- 1). Wrap measuring tape around the area of the wearer's head where the base of the crown will sit. This is typically at forehead level an inch or two above the eyebrows.
- 2). Knead the clay on a flat surface, using your hands and knuckles to warm and soften it. Use a motion that moves away and then toward you. Push outward with the palms of your hands and pull inward with your fingers and knuckles. Do this until the clay is soft and warm enough for you to comfortably mold.
- 3). Flatten the clay into a shape at least as long as the measurement taken in the first step plus 1 to 2 inches. The height or width and fitness of the clay can be whatever you choose. However, take into consideration the weight of the clay when choosing a size. A thicker and taller clay crown may be too heavy. The clay perimeter does not have to be even or straight at this point. This is just to mold the clay into the general size needed.
- 4). Cut the clay into a rectangular shape with a knife. The length of the clay rectangle should be the same as the circumference measurement taken in step 1. The height and thickness still remain your choice with consideration to weight. Confirm the length with a tape measure.
- 5). Bring the ends of the clay around to touch one another and form a circle. Overlap the ends by 1 to 2 inches so the exact circumference of the crown is equal to the circumference measured in Step 1. Confirm the circumference of the clay crown with a tape measure.
- 6). Press heat-safe decorative pieces into the exterior side of the crown in any design that you'd like. Add additional pieces of clay to the outer side and top of the crown. This step is optional but can add creativity and a personal touch to your clay crown. Decorative pieces can be glued to clay that is dry.
- 7). Place your clay crown in a kiln or allow the clay to dry at least overnight. Whether you need a kiln or not will depend on the type of clay that you are using. The heat level and length of time needed in a kiln will depend on the type and amount of clay used. Drying time likewise will vary depending on the type and amount of clay. Thicker clay will require more drying or kiln time. Check with the instructions for your particular type of clay to confirm these times. Dry clay will be solid. It will not be tacky to the touch nor will you be able to create indentions in it with your fingers or be able to mold it.
- 8). Paint the clay with a clay or ceramics paint if you wish. Apply paint to the surface of the clay with a small craft brush. Use caution around any decorations you placed on the crown. This is also a good time to glue more decorative pieces to the crown.
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