How To: Deli Paper Feathers
October 01, 2012
I think that these Jenni Bowlin vellum feathers are absolutely amazing!
But $5.99 for 3 feathers is a little more than I want to spend. So, I made some of my own and I'm going to show you how!
STEP ONE: Stamp on deli paper (or vellum or whatever you have around).
You'll need to use a permanent ink that likes slick surfaces, such as Archival Ink or StazOn. (The stamp I used is one that I carved myself.)
STEP TWO: Cut the stamped image into a feather shape.
It doesn't need to be perfect or symmetrical. Part of the beauty of nature is all the imperfections!
STEP THREE: Glue a wire down the center of the feather.
I used Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi Medium. You could also use Glossy Accents, Gel Medium, or any wet adhesive you have lying around. I like the ease of the little squeeze bottle. I simply squeeze a line of adhesive along the wire and then flip it over onto my deli paper and press. The wire I used is 20 gauge craft wire, but you could use whatever you have lying around.
Be sure to flip your deli paper over so that you're gluing the wire onto the back of your stamped print.
STEP FOUR: Crease around the wire.
Flip the feather over and use your fingers to pinch all along the wire so that there's a nice crease and the paper is well adhered. You will need to let the glue dry (or heat with a heat gun to speed the drying along).
STEP FIVE: Cut slits to create movement in the feather.
I cut my slits on an angle. The Jenni Bowlin feathers are cut straight across. The choice is yours.
Now, all you have to do is use your feathers!
I used three feathers on this layout:
The bottom feather (green dots) was stenciled rather than stamped.
I think they look pretty darn cool! (And making them is super addictive!)
Have fun making feathers!
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