If you’re into arts and crafts, you probably don’t need an excuse to get creative! But this year, after 70 years of service, the Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. Whether you’re a monarchist or not, this is a momentous occasion – and even if you’re not into the royals, the Jubilee is also the perfect excuse for a party, and to come together with friends, family, and neighbours.
So whether you’re planning a lavish street party or want to make a personalised gift for a friend who’ll be celebrating, here are nine Platinum Jubilee arts and crafts ideas to get you inspired.
1. Jubilee bunting
No street party is complete without bunting – and whether you’re planning a lavish outdoor get together with your neighbours or just fancy making your own home and garden look more festive, bunting is a great way to get into the Jubilee spirit.
Making your own bunting is also pretty easy, so if you’re only just getting into arts and crafts, it’s a good way to start. There are all kinds of handmade bunting you can choose to make, but for obvious reasons, it’s a good idea to focus on red, white, and blue colours!
If you enjoy sewing, you might want to have a go at making this Union Flag bunting. From tassel bunting to Union Jacks, Hobbycraft’s guide showcases three different ways to make your own Platinum Jubilee bunting with only a few basic sewing supplies.
Or, if you prefer knitting, why not knit your own Jubilee bunting? Hobbycraft’s easy-to-make knitted bunting uses only the knit stitch, so it’s ideal for beginners – and with only three balls of yarn, you’ll be able to knit enough bunting to deck out your whole garden in red, white, and blue.
But, you don’t have to be good with needles to make your own festive bunting. If you’re more of a fan of paper crafting, why not make this beautiful decorative bunting using coloured card instead?
2. Teatime knitted treats
A jubilee celebration isn’t complete without the most British of traditions – afternoon tea. Whether it’s nibbling on scones smothered with jam and cream or sipping on a cup of tea, treats are essential at a jubilee celebration – and the good news is that there are many high-tea-inspired arts and crafts.
Why not jazz up an old teapot by knitting a festive tea cosy? This red, white, and blue street party tea cosy from Love Crafts is ideal for an intermediate knitter – and if you’re a bit more advanced, you can try knitting this Union Jack tea cosy. Or why not bring a regal touch to your table with this fancy embellished crown tea cosy from The Knitting Network?
If you already have a tea cosy you like, why not make some coasters to add some flair to your table? Love Crafts’ Union Jack coasters are perfect for intermediate crocheters, and these colourful coasters will add a lovely vintage feel to your afternoon tea.
3. Jubilee cakes
Baking might not technically be viewed as especially crafty, but cake decorating is undeniably an art. Making your own cakes is a great way to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee – and after all, every street party or garden gathering needs a cake to feel complete!
If you’re not especially confident at cake baking and decorating, you might want to try making Hobbycraft’s beautifully decorated jubilee cupcakes. You can choose to decorate your cupcakes with Union Jacks, classic bunting, or a ‘70’ design to celebrate how long the Queen has reigned. Or, try all three?
If you’re pretty adept at cake decorating, why not go all out and make Hobbycraft’s showstopper jubilee cake? Using a variety of modelling techniques, ready-to-roll icing and modelling paste, this three-tiered cake is perfect for impressing your guests. The only problem is that it’s so beautiful you might not want to cut it!
Alternatively, for something summery, classic and in-tune with the red, white, and blue theme, why not try this vanilla sponge cake recipe with berries and cream from Olive and Mango?
4. Commemorative cross stitch
The Make Box Jubilee Union Jack Embroidery Kit, Love Crafts, £26.99
If you enjoy cross stitch, why not make a commemorative cross stitch to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign? Whether you’ve only just started cross-stitching or have been doing it for years, there are commemorative kits to suit all abilities.
If you’re good with a needle and thread, why not have a go at cross-stitching Queen Elizabeth II herself? This realistic cross stitch pattern of the Queen from Immediate Media looks seriously impressive – although perhaps you’d rather cross stitch the Royal Crown instead?
Or, for a smaller project, why not cross stitch a Union Jack flag? These patriotic little flags are the perfect cake toppers – either for your Jubilee cupcakes or a showstopper cake! – but they also make lovely unique keyrings too.
If you’d like to incorporate some embroidery too, what about this beautiful floral Union Jack embroidery kit from Love Crafts? The red, white, and blue blooms are a celebration of the flowers that grow in the four different countries of the UK, and the little spots represent forget-me-nots – the Queen’s favourite flower.
5. Jubilee cards and invitations
If you’re hosting a Platinum Jubilee party, you might want to think about making some pretty invitations to send out. Or, if you’re attending a friend or family member’s Jubilee celebrations, why not turn up with a lovely handmade card to thank them for having you?
