FEATHERS

Do you fancy a little feather tickling inspiration??

FEATHERS in jewellery seem to have flown
back into fashion - it's that tribal vibe!

In fact, in many primitive cultures, feathers
have been symbols of higher thought and
spiritual progression. This is derived from
the concept that birds were considered
divine creatures, because they were able to
fly skywards (to heaven) and therefore closer
to the gods.

Having said all that, I've been designing lots
of different jewellery pieces incorporating
feathers, especially a new exciting kit for
LONDON JEWELLERY SUPPLIES
who have a great selection of feathers on
their WEBSITE.

Also, check out this FEATHER KIT,
which is unbelievable value!!


This can be a key ring
or, hand bag charm!





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In the meantime, here's a project for making
some FLOATING FEATHER EARRINGS.
Enjoy!




















1. For EACH earring (and it can be very fashionable to just wear
one!), you will need 2 or 3 feathers, some semi-precious chip
beads of your choice, some 0.6mm & 0.8mm wire, some ready
made chain, and some fish-hook ear wires ...
























2. If you're using 2 or 3 feathers for each earring, cut a tiny
slither of sticky tape to bind them all together at the tips.
(If the ends are very fluffy, you can always pull away these
whispy bits with your fingers to expose more of the quill ends).
Alternatively, you can use just one large plume ... it's
completely up to you!


















3. Working from the end of spool of 0.6mm wire, create
an even coil (that will be large enough in diameter to
slide over the taped quill end of the feathers). Cut from
the spool leaving about 1" (2.5cm) projecting.























4. Place your round nosed pliers on the wire projecting
from the coil and curl back towards the top of the
coil, until it 'sits' at right angles on the top.
























5. Push the taped quill end of the feathers through the
centre of the coil and squeeze (crimp) the last few ends
of the coil against the feathered stem to secure in place.
(You can also add a dab of Superglue for extra security!)
























6. Now cut the chains into 2 portions - one approx. 2" (5cm)
and the other 2.5" (6.5cm) (These lengths are your personal
choice - if you're using longer feathers, cut longer chain lengths!).
Wire wrap the semi-precious chips with 0.4mm or 0.6mm wire and
attach to the chains at varying and random intervals with small
jump rings.























7. Attach 2 jump rings to the top link of the coiled wire
crimp holding the feathers.


















8. Create your own ear wires, OR ... customise some ready made
fish-hooks, by unravelling the end link ... pulling off the silver
bead and re-threading with a semi-precious stone bead.
Use your round nosed pliers to recreate the end link.























9. Now all that's left to do is to connect the chains to
the top of the earring. I attached one directly to the
end link of the ear wire and the other, on the jump ring
connected to the feathers.













It's now ready
to wear!










Or ... create a matching pair. Well, they'll never be exactly
the same, but that's the CHARM with anything handmade!
























You can also create
this as a PENDANT.























Here's my festive 'Jubilee' themed idea with a red, blue
and white feathers!

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HAVE FUN WITH FEATHERS!!
Use them in hairband fascinators
and hat pins, necklaces, on key rings
and bag charms, earrings, brooches
...etceterararara ...