfortable fit.
For a full demonstration of this step, refer to: Making a Fantasy Circlet Part 3