The True Story of a Real-Life Princess

We often think of princesses as characters in storybooks, but history is full of real-life fairy tales. Take the story of Grace Kelly, for example. She was a famous Hollywood actress who met Prince Rainier III of Monaco at the Cannes Film Festival. Their whirlwind romance led to a royal wedding, turning a movie star into the Princess of Monaco.

This reminds us that the journey of a princess is often about hard work, public service, and stepping into a role that requires great responsibility. National Princess Day honors these figures—both historical and fictional—who inspire us to be our best selves.

Beyond the Classics: Iconic Movie Princesses

While we all know the famous animated icons, the world of cinema has given us some incredible, strong-willed princesses who don’t necessarily wear glass slippers. Here are a few favorites to discuss with your kids while crafting:

• Shuri (The Black Panther): A princess who is a scientific genius and a master of technology.
• Princess Leia (Star Wars): A fearless general and diplomat who leads a rebellion.
• Mia Thermopolis (The Princess Diaries): A relatable teenager who learns that being a princess is about inner character.
• Arwen (Lord of the Rings): A powerful elven princess who chooses her own destiny.
• Giselle (Enchanted): A character who brings the magic of kindness into the real world.

15 Pretty Princess Crafts for Kids

1. Cupcake Liner Princess Leia

Princess Leia is a symbol of strength and leadership. This craft uses simple kitchen supplies to recreate her iconic look.

• How-to: Use a white cupcake liner flattened out for the dress. Cut a circle for the face and use two small brown pom-poms or coiled brown yarn on the sides of the head to represent her famous “cinnamon bun” hairstyle.
• Why it’s great: It teaches kids that princesses can be warriors and leaders.

2. Handprint Elsa Art

Since Elsa is one of the few princesses who is a young adult (age 21) rather than a teenager, she is a great role model for “growing up.”

• How-to: Paint your child’s hand with light blue paint and press it onto paper. The fingers become the flowing gown. Add silver glitter for “ice magic” and a hand-drawn face on the palm area.

3. DIY Royal Cardboard Crown

No royal outfit is complete without a crown, but you don’t need gold to make one.

• Materials: Cereal boxes, aluminum foil, and plastic gems.
• Tip: Using recycled cardboard makes the crown sturdy enough for a whole day of play!

4. Wooden Spoon Princess Puppets

Turn ordinary kitchen spoons into a royal court.

• How-to: Paint the “face” on the bowl of the spoon. Use scrap fabric or felt to wrap around the handle for the dress, and use yarn for the hair.
• Activity: Encourage your kids to put on a puppet show about a princess who saves a dragon.

5. Paper Plate Princess Carriage

Every princess needs a way to get to the ball—or the laboratory!

• How-to: Cut a paper plate in half. Use one half as the carriage body. Cut out circles from gold paper for the wheels and use pipe cleaners to create the decorative “curls” on top of the carriage.

6. Wand of Kindness

Instead of a “magic” wand, call this a “Kindness Wand.”

• How-to: Decorate a dowel or a sturdy stick with ribbons and a star at the top.
• The Lesson: Every time the child “waves” the wand, they have to say something kind to a family member.

7. Toilet Paper Roll Castle Towers

Build a kingdom using upcycled materials.

• How-to: Paint cardboard tubes grey or pink. Cut “battlements” (the square notches) out of the top. Glue them together to create a sprawling palace.

8. Tissue Paper “Stained Glass” Visors

For a modern princess, a royal visor is a fun accessory.

• How-to: Cut a crown shape out of cardstock but leave a “window” in the front. Tape colorful cellophane or tissue paper over the window so the world looks like a rainbow when worn.

9. Popsicle Stick Princesses

These make excellent bookmarks for those princess storybooks.

• Materials: Craft sticks, markers, and bits of lace.
• Detail: Glue a small piece of lace at the “waist” of the stick to give the princess a 3D dress.

10. Floating Paper Boat (The Princess Anne Style)

Inspired by Roman Holiday, make a simple paper boat to represent a princess’s adventurous spirit.

• How-to: Use traditional origami folding techniques to make a boat. Decorate it with “royal seals” made of markers.

11. Beaded “Grace Kelly” Necklace

Grace Kelly was known for her elegant pearls.

• How-to: Use white beads and elastic string to help kids practice their fine motor skills while creating their own “royal jewelry.”

12. Paper Bag Princess (The Brave Version)

Based on the famous book, this princess doesn’t need a fancy dress.

• How-to: Use a brown paper bag. Cut holes for the arms and head. Draw “char” marks on it to show that she’s been outfacing dragons!

13. Sparkling Salt Dough Rings

Make “heirloom” jewelry that lasts.

• How-to: Mix flour, salt, and water to make dough. Shape into rings and bake. Once cool, paint them with metallic gold paint and add a large rhinestone.

14. Coffee Filter Ball Gowns

The ruffles of a coffee filter make for the perfect “poofy” dress.

• How-to: Dye coffee filters with food coloring. Once dry, fold them and glue them onto a drawing of a princess to give her dress a beautiful 3D texture.

15. The “Mirror of Truth”

In many stories, mirrors show the truth.

• How-to: Cover a cardboard oval with aluminum foil (the “mirror”). Surround the edge with words that describe the child’s inner beauty, such as “Smart,” “Brave,” “Funny,” and “Strong.”

Why Crafting is “Royal” Work

Engaging in these DIY projects offers several benefits for children:

1. Confidence: Completing a project from start to finish gives a child a “royal” boost in self-esteem.
2. Creative Problem Solving: Deciding how to make a crown fit or how to glue a wand together develops critical thinking.
3. Cultural Literacy: Discussing real-life figures like Grace Kelly or movie icons like Shuri helps kids understand different types of leadership and history.

Quick Reference: Princess Qualities to Discuss

Final Thoughts

Being a princess isn’t just about the outfit; it’s about the heart. This National Princess Day, use these crafts to talk to your children about what it means to be a leader in their own lives. Whether they are protecting their “kingdom” (the playroom) or exploring new frontiers, they are doing it with the spirit of a true princess.