How to Make an Ostrich Feather Fan
Ostrich feathers are versatile crafting materials that you can use to make a variety of personal accessories from headbands to jewelry. Ostrich feather fans are not just for burlesque dancers; these flamboyant fans can also be a decorative backdrop for photos and other wall art in your home. Use an array of dyed ostrich feathers to custom size a colorful ostrich feather fan to fit any project. Look for dyed ostrich feathers in craft stores and at online retailers.
Things You'll Need
- Cardboard
- Fan template
- Marker
- Craft knife
- Scissors
- Glue gun
- Glue sticks
- 1/4-inch wide ribbon
- Clear, viscous jeweler's glue
- Dyed ostrich feathers
Instructions
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1
Place the fan template onto a thick sheet of cardboard. The fan template should fit the base size of the fan; the ostrich feathers will extend beyond the curve along the top rim.
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2
Trace the fan template onto the cardboard. Cut out the fan shape from the cardboard with a craft knife.
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3
Cut a strip of ribbon to fit around the perimeter of the cardboard fan. Glue the ribbon onto the cut edge of the cardboard with hot glue.
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4
Place a row of dyed ostrich feathers along the curved edge of the cardboard. The hard tips of the feathers should be on the cardboard and the feathery ends should extend beyond the edge of the cardboard as far as you like. Mark the cardboard along the hard tips of the feathers. Remove the feathers.
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5
Run a line of viscous craft glue along the marks on the cardboard. Place the hard tips of the ostrich feathers in the glue.
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6
Cut a strip of 1/4-inch wide ribbon to fit over the feather tips. Run another line of glue across the tops of the feather tips. Press the ribbon on top of the glue.
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7
Run a line of glue on the cardboard a quarter inch below the end of the first layer of ostrich feathers. Place another row of feather tips into the glue. The ends of the ostrich feathers will lie on top of the first layer of feathers. Repeat Step 6 to cover the feather tips with ribbon.
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8
Repeat Step 7 to cover one side of the cardboard fan with ostrich feathers. As you near the bottom edge of the fan, cut the feathers in half to fit flush with the edges of the cardboard. Allow the adhesive to dry.
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9
Repeat Steps 4 through 8 to cover the opposite side of the cardboard fan with ostrich feathers.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit feathers image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
