How to Decorate With Feathers

Feathers aren’t just for the birds. They make for some snazzy décor around the home. Colored feathers can add glamor and pizazz, while those in their natural hue give your place a rustic look. You can decorate with feathers with a little imagination and a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Feathers
• Craft glue
• Feather boa (optional)
• Decorative cord and beads
• Material scraps
• Wire
• Glass containers

1. Jazz up picture frames. Pick some photos and frames that lend themselves to adding feathers. Ornate, embellish or simple wooden frames work best. Glue a few feathers in one corner of the frame, adding a decorative bead at the feather’s base.

2. Deck out a mirror. Drape a feather boa around a full-length mirror in your bedroom or hallway. You can also use the same concept as the picture frames on smaller face mirrors.

3. Light up a lampshade. Gather enough feathers to make a complete border around a lampshade. Take the shade off the lamp, flip upside down and glue the base of individual feathers at the lampshade’s base. Glue a decorative cord around the tops of the feathers to finish it off.

4. Touch up with tassels. Knot one end of a decorative cord and surround the knot with a handful of feathers by their base. Secure the feathers around the knot with wire. Glue a strip of decorative fabric, such as velvet, around the wire. Hang the feather tassels from curtains, overhead ceiling fan cords or other strategic places. Just make sure not to pull on the feathers, but the center of the cord when you turn the ceiling fan on and off.

5. Arrange the feathers in vases and containers. Instead of long-stemmed roses, pack a vase with long-stemmed feathers. A single ostrich or peacock plume also looks smashing in a tall glass vase. Smaller feathers can be packed in vases, jars, glass candle holders or other funky containers and placed around the home.

Tips & Warnings

• Feathers and boas can be purchased in bags at craft stores or specialty markets. You can also order feathers online; see Resources below.
• Peacock feathers work great around the home. It can be hung just about anywhere to make a thrilling statement.
• Dust feathers often by gently guiding a soft vacuum attachment over them.
• Be frugal with the glue and make sure that you secure the base and spine of the feathers, not just the filaments.
• Don’t decorate with feathers in areas that are constantly wet, such as near the shower or kitchen sink. The feathers will get soggy and gross.
• Make sure feathers are placed out of the reach of children and pets. They can be too tempting to touch or taste. Cats especially are known for ripping up feathers with glee.

Resources

• Fine array of feathers at Ostrich.com
• More fine feathers at Plumesnfeathers.com

[Rynski]

on 10/26/2008 Thanks! Hope you have lots of fun with your feathers,
ryn.

[iamageniuster]

on 10/25/2008 Very nice article. Thanks for the great tips. 5 stars!