Angelique sports some great feather duster earrings.

Caring for your feather fashion items, crafts and décor – 5 Tips

Feathers are definitely one of the most used items in the fashion, arts and décor industry. They are an exquisite art piece that makes almost everything subtly glamorous. Fashion icons and celebrities alike have been lured by its beauty. In fact, an awards night would be unusual without it. From gowns to venue decorations, feathers can be used.

Despite their beauty, some people are having difficulties maintaining and caring for their feathers imbued crafts. Feathers are quite delicate and they need nothing but an equally delicate care.

To help you out with this daunting task, here are some tips:

1. Keep it in a dry place (away from any humidity) – As you may have noticed, feathers easily tear. This is because the fibre connecting and holding them together are not that intact. Water or any moist help these fibres to break (and sometimes it makes the fibres stick together especially if they are synthetic), thus you need to keep the feathers dry at all times.
2. Blow dry in the lowest setting – Accidents do happen. If you accidentally exposed your feather accessory to rain or any water, make sure that you dry it the soonest time possible. Use a hair dryer to dry them, but make sure to keep the feathers moving. This will prevent them from sticking together. Rubbing with a towel while blow drying works well.
3. Use a baby brush – In the event that your feathers got entangled, do not forcefully make them part. Also, do not use oil because like water, oil can make the feathers weak. Instead, you may use a mini brush to slowly untangle the feathers. Make sure that you “slowly” do it; otherwise the feathers will fall off.
4. Put in separate storage – Feather accessories cannot be stored together with other jewelry so make sure that you store them separately. If you have limited space, you can store them in one box provided that you put some cover i.e. plastic.
5. Keep away from pet’s reach! – Feathers are very attractive to your furry pets! If you have cats or dogs in the house, having a feather sofa is definitely a bad idea.

Gwen is out stylish mom idol! Photo Credit: Katlin LaSotta

Gwen makes it all look so easy! At 43, she is still rockin’ it, but for any new moms out there having a baby is a life changer.  Not only do babies require extra energy and patience they also require constant devotion.  All of the attention focused on baby can take a toll on any woman’s energy level.  Our cute clothes…which no longer fit quite right, hair, make up and even our nails take a major back seat.   Mothers become almost subservient to their new babies answering their every beck and call.

Take back your pre-baby confidence.  You can be a fantastic mother even with manicured nails.  Not only will you look better than if you were hanging around in sweats all day, you will feel better about yourself…which after pregnancy and labor is very empowering.  Don’t worry, you can follow all of these tips in the comfort of your own home while baby is sleeping.

Eye Brows- One of the first things that many women forget to upkeep are their brows.  With dark circles from sleep deprivation and less time in front of the mirror in general, getting a close up look at our faces is no longer much of a priority.  Take the time to trim and shape your brows when baby is content.  Five minutes plucking out stray hairs will give your face a cleaner appearance and you will look more like yourself once you are done.

Nails- Fingernails get majorly neglected once baby arrives.  The old habits of trimming and polishing fly out the window as we focus more on keeping baby’s fingernails clipped to keep them from scratching at their face.  Whether you are a fan of colored polish or not it is important to be hygienic with a newborn.  Trim your nails to keep them short with rounded edges. If you want to add some flare to your short nails, check out these feather nails.

Make up- Our old make up routine seems like one more chore that gets pushed aside, but it is such an important confidence booster.  Freshen up your face by adding your usual palette of makeup.  Add an extra swipe of blush and colored lip gloss to enhance your motherly glow.

Hair Style- Pony tails and buns are a favorite of many mothers.  They easily keep hair out of eyes and baby’s grabbing hands.  Don’t neglect your hair, keep it well brushed and styled so you won’t feel completely unkempt.  Even a pony tail and a bun can be stylish when they are thoughtfully pulled together. Rooster tail feathers, schlappen or thick long hair feathers can be used to update your ponytail look.

Clothes- Ok, so it is obvious that your pre-pregnancy clothing will likely not fit the way that it does after baby.  That, however, is no excuse to slum it in sweat pants all day every day.  If you need to spend a little money on a well-fitting outfit then give yourself permission.  It can take at least 3 months to fit back into your old clothes, but don’t go that long without looking like your past self.

Accessories- Especially if you have a newborn girl you know the importance of accessorizing.  Don’t let your baby outshine you in the style department.  Grab a feather hair clip, peacock feather headband, or some craft feather earrings to keep yourself looking like a stylish mom.

Unbelievably, it is time to start purchasing all of those holiday gifts.  Presents for family and close friends, as hostess gifts and party exchanges, and even for your children’s teacher will need to be considered during your holiday shopping.  Over the years a teacher can accumulate a wide array of gifts from students.  Often times these gifts consist of shiny red apples or petite boxes of chocolates.  Any of these thoughtful gifts will warm a teacher’s heart; however, make your gift stand out among all of the others she receives from her loving students.  Give him or her something they can really use this year.

Photo Credit: Rachael McCain

A home-made greeting card to accompany your gift is a great personal touch. Liven up the edges with some turkey feathers or rooster feathers.

