superndngyrl

So what do you use to back a crown so that they are stiff and sit in that curved position of your head?

Give me tips, pointers, etc...

Eagle Plumes

There are lot of skilled Crown makers herre im sure you will get some great tips to choose from. What Im about to do on the one ive made is put the PLastic canvas people make tissue boxs ect its like plastic mesh with holes and I m thinking it will hold the shape and be flexible. it go's between the beadwork and what ever your backing it with like a sammich. As for the backing Im going with white buckskin some would not like it and use cloth but Ive made up my mind to use buckskin. Hope this helps and good luck with your crown.

superndngyrl

do you get that stuff from craft stores?

Eagle Plumes

Yes , Wal-mart, Joannes, Hobby lobby and Its CHEAP!!!!! I get the heavier canvas, and its called plastic canvas and its easy to cut & comes on square sheets. I put it in all my beadwork, from hair ties to barrets. I like it alot

superndngyrl

cool thanks.

eap7

My sister backs our crowns because she's real good at it, and does the same with the plastic canvas. She uses cloth for the backing because sometimes leather can stretch when you're doing backing and she just thought it was easier. But I always use leather for backing other beadwork, so I don't think it really matters that much as long as you're careful not to pull it while you're sewing it down. One of my friends uses that foamy board stuff...she puts several layers in the middle instead of plastic canvas. So that's another idea. Good luck!!

superndngyrl

what kind of cloth? Like cotton? or that baby crib pad? or what?

Eagle Plumes

Yes the leather seems to grow lol but what I do is carefully trim off the part that grew lol. And Ive heard the ones who use cloth to back use a cotton and use what ever color they like, some choosing print, solid its up to the crafter. I made a large barrett using leatehr and plastic canvas for the middle and 5 yrs later its still in awesome shape, and its the only one I use until I can make another one formyself . BUt good luck im sure you will find a way you like.

eap7

Cotton calico or whatever matches your beadwork.

Blackbear

I used that fun foam for stiffness and support and then back with cotton fabric. Also if the cotton gets too dirty or worn, you can replace it very easily.

__________________
Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear... just sing, sing a song.

Mstar

I heard that if you use plastic as stiffener that it would crack when used in areas where it is freezing. Is this true? Will the plastic be good in all types of weather?

superndngyrl

I'm sure it would have to be really really cold weather to make the plastic crack.

BTW I finished my crown. I used calico backing and I just need to make the back piece that covers the elastic.

Thanks for the help guys.

Blackbear

Great! Are you going to post pictures for us so we can see it???

__________________
Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear... just sing, sing a song.

Eagle Plumes

I made a crown ,its in the gallery rite now it's my very first one ,I already know what ill do alot diffrent next time

Redstone

Eagle Plumes, very nice work. I really liked how you did the lettering in gold. Most excellent. What size beads did you use.

I am almost done with completing a new crown for someone. I'm using curtain stiffening with wonderunder(msp) for the stiffening along with cotton material for the back of it. Seems to be working fine for me, but its been great to hear how others are doing there own work.

Eagle Plumes