Feather earrings make a striking statement piece. But, they can also be incorporated into more subdued designs for elegant and subtle appearances.
Craft stores carry feathers of different sizes and colors. You will also require earrings hooks and wire.
Every pair of earrings is carefully handcrafted by a local jeweler in Arlington WA using naturally shed feathers of grizzly rooster and sterling silver ear wires They're light and gentle to your earlobes!
The first step to creating artwork from feathers the first thing you need to do is gather some. Feathers are available in local craft shops or even found in the wild - Be aware of local laws which could impose steep fines if caught from within the state's borders! ).
Once you have your feathers in place, it's time to put them together to form a cluster. You can pick one cluster to create a classy and understated look or create more dramatic effects by adding several clusters of different colors. Just be certain not to use the same the same colors in different clusters!
To put the earrings together take the loop of the headpin using your pliers, and run one end of a feather clump through its ring. Once you're done, wrap it by pliers to complete assembly of earrings.
You should now have a stunning pair of earrings made of feathers! Wear them with anything from jeans and a T-shirt to a dress for an exciting night out!
When crafting my feathers, I used linen thread which is considerably finer than sewing thread - approximately 70-75 wraps per square inch - which makes it extremely delicate and light. Thread made of cotton can also be used if you prefer; starching it prior to starting can help avoid a rigid knots from forming along the length.
Selecting the appropriate feather size is essential when designing any type of project, and especially jewelry-related ones. A feather that is too small can look like beads, while one that's too large will not be as light. As a rule of thumb consider making it the same width as your earring wire to ensure it's not too large or small.
Earrings are a must-have accessory that can be found in formal and casual styles. If you shop at Shipwreck Beads, you'll find an array of stunning feather earring styles ranging from hoop earrings and lever backs to metal or gemstone beads to complement the look. Make sure to pair the feather earrings you choose with gemstones, metal beads or jewelry findings from TierraCast as well as Swarovski components so you're sure to spot the missing pieces in your designs.
For gorgeous bird's-eye earrings, the only thing you require are basic craft pliers as well as an ear wire that you like. If you don't want to DIY them yourself there are plenty of pre-made hooks to select from. Cord coils make great wire-wrapping options, while bead cones work perfect when you need to wrap multiple feathers wrapping together.
If you're creating earrings using feathers you've taken from the wild, you should be aware of local laws surrounding snatching bird feathers illegally. There are many areas that have strict laws with severe penalties for those caught collecting out-of-season feathers from birds.
To complete this project, you'll require two pair of round-nose pliers with small jaws. The first one should be held a few millimeters above the loop on a headpin and the second pair of hands as "second hands" hold the longer end of a crimp bead's length from there and begin wrapping wire tightly around both headpin and feather until you have made an entire feather strand.
Begin by drawing the outline of feathers on a piece of card with a large border (at minimum 2.5") on each edge. Cut the rectangle.
Determine the width of your feather and choose the appropriate thread. Linen is ideal since it isn't very sagging, while cotton sewing thread works similarly. If making long feathers take into consideration trimming off one quill near the base to provide a more supple finish and trim back any overly "spine quills."
When your feather is finished, use string and crystals for crystals hanging from the cap of your flower. Be sure that one seed bead is left off each strand to achieve an attractive layered effect. repeat this step for all remaining strands. Glue your crystals securely before wearing for best results!