I really LOVE feathers. This obsession started about 3 years ago while google-ing “pin up hair and makeup” pics. In a lot of the pin up sites I noticed the models wearing these amazing feathered fascinators and cocktail hats and brooches and…I fell in LOVE with the glamour that they instantly brought to a look. Little did I realize at the time that the fashion and decorating world were on my same page and soon I began to see everyone and everything sprouting “wings”. I started making feathered hair clips, brooches, earrings, headbands, cocktail hats, necklaces, etc. and haven’t stopped. Sadly, I wear less feathers these days due to toting around my curious cargo (my 8 month old is constantly trying to pluck me) but I still enjoy making feathered things for friends and family and the occasional craft fair.
There is something about feathers that is always fun and always fashionable. Even if all you can do is throw on a t-shirt and jeans and put your hair in a ponytail (this is my daily outfit lately) if you slap on a feathered headband or dangly feathered earrings you suddenly feel and look fashionable and glamorous. They can be vintage inspired (like old hollywood and pin ups), modern and edgey (like Project Runway), or bohemian chic (like Anthropologie). Here are some of my favorite feathered accessories:
This is a GORGEOUS feather fascinator in a classic fan shape that looks absolutely stunning on this old Hollywood-esque model.
This couture feathered bib necklace is FANTASTIC. Imagine throwing that on with a plain white tee and jeans? Scrumptious.
For a bohemian touch, I think this long single feather earring would do the trick. Loverly. Just loverly.
Here are a few examples of how feathers have been used in the interior decorating world recently.
This feathered lampshade would be a fun way to add texture and interest to a little corner.
I love this plum colored peacock feather rug.
I ADORE this ostrich feather light. How fun is that! Maybe for my new kitchen lighting…hmmm. Maybe in colored feathers….
Anyway, this proves my point. Feathers are awesome. Wear them. Put them in your home. And just to get you started with your new found feather crush here is a tutorial on how to make simple feather earrings that look great…even with plain tees and jeans.
Cost: $ Maybe $2 per pair but you will get a lot of pairs out of the amount of supplies. All supplies will cost probably around $9 or so.
Supplies:
- Feathers. Whatever floats your boat. Your local craft store will have them in packs.
- Cord ends aka crimp beads with loop ends. These are in the jewelry section of the craft store in come in packs with different shapes, colors, sizes, etc.
- Earring hooks. Same as the cord ends (different shapes, colors, styles, sizes, come in packs.)
- Jewelry making tools. You will need round nose plyers and flat nose plyers. I bought my jewelry tools at Walmart in a pack for about $9 I think. Its worth it to pick up some and I use them for plenty of projects outside of jewelry making.
- Strong quick drying glue. I use Quick Grip glue I bought at Walmart in the craft section.
Okay folks, lets get feathered.
1. First pull out your feathers and clump about 10 or so (more or less depending on the kind of feathers you’re using) together with all there ends lining up together tightly.
2. Next, take your glue and just dip the end of your feather clump into it. Don’t get too much, this is simply to hold the feathers together so you can put the crimp end on.
3. Hold the feather clump in one hand while the glue gets tacky and take the crimp end in the other hand. Carefully place the feather clump end into the center of the open crimp end. Loop side up! You’ll need that loop to attach the earring. The tacky glue will help hold the ends in place on the crimp end while you take your flat nose plyers and pinch the sides of the crimp ends down into the center to securely lock in the feathers.
4. Repeat these steps for the other earring.
5. Now its time to attach the earring itself to the feather clump. Open the loop at the end of the earring by twisting it with your pliers. Do not try to PULL the loop open as this will make it difficult to completely close once you have the feathers on. TWIST. DON’T PULL. Once it is open enough, slide the crimp end loop onto the earring loop and twist the earring loop closed again. Easy breezy and you’re done!
Now make a ton more with the leftover supplies because all your friends will want a pair! 🙂 Happy crafting everyone!
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