FANCY FLORAL COLLAR This leather collar will totally transform a simple t-shirt into a high fashion outfit.

Debbie is a jewellery maker and teacher who loves design in every form. Whether it’s fashion, interior design or jewellery, the thread of colour and detail run through them all. This leather collar was inspired by a combination of images from the latest catwalk shows and fabric prints for 2015/16. Raised design, multilayers and multicolour will be in every high street shop. Create a design to complement your own wardrobe.

MATERIALS
Cowhide dyed in Masala: colour for 2015 Leather cord Silk screen: circles Permanent marker pens in colours of your own choosing Studio acrylic iridescent paint in Silver and Gold Garland of fl owers lace in two sizes 40cm x 0.6mm (23 gauge) wire or 8 x eye pins 20cm chain Cord end with clasp and extension chain Self-adhesive dots

Designer tips
Make a cuff with two cords that can just be tied together. Use bezels to sink your leather into then add your design. Be careful when using fabric glue, just let it fl ow and do not force it out

STEP 1
To make sure the collar will fi t properly, cut a template from paper and try it on – use this as a pattern for cutting your leather. Remember to cut one for the back, true to size, and add a border of 10mm all around for the front piece to fold over and neaten the collar.

STEP 2
Wet the leather and stretch it over a glass mixing bowl to give it a curve, allow to dry. Put a little acrylic paint on the edge of an old credit card and place the silk screen on the leather where you want the pattern to be. Pull the card across the screen. Remove straight away and clean the screen thoroughly. When dry, fold the top seam over the cord of your choice to make sure it holds in place

STEP 3
Use permanent marker pens to ‘age’ the fl owers, then add selfadhesive dots in the centre of the fl owers to give texture and sparkle to your design.

STEP 4
Using fabric glue suitable for leather place the cord under the top fold and glue in place then continue around the collar. Take four pieces of wire, making a loop on one end and a spiral on the other; place these with the eye showing along the front edge. Stick the reverse piece of leather in place. Repeat for the other side of the collar.

STEP 5
Stick the fl owers in place, adding the faceted self-adhesive dots in the centre. If you want to add more texture and interest add extra self-adhesive dots in coordinating shades.

STEP 6
Add chain between your eye pins and fold over cord endings on the end of your cord. Finally add a clasp.