Flower Headdresses

A flower headdress, often called a flower crown, is a band of flowers, leaves and grasses worn on the head. It's usually made by fixing small bunches of fresh or dried flowers onto a wire base with florist tape and ribbon. People have worn flower crowns for celebrations for centuries, and they make a lovely, hands-on craft for families to try together.

A full crown goes all the way around the head, covered in flowers from front to back.

A half crown has flowers across the front or to one side, with ribbon tied at the back so it fits any head.

A flower headband or hair comb is a smaller, simpler version, which is great for younger children.

Many cultures have their own traditions too, from May Day and midsummer crowns in Europe to the vinok, a Ukrainian crown of flowers and ribbons.

Dried flowers are a brilliant choice, because they're light, colourful and last for ages without wilting. Popular picks include lavender, statice, strawflowers, fluffy bunny tail grass and gypsophila, which is also called baby's breath. Fresh flowers look beautiful but droop sooner. Foraged extras such as small leaves, twigs and pine cones add a woodland feel.

Start with a length of wire bent into a band that fits your head. Gather a few flowers into a small bunch and trim the stems short. Hold the bunch against the wire and wrap it tightly with florist tape, which is stretchy and sticks to itself as you pull it. Add the next bunch so its flowers cover the stems of the last one, and keep going round. Finish by tying ribbon at the back, which means the crown can be loosened or tightened. Your Activity Leader will show you how to hold and wrap, so little hands can join in too.

Yes, and it's a lovely one to do side by side. Choosing colours and arranging flowers lets every child's style shine, while grown-ups can help with twisting wire and wrapping tape. Younger children may need a hand with the fiddly bits. You can wear your crowns straight away, or hang them up at home as a keepsake. Before the session, why not go foraging together for a leaf or pine cone you can't live without?

You might also like Beading, Botanical Story Trail and Tie Dye.

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