Feather Pen Diy Guide For Your Wedding Day

A feather pen is a fun and elegant DIY project that can be used as a unique desk accessory or as a special touch for your wedding day. You can make your own feather pen by finding a feather, such as a long tail feather from a turkey or goose, and shaving off the fibres closest to the end. You may also want to leave the feather in water overnight to make it softer and easier to bend. Next, use a sharp knife to gently scrape off the membrane covering the surface of the feather towards the tip. Then, make a 45-degree angled cut at the end of the shaft, followed by a second cut at a blunter angle. Remove the quick inside of the shaft and cut a slit in the centre of the tip to allow the ink to flow. Finally, you can shape the pen by trimming the sides to create a fine point or a chisel edge for broader, calligraphic lines.

Sourcing feathers

When choosing feathers, consider the type of bird they come from. In the United States, for example, there are legal restrictions on keeping feathers from certain birds due to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Ensure you use feathers from legal birds, such as chickens, domestic geese, or invasive bird species. Alternatively, you could use feathers from eagles, owls, or turkeys, which are legal if you can obtain them.

If you're aiming for a specific aesthetic, you can select feathers that match your wedding colour scheme or theme. Feathers can be dyed to achieve the perfect look, although this is an optional step. You could also opt for natural-coloured feathers, such as white, pink, or black, which can create an elegant or antique feel.

Once you've sourced your feathers, you'll need to prepare them for pen-making. This includes steps such as washing the feathers, especially if they were foraged, and gently shaving or cutting off the fibres closest to the end of the shaft to make them easier to work with. Sanding the shaft with fine-grit sandpaper can also help to smooth out any roughness and ensure a comfortable grip.

Overall, sourcing feathers for your wedding feather pen involves considering factors such as comfort, legality, colour, and preparation. With the right feathers, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and functional memento for your special day.

Cleaning and preparing the feather

To clean and prepare a feather for a wedding pen, start by finding a feather that is long and not too thin, such as a long tail feather from a turkey or goose. If you find a feather outside, it's important to wash it gently with dish soap and water to remove any dirt or parasites. You can also purchase feathers online.

Once you have your feather, use scissors to trim off the fibers closest to the bottom of the shaft, making it easier to hold and work with. If the shaft is not smooth, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand it until it feels smooth to the touch and any membrane is removed.

Before proceeding to the next steps, ensure your feather is completely dry. You can air-dry it, but avoid using a hairdryer as this may cause the feather to poof.

Now, you can begin shaping the nib, or writing point, of the feather. Make an angled cut at the end of the shaft, at approximately a 45-degree angle. This will create the basic shape of the nib. If you prefer a calligraphy pen, you can leave the nib blunter.

At this stage, you have a few options to further harden the feather and prepare the nib. One method is to heat sand to 350 °F (177 °C) and place the feather in the sand on a heat-proof surface until it cools. Alternatively, you can place the feather in hot water or leave it in water overnight to make it softer and easier to bend.

After preparing the feather, you can proceed to the final assembly of your wedding pen. This may involve inserting an ink cartridge, attaching a pen holder, or further refining the nib to suit your writing style and purpose.

Cutting the feather

Firstly, select a suitable feather. A long tail feather is ideal, preferably from a turkey, goose, or another large bird. Ensure the feather has a shaft that is not too thin and is comfortable to hold, resembling the grip of a pencil.

Before cutting, you may want to prepare your feather. One method is to leave the feather in water overnight to make it softer and easier to bend. Alternatively, you can heat sand to 350 °F (177 °C) and place the feather on it until it cools. This step is optional but will result in a harder feather that requires less frequent sharpening.

Now, for the cutting process:

• Make your first cut at a 45-degree angle at the end of the shaft. This will create a slanted edge.
• Next, make a second cut in the opposite direction, this time at a five-degree angle. This cut should be shorter and at a blunter angle. These two cuts will form two "horns" at the tip of your feather.
• Bend these "horns" together. You should hear a cracking sound, and a slit will form in the centre.
• Shave the "horns" to create a semi-pointed tip. This step ensures that your feather pen will not splatter ink when used for writing.

At this stage, your feather is almost ready for use! You can further customise it by dyeing the feather with hair dye or inserting an ink cartridge from a ballpoint pen.

Remember to handle sharp tools with caution and always seek adult supervision if necessary. Enjoy crafting your unique wedding feather pen!

Inserting the ink

To make a feather pen for a wedding, you can use a real feather or buy a feather pen from the market. If you want to use a real feather, you will need to find a suitable feather, clean and prepare it, shape it into a pen, and finally, insert the ink.

If you are using a real feather, you can use a ballpoint pen's ink cartridge or make your own ink. To use a ballpoint pen's ink cartridge, take apart a ballpoint pen and insert the ink cartridge into the feather. You can glue it if necessary, but some people find that it fits in securely without any glue.

If you want to make your own ink, you can use blackberries or shelled walnuts and similar plants. Blackberry ink is traditionally used for banishing spells, while black walnuts usually yield the darkest ink.

If you are using a feather pen bought from the market, you can use ink that comes with it or buy ink separately. Some feather pens available in the market use black gel ink, while others use black ink cartridges.

Decorating the pen

Feather Selection

The type of feather you choose will be a prominent feature of your wedding pen. Consider selecting a feather that complements your wedding colour palette or theme. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, a white feather pen with a wooden base would fit in beautifully. If you're looking for something more glamorous, an ostrich feather in a rich hue like purple or black can add a touch of elegance and drama.

Embellishments

Add some sparkle to your feather pen with carefully selected embellishments. You could wrap the base of the feather with a delicate gold or silver chain, securing it with a small drop of glue. You could also tie a thin ribbon around the base of the feather, perhaps in your wedding colours, and finish it with a small bow. If you're feeling extra creative, you could even glue small diamantes or pearls to the base of the feather for a touch of glamour.

Pen Stand

The pen stand is another opportunity to add a decorative element to your wedding pen. A simple glass or crystal stand can be elegant and timeless, while a wooden stand could be perfect for a rustic or outdoor wedding. If you want something a little more unique, consider a vintage-style quill pen holder, perhaps in a bronze or copper finish.

Ink Colour

Although many wedding feather pens use black ink, you could choose a coloured ink to match your wedding theme. This is a subtle way to tie your wedding stationery into your overall decor. If you're feeling creative, you could even mix your own ink using natural ingredients like blackberries or walnuts.

Presentation

Finally, consider how you will present your wedding pen to your guests. You could place it on a small tray alongside your guest book, perhaps with a small sign inviting guests to sign their names. Or, if you're having an outdoor wedding, you could set up a small table with a floral arrangement or other decorative elements to create a stylish vignette.

Remember, the key to decorating your wedding feather pen is to have fun and let your creativity shine!

Frequently asked questions