Not only is card making enjoyable and a fun way to express yourself, but it can be relaxing and meditative too. Plus, it’s a great group activity, so it’s ideal if you’re hosting an event; you can gather together with friends (or grandkids) and have a card making competition.
Making your own cards is also something that can be tailored to your confidence and skill level. If you’ve never made a card before, you can try simple techniques like stamping – but if you’re confident, you can have a go at more complex techniques, like quilling and embossing.
If you’re making your own Platinum Jubilee cards and invitations, it’s worth thinking about the lettering too, not just the design. Why not have a go at calligraphy? You don’t need to be good at drawing to learn calligraphy – you just need a bit of patience!
For more ideas and inspiration, you might want to have a look at Zazzle’s list of Jubilee-themed cards and invitations.
6. Jubilee cushion
If you’re into sewing, you probably already know that making a cushion cover is one of the easiest projects – and because cushions are something everyone sees when they enter a room, they provide plenty of return, too!
Whether you’d like to sit on a cushion for your jubilee garden party or want to jazz up your dining table chairs, making a cushion is always a good idea. There are all kinds of cushions you can make – and if you’re not a keen sewer, there are many other ways you can create your own cushion.
Sewers and quilters might want to make this impressive Jubilee crown block cushion pattern from Gathered, which was inspired by images of the Queen holding her crown at her coronation. The crown shape is represented in patchwork blocks using paper templates.
If you prefer crocheting, another lovely cushion design is this London bus crochet cushion from Love Crafts. Perfect for intermediate crocheters, this cute cushion features the iconically British red double-decker bus, meaning it’s perfect for jubilee celebrations.
7. Knitted Queen
Queen Elizabeth II Toy Knitting Pattern, Knitting By Post, £3.99
While we won’t have the pleasure of having Her Majesty pop over during the Platinum Jubilee, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a Queen at your celebrations. A knitted doll of the Queen recently set social media alight – and for good reason.
Dressed in a yellow outfit, holding her trusty handbag and with a serene smile on her face, this Queen Elizabeth II doll from Knitting By Post is adorable – and thanks to public demand, the knitting pattern is now available to buy.
Not only will this sweet knitted doll look lovely on your table – or even sitting in a chair! – but it’s also a commemorative piece that can be treasured for years to come. And if you have a friend who’s into the royals, it makes the perfect thoughtful gift.
8. Handmade corgi
We all know how much the Queen loves her beloved corgis. Since she became Queen back in 1952, Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 corgis, and today the faithful royal corgis are never far from her side. So why not get into the festive spirit by making your own handmade corgi?
Not only is this a fun way to celebrate the jubilee, but it also makes a great gift for a dog-lover – or for a diehard fan of the Queen. Whether you’re a needle felter or knitter, there are all kinds of cute corgis you can make.
If you’re into crocheting, why not make this cute amigurumi corgi from Hobbycraft, which comes wearing its own crochet crown? Or, if you prefer knitting, this knitted Pembroke Welsh corgi by Love Crafts is a great option.
And, finally, if you’re a fan of needle felting, this Love Crafts kit contains everything you need to make your own felted Corgi pup.
9. Jubilee wreath
Platinum Jubilee Wreath Kit, Simply Ribbons, £25.50
If you want to make sure all your neighbours know you’re celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – or you’re hosting a party and want people to feel festive from the moment they arrive – why not make a colourful handmade wreath?
Love Crafts’ Royal Queen crochet wreath will look lovely hanging on your door, and featuring the Queen, corgis, flowers, balloons, and bunting, it couldn’t be more perfect for the occasion. Plus, afterwards, it makes a lovely homemade gift for royalist friends and family.
Knitters might prefer to make Love Crafts’ Royal Platinum Jubilee Wreath, which will also look great on your door during street parties. With bold red, white, and blue knitted flowers, hanging bells and ‘70’ emblazoned on the top, it’ll definitely catch people’s eyes.
Or, if you’re not confident with needlework, why not make this Platinum Jubilee ribbon wreath from Simply Ribbons? The kit from Simply Ribbons comes with everything you need, from instructions and a frame to ribbons and flags – all you need is a pair of scissors. Because this wreath only takes around two hours to make and uses a very simple technique, it’s ideal for making with kids, too.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re planning a big street party for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee or want to make a special gift for a royal-loving friend or family member, there are all kinds of fun and creative arts and crafts you can get stuck into.
You don’t have to be especially crafty to have fun with arts and crafts – and the creative process itself is often more rewarding than the finished project. If you’ve always wanted to become craftier, the Queen’s momentous Platinum Jubilee might be the perfect occasion to get inspired.
For more arts and crafts ideas and inspiration, why not check out our article; 10 interesting craft ideas to try at home?