• Paper Feathers Tutorial Part I

    This post details two simple, charming projects featuring paper feathers. With the aid of the printable paper feathers template, you’ll be making paper feathers left and right — don’t say I didn’t warn you: it’s a bit addictive! Stay tuned for part II on Tuesday. 🙂

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    I recently discovered the joy of paper feathers, and for the past week, nothing has been able to stop me from incorporating them into pretty much every project I touch. There’s a lot to love about the ever-versatile paper feather: it’s elegant and interactive, an equal joy to make and to behold!

    In this two-part blog series, I’ll teach you how to make paper feathers, and I’ll walk you through four usage suggestions for said feathers. I am sure that you can think of more implementations for them, and I encourage you to follow your creativity and use them as you see fit! No matter what project you are planning on making, though, you’ll want to start by downloading and printing the free paper feathers template.

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Cut out all the feathers out of the template, and you are all set to make one of the two projects below, as well as the two additional projects that will follow on Tuesday!

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    1. Basic Paper Feathers Bookmark

    Paper feathers make for unique, creative bookmarks that can be given as gifts! To make one, you can follow the instructions below.

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Begin by using a pencil to trace around one of the template feathers on a piece of card stock. In doesn’t matter which feather you choose!

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Use a good pair of scissors to cut the feather out.

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Use a pen to write your name (or your bookmark recipient’s name) on the feather in the calligraphy or lettering style of your choice. I chose to use George Style Lettering below, and I added a heart to visually center the text. Once your lettering is finished, your bookmark is ready to use or gift! Yep, that’s all there is to it.

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    I am suggesting that you use this feather as a bookmark, but it could just as easily serve as a place card, part of a mail art goodie packet, or a name tag. There are several other applications I can think of as well; use it however you see fit!

    2. Paper Feathers Name Garland

    Name garlands are wonderful for birthday parties, graduations, or room decorations. This paper feathers version of a name garland is simple to create and is sure to delight!

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    You’ll start by using the paper feathers template to cut out as many paper feathers as there are letters in your garland recipient’s name. I have made my feathers out of card stock in the photo below, but any sort of paper will work.

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Once you have cut out the feathers, write out one letter of the recipient’s name in the calligraphy or lettering style of your choice on each feather. To give the project a funky, artistic feel, you can provide a mix of capital and lowercase letters. I wrote my letters in Janet Style calligraphy, but any calligraphy or lettering style will look great!

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    When the ink used to write the letters has dried, use an exacto knife (or an exceptionally sharp kitchen knife or razor) to make two parallel slits near the top part of each feather, as pictured below.

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Starting with the feather that has the first letter of the recipient’s name, run a piece of string or ribbon through the slit in each feather.

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    Once all of the paper feathers are on the string, the garland is finished and can be hung up!

    Paper Feathers Tutorial | The Postman's Knock

    You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to make a paper garland: they add elegance and creativity to any space! There’s no rule that says it has to spell out a name, either — you can instead opt to show an inspirational word like “Love” or “Bliss”.

    No matter what creative spin you put on your paper feather projects, I hope you enjoyed this short little tutorial! I’m looking forward to sharing ideas for gift tags and mail art with you in part II. 🙂 Thanks so much for reading TPK, and have a great weekend!

    Warmly,

    Lindsey's Signature | The Postman's Knock