Happy Friday! I’m excited about today because it’s my 10 year anniversary. I seriously can’t believe we’ve been married that long. We have a date night tonight. I have no idea what we are doing, because Luke planned it and even took care of getting a babysitter. If you don’t know me very well, then let me fill you in. I’m pretty uptight and have to be in control of most situations. I usually make all the plans because it just comes naturally to me. Luke is kinda forgetful and gets stressed out about making plans or figuring out what the plan should be. Anyways, all of that is to say that I’m pretty impressed that he planned something and got a babysitter. So, yep… I’m excited about tonight.
I can totally stop yapping though and get on with what I wanted to share with you all today. I fell in love with some art from West Elm and just couldn’t justify the price. So, I decided to make one myself just to see if it turned out lovely. It turned out pretty cute and was SOOOOO easy so I thought I’d share with you my Simple DIY Feather Art.
Pretty cute, right?
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My inspiration piece is just gorgeous. West Elm seriously has the best stuff. That being said, I couldn’t justify close to $300 for the art when it was something that I was pretty sure I could make myself. Or make something kinda similar for close to nothing (spoiler, this project was free!).
First things first, gather your supplies.
You will need:
(2) Frames the Same Size* (I got mine at thrift stores, but these would probably work)
Brush (I like to use throw away brushes when I’m working with a product that needs special cleaning agents)
Feathers (I found some around my yard but, if you wanted some gorgeous ones, I’d go for these or these)
Next, take the glass out of each frame and make sure your glass sizing matches. You’ll want to keep the glass from both frames. Decide which frame you want to keep and then wipe it down with a clean cloth.
Grab your liquid leaf and start painting.
Let it dry.
Next, grab your feathers and play with the arrangement.
Sandwich the feathers between the two glass pieces and insert the glass into the frame.
Secure the back and hang.
Or, be like me and set it on a shelf.
I love it on our new kitchen shelves!
If you missed it, make sure to check out the heavy-duty shelf tutorial.
Angie @ ambient wares says
July 9, 2016 at 8:40 amFantastic idea! Love the simplicity and elegance of the look. Pinning!
Ashley Mayes says
July 20, 2016 at 10:36 amThanks Angie! I really loved how this turned out.
Ashley ~ 3 Little Greenwoods says
July 13, 2016 at 7:46 amI am always on the lookout for simple and inexpensive art work ideas. Love this one! Thanks so much for sharing!
Ashley Mayes says
July 20, 2016 at 10:37 amIt’s definitely both of those!
Kati says
July 27, 2016 at 10:32 amThis is so cute! I love that there is no background, just glass. Pinned!
Ashley Mayes says
August 2, 2016 at 6:45 pmThanks Kati! I love how the tile is reflective behind it…. it definitely creates some visual interest.
Pat Oldham says
August 4, 2016 at 1:19 pmAshley
I like your idea and think it worked out well. However, you need to know for now and the future that it is illegal to use wild bird feathers except those of English sparrows and Starlings. You might look up the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 for specifics. Birds, their parts, and nests are included. Most people are surprised that this law exists or that it is so comprehensive.
I worked as a wildlife rehabilitator for many years and also gave educational programs with live unreleasable raptors (for which I held both state and federal permits}. I had to know the laws. They might seem extreme but I saw firsthand why the laws existed and why they were so broad.
So, all that said…I’d recommend those feathers at Michaels or Hobby Lobby OR find a chicken or game fowl breeder because there are some wonderful feathers available from those sources.
I hate raining on your parade but always feel that I need to inform people rather than just leave them to dealing with the law.
Sincerely, Pat Oldham
Ashley Mayes says
August 11, 2016 at 1:56 pmThanks for the information Pat! I had no idea!
Tara Hulsey says
August 4, 2016 at 3:39 pmUnfortunately, gathering feathers in the wild, for any reason and under any circumstances, is illegal and punishable by a fine and/or jail time, depending upon the species. All songbirds are protected species, so as beautiful as the feathers are, leave them there. Exceptions are game bird feathers.
Ashley Mayes says
August 11, 2016 at 1:56 pmThanks for the information Tara. Someone else had mentioned that and I had no idea.
Gunjan says
January 25, 2017 at 11:46 amI’ve been looking for ideas to display letters that my dad wrote to me so that the letters were visible from both sides. I could turn them when I wanted to see the back side. This is going to help me so much. Thanks for the tutorial.
Ashley Mayes says
January 25, 2017 at 4:20 pmThat sounds like it would be a fabulous idea for this! have so much fun with it!