Framed Feather Art

In the same vein as other forms of specimen artwork (like butterflies, insects and leaves), feathers are an example of the beauty of the natural world and a reminder that design can be found all around. I took advantage of this inspiration from nature to add artwork to our living room walls.

I found the mottled gray-brown feathers at AC Moore in the fall, as part of their seasonal display, for $3. Their pattern and color were so interesting that I thought they needed to be highlighted in floating frames, which I picked up at Michael's this week for $7 each. 

While shopping for frames at Michael's, I spotted these bagged feathers (below) for $3, and they could be used to recreate this project.

Note: the natural feathers I used were clearly marked as having been cleaned thoroughly before packaging. That put my mind at ease because birds can carry nasty diseases.

I opted to spray paint the black floating frames off-white so the feathers could be focus of attention. I used off-white card stock to float in the frame to serve as a backdrop for the feathers. Double-sided tape secured the card stock to the plexiglass backing of the frame and, then, I picked my favorite feathers to place on the cardstock. No glue or tape necessary! The feathers were held tightly in place by the frame itself.

My new artwork--so simple and inexpensive--now brings a touch of nature to the living walls.

What do you think?