[pete00]

Howdy all

I usually live on the other side (scroll saw) and I came across this site the other day.

Good timing I think. I’m trying my hand at cutting/carving a feather for a project im working on.

For the project I need a single feather, end size will be about 12� long tip to tip

As a test of my skill and mental status, or lack of, I attempted to do a small test feather and it turned out to be more of a leaf than a feather.

Couldn’t figure it out until I went to the craft store and picked up a fake eagle feather to look at.

I think I know why, I put a curve on the top of the feather and put in the veins like a leaf.
On the feather the only curve is on the bottom side.

I’ve enclosed a couple of bad pics
Pic 1 is comparing the two
Pic 2,3,4 different views
Pic 5 is outline on block, I cut the top then the side
Pic 6 is the test of full size, but I goofed it wont fit under scroll saw sideways.

I searched the message forums for “feathers� and came up with a few good ideas.

So now I have the questions.
I’m looking for a recommendation for a good beginner carving book.
Anyone have a feather pattern/kit with instructions I can buy.
Any suggestions on detailing the feather would be appreciated.

Why is it that every new project I try I have to convince the wife I need to buy nine thousand dollars of new stuff.

Thanks…….pete

[pete00]

oops forgot last pic


thaks....pete

[LCorbett]

Hi Pete....first of all, welcome to the Board!!
Now on to your feather project:

You have solved half your problem by making the observations you noted. You have the best reference available to you right in front of you...the feather. There are some things that are true for all feathers:

#1. The barbs (those "hairlike" lines emanatiing from the shaft) have an "S" shape - a nice sweeping curve from the shaft to the tip. Study your feather and you'll see this. Think "S" - not Christmas tree...it's a very common mistake, but the fact that you caught this puts you way ahead of the game.

#2. All feathers have a curve to them. Many have a compound curve - both longitudinally (the long way, as your example ahows), and laterally (crossway). Depending on the specific feather (and specie), these can vary in their scope. If you look at your feather, you'll see a slight lateral curve, too, because that appears to be a wing feather.

If you can locate the Fall 1999 back issue of Woodcarving Illutrated, I did a carving a green winged teal secondary feather project.

When I carve my feathers, the first thing I do after the cut out is to draw the longitudinal curve on the side of the feather, and the lateral curve on the end. Then carve to those lines. Carve from the shaft to the edges crossway.

Once the feather is shaped, draw the shaft and carve it. Sand everything smooth smooth smooth in preparation to burning. I'll start with an 80 grit, and work my way to 600 grit.

Draw guidelines for burning the barbs. I use a hard lead pencil to avoid smearing the lead. Don't press hard when drawing those guidelines, or you'll emboss the lines...not good if you need to relocate any guides. Study your feather to determine how much of an "S" curve the barbs have.

I'll draw guidelines about every 1/4", or so.

Once you get your guidelines drawn, start burning. Burn the guidelines first, then burn a line halfway between those guidelines, and then between THOSE lines, then fill in the rest of the area. I find this helps me to keep the barbs parallel.

Don't burn dark or deep. This makes for very coarse and unrealistic texture. Look at your feather and you'll see how fine and shallow those lines need to be. I burn at such a low temperature that the wood is barely scored, and the burning is a couple values darker than the original wood color.

Hope this at least gets you started.

I have a big collection of different kinds of feathers from different birds. Each specie or type of feather from that bird will have its own unique characteristics, so it's a good idea to try to locate either the actual feather, or at least good close up photos, to refer to as you carve.
Many species are restricted, but there is almost always reference to be found in various places.

Learn about your feather...look at it, sketch it, pull the barbs apart and see what they do when they split from their neighbors, zip it back together. Absolutely the best way to learn is to study it, then carve what you see. Your self critique as already set you up for success on your next one!!!

[pete00]

thanks for the info Lori, i'll let you know how it turns out.

btw..great site, great work

thanks again.....pete

[LCorbett]

Thanks, Pete!
I'd love to see the finished project...if there's anything I can help you with please don't hesitate to ask!

If I can't make up a big fat lie, then I'll turn it over to somebody who can...BIG grin...

[squbrigg]

Welcome over from the Dark Side Pete! Lori has helped you with the feather, she's the best, so I'll just welcome you .

Bob

[pete00]

lol.... the dark side,

hmm mabey thats been my problem all along....... thanks pete

Originally Posted by squbrigg

Welcome over from the Dark Side Pete! Lori has helped you with the feather, she's the best, so I'll just welcome you .

Bob