Saturday, April 14, 2012

Feather Earrings tutorial




“What’s old is new again”.  Yup, that’s an old saying and way back in the 70’s feather earrings were all the rage and I made them by the bunch.  Lately I’ve been seeing feather earrings all over the place…so the old saying is true.  If you want to make a pair—it’s simple and easy and you can whip up a bunch in no time.  These would make a great project for a teenage sleepover. 

You will need:

A pack of feathers in natural colors (beige, white, black)

A pack of dyed color guinea feathers

Pony beads in complimentary colors

22 gauge copper wire

Copper fishhook ear wires

Tacky craft glue or E6000 craft glue (Either works well but tacky glue in non toxic and E6000 you will need to use with proper ventilation)

Wire cutters

Needle nosed pliers

Ruler

Paper plate, toothpick

1.     Pick out two natural color feathers making sure they are about the same size and shape.  Try to choose ones that are straight and do not curve too much.  Choose two smaller guinea feathers in whatever colors you desire and make sure they look about the same as well.  Squirt a dab of glue in a paper plate and using the toothpick dab a bit on the shaft tip of the solid color (larger) feather.  Line up the guinea feather on top to adhere and let dry.  Use very little glue and just apply to the shaft tip.  Set aside.


2.     Cut a piece of wire 2 ½”.  Fold the wire in half.  Twist together and wrap an end around to form a tight loop.  One end of wire will be a tiny bit longer than the other.  Insert both ends into a coordinating color pony bead.  Using the needle nosed pliers bend one wire end up and around towards the center of the bead and insert inside and down.  Do the same with the other wire end.  You have tucked both ends of the wire into the pony bead leaving the loop at the top for attaching the fishhook ear wire.





3.     Repeat step 2 for the other bead.

4.     Dab a tiny bit of glue on the shaft ends of the feathers you prepared and insert into the bottom of the wired pony bead.  Repeat for other feathers and let dry.



5.     Use the needle nosed pliers to open an end of the fishhook ear wire.  Attach the earring and squeeze the loop closed with the pliers.




6.     Adjust and bend the ear wire if necessary.  Trim the feathers to make the earrings as uniform as possible. Be creative and use various colored feathers to match your wardrobe.




8 comments:

  1. This is awesome..love the detailed tutorial :)
    thanks

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  2. Great tutorial -- I DO remember the 70's feather fad . . . love your version and the color especially!

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  3. Great tutoria! I have a friend that wants peacock earrings, but can't seem to find ones she likes, now ill have to show her this. Making your own things is so much fun! Thanks for linking up to Sunday Round Up.
    Xoxo
    Heather
    Www.heatherlyloves.com

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  4. So pretty! I love your choice of feathers!

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  5. Gorgeous work and wonderful tutorial! Thank you so much for linking up with us!
    candace@cool2Craft.com

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  6. Thanks for sharing at the Sunday Round Up. I love to see what you share on your blog. I will be giving this a try. I'm your newest follower.
    Rose
    @ http://www.arosiesweethome.com/

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  7. Very pretty! Thanks for the great instructions too.

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Thanks for your lovely comments!