Everyone at one time or the other has admired the beautiful plumage of some
bird, whether it was a common blue jay, exotic pheasant or something unusual
at the zoo. And like myself, you wanted to get into that cage and do a
little harvesting! Admit it!
Please remember the bird does need to keep them for a while, so gather
from the ground at the zoo. And no fair chasing. See your local
shops for feathers that are already cleaned, sanitized, dyed and packaged
for you.
There are various types of feathers, since they need to do different
engineering tasks for the owner. Of course, we do not intend to use
them to fly, so their original design configuration is not as important as
what the shape and quality can do for our decorations.
Wing and tail feathers are stiff and somewhat straight and are excellent
for leave and drama on a mask or hat. Depending on which side of the
bird the feather originated it may be slightly curved to the left or the
right. Center tail feathers will be the most straight.
Use the shape to your advantage.
Body feathers from the back, breast, neck, etc are more extraordinary,
but the lowly turkey has some wonderful colors and exciting shapes to loan
you also. Goose feathers are very satin like and dye beautifully.
And don't forget our domestic chicken. He, too, contributes his attire for
your design enjoyment, as does the spotted guinea fowl.
I might also mention, that the feather come from the food industry. No
birds are killed for their plumage.
PHEASANT SKINS-No other source has such a variety of naturally
beautiful contrasting
feathers as those pelts. Golden, Ring neck, Lady Amherst, Venery.
SATINETTES Most elegant and richly textured feather, named after
the fabric satin, for it's glimmery appearance.
BIOTS. This feather adds the feeling of natural movement to your
project. Wrap this feather around a wire tightly and it will hole the spiral
curl.
MARABOU OR CHANDELLE BOAS. Most versatile and easy to work with.
Cut any desired length and it will not ravel. Can be glued or stitched.
OSTRICH PLUMES Have been used throughout history from adorning bed
post in castles to decorating hats and masks. These are so elegant.
STRUNG FEATHERS- The most widely used for craft projects. Hand
selected, sized, strung and sewn together in strips.
PHEASANT PADS, HACKLE, AND HACKLE PLATES. Pheasant or hackle
already glued on a fabric backing
DYED OVER NATURAL MARKINGS-Feathers with beautiful natural
markings are greatly enhanced by dye, chinchilla, guinea and pheasant to
name a few.
PEACOCK SWORDS AND EYES. Peacock feathers are so beautiful and can
be shaped and curled.
PHEASANT TAILS. Combine with coordinating flowers, decorate fans
and use on hats and masks
COLORS AND DYE. The dying of feathers has been improved over the
years but they are still not completely light fast so use them wisely. |