Feather Dyeing
NOTE: I mostly use the body and chest/breast feathers of the birds.
I rarely use the flight or tail feathers as these are too large and in many cases too rigid to work with.
BIGGER NOTE: I ONLY USE NATURALLY SHED FEATHERS,
NO BIRDS ARE EVER HARMED IN ANY WAY.
ALL BIRDS WHOSE FEATHERS I USE ARE MY BELOVED PETS!
Okay, let’s move on to the actual feather dying process!!!!
The following pages will guide you through a simple yet very thorough technique of feather dying/coloring. While we will be using COCKATIEL feathers for this demonstration, any feather can be dyed using this method.
Be sure to use a feather that is suited to the scale that you are working in. I have chosen the Cockatiel feather as it is the perfect size to match the 1/12th scale dolls I work with.
The Parakeet feather is also a good choice, as well as some down feathers from ducks, etc.
If you have old down pillows , rip them open and sort through the feathers. You will be surprised at
the treasure of fluff you can find in an old pillow.
A tutorial will follow this one showing uses for these lovely dyed feathers along with a pattern and technique sheet for making a beautiful hat in miniature. Below is a list of the materials you will need to complete this simple yet useful project.
I like to dye several feathers at once for each color and keep them in zip lock bags so I can have
them on hand for each new project.
MATERIALS:
-
Feathers
-
Baking Pan
-
Dye Hot
-
Water
-
Glass Measuring Cup
-
Microwave or Stovetop
-
Glass dish/ loaf pan
-
Paper Towels
-
Wooden Skewers
-
Water
-
White Vinegar
DYE – I like to use Jacquard Acid Dyes.
They come in powder form, and can be easily
mixed with very hot water to dye a bunch of
feathers or just a few.
This dye comes in a huge assortment of
colors, but buying just a few basic
colors will yield several shades and hues.
They can also be used to dye silk and wool.
FEATHERS – Choose feathers that are within the
scale you are working on.
For 1/12th scale I would suggest:
Cockatiel feathers (perfect), Down feathers of Ducks. English Budgies (show parakeets), have larger feathers similar to cockatiels. American budgies/parakeets (pet shop parakeets) & Parrotlets have smaller feathers.
For 1/2″ scale or 1/4″ scale:
Finch Feathers – finches are very tiny birds,
so these are terrific! Cockatiel or Parakeet HEAD feathers -the feathers on the heads of birds tend to be very tiny, but perfect for small details such as in the bases of fans, hair ornaments, etc.
Notice the detail on this miniature doll hat to the left.
The striped feather matches one in the photo above.
NOTE: I mostly use the body and chest/breast feathers of the birds.
I rarely use the flight or tail feathers as these are too large and in many cases too rigid to work with.
BIGGER NOTE: I ONLY USE NATURALLY
SHED FEATHERS,
NO BIRDS ARE EVER HARMED IN ANY WAY.
ALL BIRDS WHOSE FEATHERS I USE ARE MY BELOVED PETS!
Okay, let’s move on to the actual dying process!!!!
Click “NEXT” to continue!
Next
© Gina C. Bellous 2001 – 2015 – All Rights Reserved
This tutorial is for your personal use only.
NO portion of this tutorial may be
reprinted without permission,
copied for sale, or to be taught as your own.
Thank you for your cooperation
Enjoy!