Art can be a learning experience. I have decided I want to use some feathers in at least one of my newer pieces. I have learned that natural material tends to not last well, so I have been using resin to preserve them. they first need to be coated in white glue and dried and then the resin will work. Last night I applied a layer of glue to my selected feathers. The first discovery was that small fluffy feathers turn to a small skinny gluey mess when you try to coat them with glue. There will be no quail feathers in my projects without further research. I moved on to duck feathers and turkey feather and, I think, one owl feather. I also had two feathers from a quail that were sturdier.
The quail feathers work if I only glue the feather part not the down tops; the turkey feathers also turned out nicely. The turkey feathers have a very interesting shaft (see photo). I assume the construction is for strength but to keep the feather light. I did have a problem with the duck feathers. I have white ones which I did not realize have a lovely sheen to them. I had not fully considered the fact the ducks are waterfowl and their feathers repel water. White glue is liquid, so the feather only accepted some of the glue. In the photo you can see the line between the glued and unglued part. I am hoping a second coat will help with this.
Enriched with new knowledge I plan to continue, I will post results as they happen.
See you soon.
The quail feathers work if I only glue the feather part not the down tops; the turkey feathers also turned out nicely. The turkey feathers have a very interesting shaft (see photo). I assume the construction is for strength but to keep the feather light. I did have a problem with the duck feathers. I have white ones which I did not realize have a lovely sheen to them. I had not fully considered the fact the ducks are waterfowl and their feathers repel water. White glue is liquid, so the feather only accepted some of the glue. In the photo you can see the line between the glued and unglued part. I am hoping a second coat will help with this.
Enriched with new knowledge I plan to continue, I will post results as they happen.
See you soon.