Turning a Vintage Cameo Brooch into a Stunning Crown: A Step-by-Step DIY Project

Have you ever come across an old piece of vintage jewelry that you just can't part with because of the memories and nostalgia attached to it? Maybe it's time to give that treasured cameo brooch new life as a crown fit for a queen! TikTok creator @loschydesigns shares her process for upcycling an heirloom piece into a one-of-a-kind crown perfect for any occasion.

Designing the Base

The first step was creating a sturdy yet comfortable crown base. Loschy designed a new style using a 3D printed headband topped with wire to give structure. This provided a strong foundation to build the design upward and outward from the center.

Gathering Materials

Loschy then collected an assortment of embellishments in coordinating neutral tones like brass charms, glass rhinestones, faux pearls, and the featured cameo brooch. Choosing a simple gold and peachy color palette allowed the focal piece to really stand out against the background.

Embroidering the Design

With patience and care, Loschy hand stitched each charm and rhinestone onto the headband and wire crown base, building a descending pattern from the center outward. This labor of love results in a one-of-a-kind crown bringing nostalgia to the present.

The Finished Look

After letting the crown fully dry overnight, Loschy revealed the finished piece. By repurposing a vintage brooch into a statement headpiece, she found a way to honor memories of the past while creating something fresh and new. Get inspired to give your own sentimental trinkets a stylish upgrade!

FAQs

What types of jewelry or accessories can I use for this project?

Just about any small vintage or nostalgic pieces can be incorporated like brooches, charms, lockets, buttons, etc. Get creative with what speaks to your personal style and memories.

How do I attach the embellishments securely?

Loschy used hand stitching for its delicacy but you can also opt for hot glue, e6000 adhesive, or jewelry finding cement/epoxy. Be sure to reinforce stress points and let fully dry before wearing.

Can I customize the crown design?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different base shapes, color palettes, or embellishment patterns. The possibilities are endless to make it your own unique look.

Where can I wear my finished crown?

Wear it to feel like royalty anytime, anywhere - parties, photoshoots, festivals, Renaissance fairs, cosplay events, or just for fun around the house!

What's next for Loschy Designs?

Loschy plans to create more cameo crowns using additional vintage brooches from her collection. Get inspired to transform your own nostalgic pieces and follow along for new crowns and other jewelry creations.