There is something undeniably magical about the Royal Family. For children, the concept of Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses isn’t just history—it is the stuff of fairy tales brought to life. From sparkling crowns to stoic guardsmen, the imagery of the British Monarchy captures the imagination like nothing else.
While the world came together in 2022 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, marking an incredible 70 years on the throne, the excitement for these royal themes hasn’t faded. Whether you are teaching a history lesson, celebrating a British holiday, or simply looking for a “propah” afternoon of creativity, these crafts are perfect for little hands.
In this guide, we have curated 15 adorable and easy Platinum Jubilee-inspired crafts. These activities are designed to help children learn about the Commonwealth, British culture, and the art of celebration. So, grab your glitter, prepare your tea and scones, and let’s get crafting!
What Was the Platinum Jubilee?
Before we dive into the glue and paint, it is great to share a little context with the kids. The Platinum Jubilee marked the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession. She was the first British Monarch to ever reach this milestone!
The event was celebrated globally with street parties, concerts, and even special tributes from famous figures (and Paddington Bear!). By making these crafts, you are helping your children connect with a significant moment in world history.
1. The Cardboard Tube Queen
We have to start with the guest of honor! This simple recycling project turns a humble toilet roll into Her Majesty.
- What You Need: Empty toilet paper roll, pastel paint (light blue or pink), wool for hair, plastic gems, and a marker.
- How to Make It: Paint the bottom 3/4 of the tube in a pastel color to represent the Queen’s coat/dress. Paint the top 1/4 in a skin tone. Glue cotton balls or white wool around the top for her hair. Use a marker to draw a kind smile and pearls. Top it off with a small paper crown covered in gems!
2. Popsicle Stick Royal Guards
The Queen’s Guard, with their tall bearskin hats and red tunics, are icons of London.
- What You Need: Jumbo popsicle sticks, red paint, black paint, and gold buttons (or sequins).
- How to Make It: Paint the bottom two-thirds of the stick red and the top third black. The black section represents their famous tall hats. Use a black marker to draw a strap across the chin. Glue small gold sequins on the red section to look like brass buttons. These make excellent bookmarks!
3. DIY Jeweled Paper Plate Crown
Every child wants to feel like royalty for a day. This craft is a classic for a reason.
- What You Need: Paper plates, gold paint, pom-poms, and stick-on jewels.
- How to Make It: Cut from the center of the paper plate outwards (like slicing a pizza), but leave the outer rim connected. Fold the triangular points upward. Paint the entire plate gold or silver. Once dry, go wild with decorations—add ruby red jewels, emerald green glitter, and fluffy pom-poms to the tips of the crown.
4. Handprint Corgi Art
It is well known that the Queen loved her Corgis. This messy play craft is perfect for toddlers.
- What You Need: Orange/brown paint, white paper, and a black marker.
- How to Make It: Paint your child’s palm brown and their fingers white (or just use brown for the whole hand). Press it onto the paper. The thumb becomes the tail, and the four fingers become the legs. Once the paint dries, draw a Corgi face on the side opposite the thumb. It’s a cute keepsake that captures the Queen’s favorite pet.
5. Tissue Paper Union Jack
Learning the flag is a great geography lesson. The “Union Jack” is the national flag of the United Kingdom.
- What You Need: Red, white, and blue tissue paper, cardstock, and glue.
- How to Make It: Draw the outline of the flag on a piece of cardstock. Cut the tissue paper into small squares. Have the children crumple the squares into little balls and glue them onto the corresponding sections of the flag. This “mosaic” texture looks fantastic and helps with fine motor skills.
6. The Gold State Coach
The Queen traveled in style. Create a 2D version of the famous Gold State Coach.
- What You Need: A paper plate, gold paint, and black construction paper.
- How to Make It: Cut the top third off a paper plate to create a carriage shape. Paint it bright gold. Cut two circles from black paper for wheels and attach them with paper fasteners (split pins) so they can spin. Draw a window in the middle—you can even glue a photo of the Queen waving from inside!
7. Royal Scepter Foil Wand
No coronation outfit is complete without a scepter.
- What You Need: A wooden dowel or a long stick, aluminum foil, a styrofoam ball, and ribbons.