If your child has a female teacher then the options are seemingly endless.  Women mostly love the gesture of thoughtfulness that comes with receiving a gift.  Especially teachers of lower elementary students will be gladdened by a hand-made card.   There are two categories of female and male teachers: younger and older.  The gift you give him or her may also be chosen more wisely based on her age.

Mrs.

Younger- (25-45) If you have a young teacher then give her a gift that is reflective of her age.  For a creative gift that will be refreshing are hair feather extensions.  Even though most teachers are not as conservative and structured once the weekend hits, it will be best to keep the color of the feather extensions neutral.  Brown, black, auburn and blonde colored hair feathers will be appreciated and their subtle hue will give a teacher a stylish accessory without being juvenile.

Older- (46+) For an older teacher sentiment is of the utmost importance.  Your teacher will appreciate a gift which displays thoughtfulness.  Perhaps something personalized with your teacher’s name or initials on it such as an embroidered canvas tote bag or a personalized note pad for her desk.

Mr.

Younger- (25-45) Male teachers in the younger category are likely one of the least sentimental of all teachers.  Get them a gift that they will surely use by purchasing a gift card to a local coffee house.  Spend $5-10 on a card to offer him an early morning pick me up or an after work stress reducer.

Older- (46+) Buy a coffee mug with your teacher’s favorite geographical site or United States President on it.  If you are purchasing a mug for a geography, math, history, or science teacher then keep the mug decoration on theme.  For even more personalization you could have a coffee mug personalized with your teacher’s name printed on it.

Photo Credit: eighteen25

Try out a new challenge each day as you countdown to Christmas.

1. Wear a Scarf- If you have been hesitant thus far to wear a scarf, now is the time to give it a try.
2. Red Lipstick- Be bold and wear a merry color on your pout.  Keep lips moisturized in the cold weather with lip moisturizer and place a coating of red lipstick overtop for sexy and kissable lips.
3. Hair Feathers- Feather hair extensions are definitely worth a try this winter.  Place feather extensions throughout your tresses to add texture and interest to your hair.
4. Boots- There is no reason not to wear a pair of boots this winter.  They are stylish and will keep your tootsies warm.
5. Tights- If you love to wear dresses then don’t fret, they can still be worn during the chilly winter months.  They need to be paired with tights to keep them weather appropriate.
6. Sequins- Not only are sequins fun, they remind us of all of the reflective surfaces that come hand in hand with Christmas.  Wear a sequined top, dress or beanie to add pizazz to any ensemble.
7. Red Nail Polish- Keep your manicured nails covered in a bold shade.  A crisply painted layer of red polish will keep your hands looking feminine and jolly.
8. Crystal Earrings- Wear a pair of crystal or diamond drop earrings.  Your ornamentation will draw attention to your face this season.
9. Cowl Neck Sweater- Sweaters are a must have item.  Wear a plum or olive colored cowl neck sweater for a sweater and scarf effect in one.
10. High bun- Pile hair high on head and pin in a high bun.
11. Mittens- Keep your hands warm on evening outings with a pair of fuzzy mittens.
12. Belted Waist Coat- Don’t lose your shape, add a belt or wear a belted coat that cinches at the waist.
13. Collar Necklace- These bulky metallic necklaces are a winter must have.
14. Oversized Ring- Wear an over the top chunky ring with rhinestone accents.
15. Skin Shimmer Lotion- Keep your skin moisturized and glowing with a shimmering body lotion.
16. False Eyelashes- Try out false eyelashes for an important winter event such as a concert or holiday party.
17. Teeth Whitener- Use an at home whitener to brighten your smile.
18. Eyebrow Wax- Take a break from tedious plucking and have yourself pampered with a professional brow wax.
19. Leather Pants- Try on a pair of leather pants, even if you don’t purchase them, give them a chance.
20. Ring Cleaning-Have your wedding and engagement rings professionally cleaned for fantastic sparkle.
21. Pedicure- Give yourself a pedicure complete with a soak, scrub and polish.
22. Curls- Merry up your look with a head of bouncy curls.
23. New Bra-Wear a new bra for a boost in confidence.
24. Silk Blouse- Light reflective and shimmery a silk blouse will be a perfect holiday top.
25. Merry Christmas Look- With your whitened smile, red lips and nails and your favorite items from the list, celebrate your Christmas with restored confidence and style.

Photo Credit: Topsy Turvy Design

The holidays are almost here, which means for many folks the once a year family portrait is in order.  Some use these portraits as Christmas cards, framed gifts or just to replace last year’s pose over their mantle.  So whether you are a creative family looking for a fresh photo idea, or a photographer, we have listed 10 of the coolest props to incorporate into your photo session.

