This course is aimed at:

• Those wanting to learn how feathers can enhance their designs and understand how to use different methods to dye and burn feathers.

The course will involve:

• A guide to the construction and attributes of feathers
• An introduction to different types of feathers and how they can be used in millinery including, goose, hackle, turkey, ostrich and peacock amongst others.
• Information on preparing feathers for use and sources of feathers
• Time will be spent practicing the art of manipulating feathers, by cutting, shaping, curling and bending feathers to create a feather library with over 25 techniques
• Learning how to create a feather mount out of your desired feathers
• Practising how to create a wired feather mount
• Watching a demo on dyeing feathers in different ways
• Watching a demo on burning feathers with bleach

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Required  – Any Level

Student Supplies (Minus sewing kit):

• Thread to compliment your choice of feathers
• 10-20 pheasant tail feathers (please note there is flexibility on the type of feathers needed, these could be coque or another long feather)
• 30- 50 Goose Nagoire feathers (must have a soft spines to them)
• A selection of other feathers quantities and types flexible and could depend on the fullness of mounts you want to create, numbers given are a minimum – 15 Biot feathers, 15 hackle feathers, variety of statement feathers of your choice i.e. peacock swords
• Wire – options are Paper covered wire 22 / 26 gauge, this can be florist or cake making wire x 3 pieces or metal jewellery wire approx 30cm – (0.5 gauge)
• Uhu glue or other

Required Classroom Amenities (sink, sewing machine, etc):

• Tray to cut into
• Hair curlers
• Small Sharp scissors ideally with a pointy tip
• Normal scissors

Course outcomes:

• An understanding of different feathers and their capabilities and application in millinery
• The ability to manipulate feathers.
• A variety of feather samples to create your own feather library
• An understanding of how feathers should be treated in order to make them millinery ready.
• A feather mount ready to attach to a design of your own, and the skills to create more.
• A wired feather mount ready to attach to a design of your own, and the skills to create more.
• Understanding and ability to follow the demo on how to burn feathers
• Understanding and ability to follow the demo on how to dye feathers in different ways.
• Information on suppliers and materials.