- How to Make It: Push the styrofoam ball onto the end of the stick. Wrap the entire thing—stick and ball—in aluminum foil until it’s shiny and silver. Decorate the “orb” at the top with plastic gems. Tie red and blue ribbons at the neck of the scepter so they flow when your child waves it.
8. Commemorative Plate Design
Commemorative china is a huge tradition for Royal Jubilees. Let kids design their own.
- What You Need: A plain white paper plate and porcelain markers (or regular markers if not eating off it).
- How to Make It: Ask the children to draw a design that celebrates 70 years. They could draw the number “70,” a silhouette of the Queen, or flowers. If you use plastic plates and permanent markers, you can hang them on the wall as a gallery display.
9. “Paddington at the Palace” Bear Mask
Since the heartwarming sketch of the Queen having tea with Paddington Bear, the two are linked in history.
- What You Need: Brown paper plate, beige cardstock, and a red paper hat.
- How to Make It: Cut eye holes in the brown plate. Cut a beige oval for the snout and draw a black nose. Cut out a red hat shape from construction paper and glue it to the top. Don’t forget to talk about marmalade sandwiches while you make it!
10. Sparkly Royal Cape
If you have a crown, you need a cape.
- What You Need: A large sheet of purple craft paper or a plastic tablecloth, cotton wool, and gold glitter.
- How to Make It: Cut the paper/plastic into a cape shape. Glue cotton wool along the edges to look like the ermine fur trim found on royal robes. Let the kids decorate the back with gold glitter glue or stickers.
11. Postage Stamp Portrait
The Queen’s silhouette is on stamps across the UK.
- What You Need: Rectangular paper with scalloped scissors (to cut jagged edges) and colored pencils.
- How to Make It: Cut a rectangle and trim the edges with zigzag scissors to mimic a postage stamp. Have the child draw their best portrait of the Queen in the center. Add a value to the corner (e.g., “1st Class”).
12. British Bunting
Bunting is essential for any British street party.
- What You Need: Fabric scraps or paper triangles, string, and stapler.
- How to Make It: Cut many triangles out of red, white, and blue paper. Decorate them with drawings of teacups, crowns, or flowers. Staple the top of the triangles to a long piece of string. Hang this across the classroom or living room to instantly set the festive mood.
13. Cupcake Liner Teacup Card
The British love their tea. This makes a lovely greeting card.
- What You Need: Colorful cupcake liners, cardstock, and a glue stick.
- How to Make It: Cut a cupcake liner in half. Glue one half onto a piece of paper (curved side down) to form the bowl of the teacup. Cut a small “handle” from paper and glue it to the side. You can “stack” these teacups on the paper or write a message like “You’re My Cup of Tea” above it.
14. Pasta Necklace Jewels
The Crown Jewels are kept in the Tower of London, but you can make a version for the dress-up box.
- What You Need: Penne or macaroni pasta, metallic paint, string, and glitter.
- How to Make It: Paint the dry pasta gold and silver. Roll the wet paint in glitter for extra sparkle. Once dry, thread the pasta onto the string. You can alternate with plastic beads to make it look like a heavy, expensive chain of office.
15. The Balcony Scene Box
Create a diorama of the famous Buckingham Palace balcony.
- What You Need: An empty shoebox, printouts of the royal family (or drawings), and grey paint.
- How to Make It: Paint the shoebox grey to look like stone. Cut a rectangular “window” in the lid or the bottom. Create a “railing” using red velvet ribbon or paper strips. Glue your paper figures of the Royal Family standing behind the railing, waving to the crowds.
Conclusion: A Royal Send-Off
Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee and the history of the monarchy doesn’t require expensive trips to London. With a little imagination and some simple craft supplies, you can bring the pageantry of the palace right into your living room.
These 15 Platinum Jubilee crafts are more than just busy work; they are a bridge to discussing history, geography, and culture with your children. Whether you are building a crown fit for a king or painting a Corgi, you are creating memories that celebrate a truly unique era in history.
So, put the kettle on, bring out the biscuits, and enjoy a creative afternoon honoring the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What age group are these crafts suitable for? A: Most of these crafts are designed for children aged 3 to 9. Simple projects like the Handprint Corgi are great for toddlers, while the Cardboard Tube Queen and Origami projects are better for elementary schoolers.