Elizabethan Crows

These are one of my FAVORITE things that Candice has introduced me to. She and her mother Kim fancied some semi-terrifying Halloween decorations to fit into any decor – and it’s really quite easy.

You’ll need just a few basic items for your crows:

1. A crow (or 5). We’ve seen them at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and WalMart so far this season. But snap them up fast – they don’t stay on the shelves very long!

2. Glitter (optional, but really necessary)

3. A needle and thread

4. & 5. Coffee filters, crepe paper or other stiff medium to make your collars

6. Embellishments

The collar construction method is basically the same for each style with a few variations depending on the material and look.

To create the double folded ruffle with a coffee filter,

(1) start by cutting out the center of the filter (these are the unbleached kind) leaving just the crimped edge. Thread the needle with a double loop of thread and knot.

(2) Start at one end and sew a basic straight stitch down the center of the filter edge. The smaller and closer the stitch, the tighter the ruffle will end up.

(3) Gently pull the thread, sliding the filter down the thread to the knot, as tight as possible. The largest crow took 3 1/2 filters to make it around his neck. Fold the filter in half at the seam and crease firmly (use your fingernail, a bone folder or a spoon back to help get a nice crease. Trim the edge of the ruffle if it’s too long.

(4) Place the ruffle on the crow and tie the thread or use a dot of hot glue to secure the ruffle.

Basic party crepe paper makes a fantastic ruffled collar and doubles as fringe for a witchy party hat. Book paper, pre folded into tight pleats and then sewed makes a double layer.

It takes approximately 2 feet of crepe paper to make a medium crow collar.

(1) Using the same method as above, start with a threaded needle and a basic straight, running stitch.

(2) Pull the crepe paper along the thread to start the ruffle.

(3) & (4) The crepe paper will start to curl into a circle shape.

(5) & (6) Continue to pull the thread and push the crepe paper together until the entire length is bunched tightly.

(7) Measure the length to be certain it will fit around the crow and then

(8) tie the thread together closing the circle. Slip the collar off and trim it to the length you’d like.

Making a double ruffle collar is just as easy!

Simply sew the two pieces of crepe paper (or coffee filter) together.

When the collars are the right length and trimmed to fit, embellish them with rhinestones, sequins or other Halloween tidbits. Glittering the collars is easiest with a two plate “dip” system. Spread some glitter on one plate and glue on another. Dip the edge of the collar into the glue and then into the glitter, tapping off the excess before moving to the next section.