How to Create a Feather Fan

This fan can be made with or without a locking mechanism. For each fan, you will need at least 6-10 large feathers, a straight pin, polymer clay, glue, strong thread, small beads, and a sharp blade and/or scissors. Optional: drill, strip of leather and a snap fastener.

Start by trimming the quill ends of the feathers until they are all uniform in length, leaving at least 3 inches. Use the blade to slice the quills lengthwise, starting about halfway down the shaft. You may use a drill to put holes through the quills first, or just push the straight pin through each feather, about ¼" from the end of the quill. If the end of the pin sticks out too far when all the feathers are attached, it can be trimmed with wire cutters or scissors. Create a small ball with polymer clay, bake according to the package instructions, then glue to the sharp end of the pin.

Cut a foot of thread and fold it in half. Loop the fold over the back feather, then slide a bead onto both ends of the thread and press it until it reaches the feather. Wrap the thread around the next feather by passing one piece of thread around the front of the quill and one to the back. Slide on a bead as before. Repeat until you reach the last feather. Extend the feathers until the fan is the desired width, holding the thread in your hand. Cut the thread so the fan will open to this width and no more. Glue a bead onto the end of the thread. When dry, slide the feathers and thread around until there is a uniform amount of thread between each feather. If desired, attach the leather strap and snap with glue to lock the fan in the close position when not in use.