Create A Feathered Fascinator For Your Wedding Day

Birdcage veils are a timeless trend that has made its way back into the bridal world. They are versatile, classy, and sassy, and can complement both traditional and modern dresses. If you're looking to add a touch of boldness and sophistication to your wedding look, a birdcage veil is a perfect choice. In this guide, we will be focusing on a specific type of birdcage veil – the feathered brooch fascinator. We will take you through the steps to make your own wedding birdcage feathered brooch fascinator, a fun and playful accessory that is sure to lift your spirits on your special day.

Sourcing materials: feathers, netting, glue, etc

When making a wedding birdcage feathered brooch fascinator, sourcing the right materials is essential. Here is a detailed list of materials you will need and where you can find them:

Feathers

Feathers are a crucial component of your fascinator and can be sourced from various places. Online retailers like Amazon offer a wide range of feather options, including peacock, ostrich, and colourful feathers. Etsy is another excellent source for feathers, with many sellers providing unique and vintage feathers.

Netting

The type of netting you choose for your fascinator will depend on the desired look and feel. If you're going for a classic and elegant style, consider using Russian veiling or French netting, which can be found on Etsy. These types of netting come in various colours, including ivory, black, and navy, and can add a touch of sophistication to your fascinator. Etsy also offers unique options like honeycomb weave veiling and horsehair braid netting for a more textured look.

Glue

Using the right type of glue is essential when creating a secure and long-lasting fascinator. While hot glue guns are versatile and create a strong bond, they may not be ideal for intricate work. For feather flowers, a rice paste adhesive called Nori is an excellent option, as it is acid-free, clear, and quick-drying. UHU glue is another popular choice among milliners, known for its strong adhesion to multiple surfaces. However, it can be challenging to find in the US. Alternatively, Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive offers similar performance with a nozzle tip for precise application.

Other Materials

In addition to feathers, netting, and glue, you will need various other materials to create your fascinator. These may include a base or headband, clips or combs, brooches or pins, and decorative elements like rhinestones or pearls. Etsy and Amazon offer a wide range of fascinator-making supplies, including pre-made bases, combs, and decorative accents.

Remember to plan your design before sourcing materials, as this will help ensure you have everything you need to bring your creative vision to life.

Cutting the netting

Now, it is time to get the netting with bigger holes. Start by cutting it a foot wide and three feet long. Once you have a rectangle, you have to cut the top corners of the netting. It should have a house-like shape.

The next thing you need to do is to thread your needle and get ready for sewing. Thread your needle through the little cross pieces in the tulle along the left, top, and right sides of the veil. Once you’ve reached the end, take your needle off the thread and pull the tulle so that it gathers together. Then, tie a knot at the end of the thread and trim off the excess.

We are almost done! You have to thread your needle again. Now, it is time to set the gathered netting to the top of the covered hair comb. Use the threaded and thread to sew the gathered netting to the comb. It is alright for the thread to go back and forth to ensure that the birdcage veil will be sturdy.

Besides, these will all be covered by the lace or your choice of embellishment in the end, so you do not have to worry if it looks ugly. Once you are sure that the gathered netting is in place, get the lace and use the glue stick to attach it. It will cover all the sewing imperfections and make your birdcage veil look as perfect as the ones bought from bridal stores.

If you want, you can also be more creative with your design. You can use feathers, flowers, crystals, and other embellishments to cover the sewn part. Just make sure you have your glue gun ready for a more detailed design. Now, you are definitely ready to walk down the aisle!

Attaching the netting to a comb or brooch

Next, cut a rectangle from the netting with larger holes, about 1 foot wide and 3 feet long. Cut the top corners of the rectangle so that it has a house-like shape. Thread your needle and sew along the left, top, and right sides of the veil. Once you reach the end, gather the netting together and tie a knot to secure it. Sew the gathered netting to the top of the covered comb, ensuring it is sturdy.

You can then add lace, feathers, flowers, crystals, or other embellishments to cover the sewn part and add a unique touch to your fascinator.

Embellishing with feathers, flowers, etc

Embellishing with feathers, flowers, and other accessories is a fun and creative part of making a wedding birdcage fascinator. This is where you can let your imagination run wild and truly make the fascinator your own.

There are many ways to add feathers to your fascinator. You can glue feathers to the centre of your fascinator base, covering any messy bits with silk flowers, a brooch, or lace. You can also glue feathers to a felt circle, and then glue this to your headband. If you want to add some veiling, consider using Russian netting or tulle, which can be found in any craft store. Cut a piece of netting or tulle about 6"x12", gather at either end, and hot glue it to the underside of your fascinator.

Flowers can also be added in a variety of ways. You can glue silk flowers directly onto the fascinator base or onto a felt circle, covering the entire surface. If you want to add some extra sparkle, consider using silk flowers with rhinestones or crystals. You can also use fresh flowers, but these will need to be carefully attached and kept hydrated to avoid wilting.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of embellishments and placements to create a unique and beautiful wedding birdcage feathered brooch fascinator.

Attaching to a headband

To attach your fascinator to a headband, you will need a glue gun, a plain metal headband, and a small piece of felt.

First, cut a circle of felt approximately four inches in diameter, or to your desired size. Next, glue some feathers to the top third of the circle. Then, glue silk flowers over the entire surface of the felt circle. Now, glue the headband to the felt circle, and keep it secure by sandwiching the headband between the first circle and a second, smaller scrap of felt.

If you would like to add a veil, use Russian netting or tulle. Cut a piece of netting or tulle about 6"x12", gather at either end, and hot glue to the underside of the fascinator. To protect your fingers, you can add two extra small scraps of felt to the underside of the fascinator when gluing down the veil.

Frequently asked questions