1. Balloons- Colorful and bubbly, this prop is fun to add to an engagement shoot or photo with kids.  Choose colors that complement the clothing of the individuals involved in the shot.  Be sure to have helium filled balloons on strings long enough to tie around small children’s wrists to avert a flyaway balloon tantrum.
2. Frames- Old picture frames with the glass and backing removed make for fun and lightweight props.  Spray paint the frame in a fun hue or keep it classy with black and white.
3. Feathers- For a romantic photo shoot such as engagement or wedding, get an assortment of feathers to add texture and interest to the individuals.  Pick up pheasant feathers, ostrich plumes, or peacock feathers for the biggest impact.
4. Flowers- Some families like to take seasonal pictures in fields of wildflowers, however those are not a year round treat.  Purchase some real flowers for a one time shoot or buy fake flower stems to use again.
5. Vintage Couch- This may be more of a project and big prop item but it is well worth it.  Create an outdoor living environment and a comfortable spot for subjects to pose on with a vintage couch.  Place a couch under birch trees or in a forest for a fall or winter look.
6. Chair- Little girls and boys look precious sitting in wicker chairs in a bed of fallen autumn leaves or under trees sprinkled with cherry blossoms.
7. Pet- Don’t forget your favorite pet!  Whether it’s a dog, cat or horse, have a few family photos taken with your pet…they are of course, part of your family, too.
8. Letters- Pre fab letters are very popular this year.  Go to your local craft store and invest in single bold letters to come up with creative concepts.  Perhaps every family member holds a letter to spell out your last name, the initial of their first name or spell out a holiday message such as: cheer, tidings, or merry.
9. Signage- Holding a simple sign such as “I love you” or a sign staked in the ground announcing a “save the date” is a cool addition to any picture setting.  Create your own sign or purchase one at a craft store for a creative touch.
10. Mirror- Reflective surfaces are very interesting in pictures.  If you want to photograph your little princess all dressed up incorporate a mirror into the photo.  Mirrors provide varying angles of a subject which will make for a memorable picture.

Photo Source: http://emilyvalentine.com.au/gallery_2011.html

Life in Australia has provided Emily Valentine with an endless source of beautiful feathers. Assembling them together to form mythical creatures is a unique take on the use of craft feathers. From her first works in the early 2000′s she has always used mixed media , mostly feathers, to express her ideas in a physical form. “Kingfisher Squadron” uses craft feathers gleaned from trapped minah birds to recreate military aircraft. Invasion of foreign species is a common theme in Australian life. This work shows it in its literal and figurative form. Her entire “Squadron” series features craft feathers formed into all types of aircraft. More recently she has trended back to her roots of making animals. “Kittykeet”, pictured above, uses native lorikeet feathers. Fortunately for Emily, Australia boasts a huge population of native hookbill birds as a great source for parrot feathers. In the US such craft feathers can only be obtained commercially or as molt feathers from pets and are very rare.

(Photo Credit- Rhinestone Beagle)

You will need:

• Styrofoam cone
• Wooden log (about an inch less in diameter than your cone)
• Green Paint
• Glittery star
• Glue gun with plenty of sticks
• Green spray glitter in a can
• Green FEATHERS! (We suggest goose feathers, or turkey flats)

Start by using the green paint to paint your styrofoam cone . Let dry. Glue one ring of feathers at the base, overlapping the feathers, gluing them down almost quill to quill. Now start working your way up to the top of the tree. Most feathers have a natural bend in them, when gluing down the feathers, you want them to bend out, away from the cone. Layer feathers all the way to the top. Next, take your feather tree outside and give it a generous spray coat of the glitter spray!  Next glue your base to the bottom of your tree! And last but not least, stick the star right through the tip of the top of the cone. (These stars can be found at your local craft store, in the fake floral or wreath section)

*There is no law saying that you have to make a green tree! These trees also look great in red and white or a mix!

]]> http://featherout.com/blog/2012/11/09/diy-mini-feather-christmas-tree/feed/ 0 http://featherout.com/blog/2012/11/08/holiday-gifts/ http://featherout.com/blog/2012/11/08/holiday-gifts/#comments Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:01:25 +0000 mlf2008 http://featherout.com/blog/?p=804

Holiday shopping is time near, if you are looking for some quality, handmade products, MoonLight Feather has great  gifts like handmade feather earrings, handmade feathers extension clips, baby headbands and much more available at Moonlightfeather.com

(Photo Credit- Michaels.com)

You will need-

-Easy felt

-Assorted Rhinestones/Embellishments

-OSTRICH PLUME

-Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Cut length of felt 2 inches wide,  on the backside, centered, glue down the Ostrich plume. Oh the front, embellish the front with rhinestones.

Let dry, then fit to childs head, mark, and glue together.

Lastly trim off the excess felt! Thats it!

(Photo Credit- Rust & Sunshine)

You will need-

-A glass jar with lid

-brown, red, yellow and black paint

-glue

-FEATHERS (we suggest goose feathers or hen feathers)

-paper plate

-small paint brush

Start by squeezing a generous amount of brown paint onto your paper plate.  Help the little ones stick their hand, palm down, into the paint.

Carefully help them make a handprint on the jar, fingers pointing up. Let dry.

 Glue down craft feathers over dried fingerprints.

Using the small brush and yellow paint, draw the beak on the thumbprint, use the brush and black paint to paint an eye.

The waddle is a red fingerprint.

On little piece of paper, have the kids write down what they are thankful for, and put in in their jar. On thanksgiving, have everyone read what’s in their jars

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