DIY Crafts: Paper Feather Garland

This craft, like all of my others, is very simple. All you'll need are a few things.

Fancy paper - I used scrapbooking paper, because it's nice and thick. Also, it's cheap! I picked up a pack of 30 12"x12" sheets at WalMart for $5. Regular construction paper looks really good too, and it's double sided - unlike the scrapbooking paper I used.

A pen - For outlining!

Scissors - Gotta cut them out somehow.

Twine - At least 3 feet, for stringing the feathers up.

You can find feather outlines online, or copy the one I've done. If you want to vary your feather shapes, just take the same basic ideas of the one I've outlined. My feathers ranged from about 3-6 inches.

Start off by drawing the quill - make it a little wider at the bottom, and narrow as it approaches the feathery bits. Leave a few barbs stray at the bottom, and work your way up the feather. make sure it's pointy at the top, and you're in good shape!

I drew some feathers straight and some curved, to add some variety to the shapes.

Once you've outlined, cut them all out!

Once you've cut a feather out, fold it down the middle. This creates the illusion of the rachis - the middle part of the feather.

After that, grab your scissors again. Cut some barbs on either side of the rachis, in large chunks. Your feather is complete!

Cut your string, and tie two loops on either end - so you'll be able to hang them up!

Then, grab a feather and tie a single knot around the quill. Keep tying on feathers, spacing them as you see fit.

That's all there is to it!

There are a few other things you can do with these - you could make a feather wreath, or hang them individually from a mobile - think for a baby's room! Put them in a glass jar or bottle, or simply scatter them. Get creative!

If you liked this craft and you're interested in more, check out some of my other DIY's!

There are a few Valentine's crafts, which can be found here:

Valentine's Heart Garland
Four Incredibly Easy Valentine's Day Crafts
Valentine's Tissue Pompom Garland

Also, some more paper folding crafts, here:

Gum Wrapper Chain
Paper Star Jar

If you're up for a challenge, grab some paint and learn make some painted canvas shoes!

As always, thanks for reading.