I think I love dressing up at Halloween as an adult almost more than I did as a kid. We had some "Halloweekend" fun at some local festivities in our new hometown and I wanted to make sure I was dressed for the occasion so I whipped together an ensemble using a mini Jack Skellington themed top hat I picked up on a trip to Disneyland. I'm showing the basics of the collar here but I finished my ensemble off with a zipper ring and skull earrings.
Supplies: (I had everything in my stash which made things even better!)
- Felt
- Flat Backed Rhinestones
- Beads
- Zipper
- Glue ( I love love love Beacon 3 In 1)
- Old Broken Jewelry
I wasn't going for perfection so I freehand drew a bat themed template on a piece of scrap paper to use as my pattern. Cut two of these from black felt. Set one aside.
Cut both ends of a black zipper off so you have two sides. Set one aside. Measure along each side and down the middle as shown and sew ( I just did a hand stitch) your zipper to the felt.
I will pick up jewelry pieces when they're on sale or at thrift shops etc. because sometimes it's cheaper than buying actual supplies. These were a pair of chandelier earrings that had additional dangles I used for a different project. I found these at Top Shop for $2! I sewed these on either side of the middle zipper as shown.
The rest I just kind of winged. I had some clear rhinestones I glued to each side and did a little bead embroidery with gunmetal and white seed beads. I finished the top of the collar with other silver beads in my stash. When you're done with your collar top, grab the other piece of felt that was set aside and some scrap ribbon. Sandwich the ribbon between the two pieces of felt and glue using either hot glue or as mentioned above I love Beacon 3 In 1 glue. It holds and is water proof if (not that I plan on getting this wet).
Of course, "makers gonna make" right? I had that other side of zipper sitting there staring at me. Oh hey I could make a rosette or something! I was thinking pin but thought nah , I want the collar to stand alone. How about a ring? OK! Found a ring blank in my stash. Did a spiral rosette with the zipper. Glued to the ring. Easy peasy!
I already had a pair of skull themed earrings I made for a different occasion. They went perfectly with my look!
I'd made these to wear to a fun "Til Death Do Us Part" bachelorette party and shower for my BFF's daughter.
I was really humbled by the compliments I got because we were at a few artisan markets and galleries this weekend and what creative person doesn't feel validated when other artists compliment you on your work? !
Who says Halloween's just for kids? Where's my candy? Chocolate, of course!
