In this post, you’ll discover a duo of delightful projects that bring paper feathers to life. Equipped with a free downloadable paper feathers template, you’re about to embark on an engaging artistic adventure.
I’m in the thick of writing a book about calligraphy, and I work on intricate projects for it nearly daily. While I’ve been enjoying that project creation, I needed a palette cleanser: something simple and pretty. These versatile paper feathers are just what the doctor ordered. They’re easy to create, endlessly customizable, and useful for a variety of projects. Today, I’ll walk you through two paper feather projects and provide you with a free printable template.
Before you begin either of today’s projects, start by downloading and printing the free paper feathers template.
Use scissors or an X-Acto knife to cut out all the feathers out of the template, and you are all set to make either of the two projects below.
Paper feathers make for unique, creative bookmarks that can be given as gifts. I love to send them in my written correspondence as part of a snail mail treat!
Here’s a short supply list for this project:
Begin by using a pencil to trace around the largest feather template your cardstock.
Next, use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the feather out. If any pencil lines remain on the edge of the feather, erase them.
Use a parallel glider and your pencil to make pencil guidelines, then use your pen to write the bookmark recipient’s name using George Style Lettering. Once your lettering is finished, your bookmark is ready to use or gift. Yep, that’s all there is to it!
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 gift tag.
Name garlands are wonderful for birthday parties, graduations, or room decorations. This paper feathers version of a name garland is simple to create. For best results, use all three of the feathers in the template.
Start by using the paper feathers template to trace around and then cut out as many paper feathers as there are letters in your garland recipient’s name. Be sure to use at least two different colors of cardstock.
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, use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters. I wrote my letters in Janet Style calligraphy, but any calligraphy or lettering style will look great.
When the ink used to write the letters has dried, use your X-Acto knife to make two parallel slits near the top part of each feather, as pictured below.
Now, 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.
Once all of the paper feathers are on the string, the garland is finished and ready for display.
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 choose any word. “Welcome” or “Congratulations” are good choices for events. For longer-term use, like using your garland to decorate a classroom or a workspace, you might choose “Imagine” or “Create”.
No matter what creative spin you put on your paper feather projects, I hope you enjoyed these speedy and fun little tutorials. Thanks so much for reading TPK, and have a fabulous weekend!
Warmly,
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