Janelle is wearing Samson's 
feathers in her hat.

Samson (baby picture above)
provides perfect feathers for these projects

The following pages will guide you through a simple yet very thorough technique of dying/coloring feathers. While we will be using COCKATIEL feathers for this demonstration, any feathers can be dyed using this method. 
Be sure to use feathers that are suited to the scale that you are working in. I have chosen Cockatiel feathers as they are a perfect size to match the 1/12th scale dolls I work with.  
Parakeet feathers are also a good choice, as well as some down feathers from ducks, etc. 
If you have old down pillows , rip them open and sort through the feathers.  You will be surprised at 
the treasure of fluff you can find in an old pillow.  
A tutorial will follow this one showing uses for these lovely dyed feathers along with a pattern and technique sheet for making a beautiful hat in miniature.  Below is a list of the materials you will need to complete this simple yet useful project. 
I like to dye several feathers at once for each color and keep them in zip lock bags so I can have 
them on hand for each new project.

Materials:         

                                        Feathers                                                     Baking Pan
                                Dye Hot                                                      Water
                                Glass Measuring Cup                                Microwave or Stovetop
                                Glass dish/ loaf pan                                    Paper Towels
                                Wooden Skewers                                       Water
                                White Vinegar

DYE - I like to use Jacquard Acid Dyes. 
They come in powder form, and can be easily 
mixed with very hot water to dye a bunch of 
feathers or just a few. 
This dye comes in a huge assortment of 
colors, but buying just a few basic 
colors will yield several shades and hues. 
They can also be used to dye silk and wool.

FEATHERS - Choose feathers that are within the 
scale you are working on. 
For 1/12th scale I would suggest:
Cockatiel feathers (perfect), Down feathers of Ducks.
English Budgies (show parakeets), have larger 
feathers similar to cockatiels. American budgies/parakeets (pet shop parakeets),
 have smaller feathers.

Cockatiel Feathers

For 1/2" scale or 1/4" scale: 
Finch Feathers - finches are very tiny birds, 
so these are terrific!
Cockatiel or Parakeet HEAD feathers - 
the feathers on the heads of birds tend to be 
very tiny, but perfect for small details such 
as in the bases of fans, hair ornaments, etc.

Close Up Detail of
Variations of Feathers

Notice the detail on this miniature doll hat to the left.
The striped feather matches one in the photo above.

NOTE: I mostly use the body and chest/breast feathers of the birds. 
I rarely use the flight or tail feathers as these are too large and in many cases too rigid to work with.
BIGGER NOTE: I ONLY USE NATURALLY 
SHED FEATHERS, 
NO BIRDS ARE EVER HARMED IN ANY WAY.
ALL BIRDS WHOSE FEATHERS I USE ARE MY BELOVED PETS!
Okay, let's move on to the actual dying process!!!!

Click "NEXT" to continue!

© Gina C. Bellous 2001 - 2006 - All Rights Reserved

This tutorial is for your personal use only.
NO portion of this tutorial may be 
reprinted without permission, 
copied for sale, or to be taught as your own. 
Thank you for your cooperation
Enjoy!