Featherwork

How to Make

1. Cut a 20cm x 20cm hessian square to make a background for the feathers. Before you start attaching the feathers, sort them into piles of different colours so it’s easier make a design.
2. Squeeze some glue into a pot or saucer. Make the first row of feathers along the bottom edge of the hessian. To attach a feather, dip the end of the end into glue then push it through a hole in the hessian 3cm from the bottom edge. Keep adding more feathers in the same way until the row is complete. To make it easier pushing the feathers through the hessian, widen the holes with a pencil or trim the ends of the feathers into points. Adjust the position of the feathers along the row so they are all roughly the same length.
3. Add more adding overlapping rows of feathers in different colours until you reach the top. Fill in any gaps with extra feathers.
4. Turn the hessian over. If the ends of the feathers are sticking out, stick some strips of tape over the top to flatten them. Squeeze glue over the back of the hessian then stick it onto a felt background, or use double-sided tape. Tape a piece of wool at the top to hang the design.

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