Feather Fan Diy Guide For Your Dream Wedding

Feather fans have been a staple accessory in weddings for centuries, adding elegance, tradition, and cultural significance to the occasion. Making your own feather fan for a wedding can be a fun project, allowing you to personalise the design and add a unique touch to your special day. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a beautiful feather fan using simple tools and materials. From decorating the staves to attaching the feathers, we will ensure that your DIY feather fan is both impressive and meaningful.

Choosing feathers

When choosing feathers for your wedding fan, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select feathers that complement your wedding attire and theme. Opt for feathers in colours that you love and that reflect your personality and style. If you're crafting the fans yourself, you can choose from a variety of feather types, such as ostrich, peacock, or pheasant feathers. The size of the feathers is also important. Feathers should be at least 4 inches wide and 18 inches long, ensuring they extend down the length of the fan staves.

Another consideration is the number of feathers per stave. Single-layer fans with one feather per stave provide less coverage, while double-layer fans with two feathers per stave offer more concealment and are ideal for performances. Triple-layer fans provide maximum coverage but are heavier and more expensive. The weight of the feathers is an important factor, especially if you're a beginner, as more feathers will require more strength to handle and manoeuvre.

Additionally, you can choose between natural feathers or those with added embellishments. Natural feathers can be left as they are, or you can decorate them with rhinestones, beads, or other decorative elements. If you opt for embellishments, ensure that they are glued securely and placed along the shaft of the feather to avoid weighing down the fluffy parts.

Finally, when purchasing pre-assembled fans, consider the type of staves. Acrylic staves are the most common, offering a range of colours and good coverage. Aluminium staves are durable, while bamboo staves are flexible but may require caution due to potential splinters.

Preparing the staves

To prepare the staves for your feather fan, you will need to clean the rhinestone inlay holes with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. This will remove any debris that could interfere with the glue you will be using later. If your staves do not have specific inlay holes, simply clean the general areas where you plan to place the stones. Remember, rhinestone decorations are optional, so you can skip this step if you prefer.

Once the inlay holes are clean, apply a small amount of glue to the back of each rhinestone using a toothpick. You may need to hold the stone with tweezers to avoid getting glue on your skin. Five-minute epoxy or super glue will work well for this. Place each stone onto the cleaned inlay holes, gently pressing down to secure it in place. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step. If your staves do not have separate inlay holes, be sure to measure and mark the placement of each gemstone for a precise and consistent look.

After all the rhinestones are in place and the glue is dry, you can begin trimming your feathers. Each feather should be equal in length to the stave, and all feathers should be the same length as each other. Use a yardstick to measure the feathers and staves for accuracy. The quill portion of each feather should extend down to the bottom set of double holes on the stave. If the quill is too long, carefully trim it with heavy-duty scissors. Ensure your feathers are at least 4 inches (10 cm) wide and 18 inches (46 cm) long.

Now it's time to attach the feathers to the staves. Hold one feather together with one stave, positioning the quill of the feather on the back, undecorated side of the stave. The feather should curl downward, with the plume hanging over the squared end of the stave. Secure the feather in place by inserting a small cable tie through the lowest set of double holes in the stave, then looping it around both the stave and the feather. Try to match the colour of the cable tie to the colour of the stave for a seamless look. Close the cable tie tightly over the feather to ensure it stays in place. You can also use thin wire or V-shaped wires instead of cable ties if desired.

Finally, add a second cable tie or wire for extra security. Loop it through the top set of double holes, again closing it tightly over the feather. Repeat this process for all staves and feathers until you have 12 identical feathered staves. Use heavy scissors or side cutters to trim any excess material from the cable ties or wires. Your staves are now ready to be linked together to form your beautiful feather fan!

Attaching feathers

Attaching the feathers is a crucial step in making a feather fan. Here is a detailed guide:

Trimming the Feathers:

Start by ensuring that each feather is equal in length to the stave, with a minimum width of 4 inches (10 cm) and a length of 18 inches (46 cm). Use a yardstick to measure the feathers and staves accurately. Trim the quill of the feather with heavy scissors if it is too long to extend down to the bottom set of double holes on the stave.

Positioning the Feather and Stave:

Hold one feather together with one stave, with the quill of the feather positioned on the back, undecorated side of the stave. Ensure that the feather plume hangs down over the squared end of the stave. The stave end with a single hole should fall below the quill, opposite the direction of the plume.

Securing the Feather with Cable Ties:

Locate the lowest set of double holes in the stave and insert a small cable tie through one of these holes from the back. Loop it around both the stave and the feather, preferably matching the colour of the cable tie to the stave. Close the cable tie tightly over the feather side to secure it in place. You can also use thin wire or V-shaped wires instead of cable ties if desired.

Adding a Second Cable Tie:

Secure the feather and stave further by looping a second cable tie through the top set of double holes. Close the cable tie tightly over the feather side, ensuring a strong hold. Repeat this process for each feather and stave combination.

Finalising the Feather Attachment:

Once all the feathers are attached to their respective staves, use heavy scissors or side cutters to trim any excess material from the end of each cable tie. This will ensure a neat and tidy finish to your feather fan.

By following these steps, you will have successfully attached the feathers to your wedding feather fan, creating a beautiful and elegant accessory for your special day.

Embellishing the fan

If you want to add rhinestones, you can do so by cleaning the rhinestone inlay holes with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Wipe away any residue with the dry side of the swab or a clean, dry rag. Apply glue to the back of the rhinestone using a toothpick and place it on the cleaned inlay. Gently press down and wait for the glue to dry before continuing. Repeat this process for each rhinestone, making sure to measure the distance between each stone if your stave does not have specific inlay holes.

Another option for embellishment is to add feathers to the fan. Ostrich plumes or peacock feathers work especially well. Arrange the feathers in a semi-circle around the edge of the fan, filling only half of the length of the oval. You can use a single layer of feathers or stack them for a fuller look. Start by gluing taller feathers, such as ostrich plumes, to the fan first. Trim the second layer of feathers to be about half a inch shorter than the first row and glue them in place, alternating from side to side to keep them evenly spaced. Continue with the third layer, trimming them slightly shorter than the second layer and gluing them in the same way.

Final checks

Once you've assembled your fan, there are a few final checks you should perform to ensure it is secure and ready for use.

First, test the fan by opening and closing it a few times. Ensure that it opens and closes smoothly and that all the staves are moving together. If the fan does not close completely, you may need to adjust the nylon line holding the staves together. Try retying it, leaving more space between each stave.

Check that all the feathers are secure and have not shifted during the assembly process. Give the feathers a gentle tug to ensure they are firmly attached. If any feathers feel loose, apply a small amount of glue to the base of the feather and hold it in place until the glue dries.

Inspect the fan for any glue stains or smudges. Use a cotton swab or a small, clean brush to remove any excess glue that may be visible. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don't want to accidentally remove glue from areas that need it.

If you've added rhinestones or other embellishments, ensure they are all securely attached. Gently tap on each stone with your finger to check that it is firmly in place. If any stones feel loose, carefully lift them and apply a small amount of glue before setting them back into place.

Finally, add any extra glue wherever needed to ensure your fan is secure and ready for use. Allow the glue to dry completely before using or displaying your feather fan.

Frequently asked questions