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Member since 4/10/04
Posts: 1658
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Posted on: 11/18/09 3:28 PM ET
Hi All,
Does anyone know how to make make a feather Christmas tree from start to finish???? Would love to find detail instructions to make one. Thank you, Cheryl
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Bernina 820, Bernina Artista 165, Pfaff Creative 7530, Janome 1600P
  
Member since 4/23/02
Posts: 1101
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Posted on: 11/18/09 4:10 PM ET
When I read your post, Martha Stewart immediately came to mind. I remember seeing a lot of feather trees in her magazine and sure enough, she has instructions on how to make one:

Martha Stewart Feather Tree Instructions
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Lori (visit my blog at: http://monkeyroom.blogspot.com)
  
Member since 1/12/04
Posts: 6312
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Posted on: 11/18/09 10:55 PM ET
My kitty would think she had gone to kitty heaven.
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Marilyn

January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
  
Member since 4/10/04
Posts: 1658
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Posted on: 11/19/09 2:18 AM ET
In reply to LoriB
Hi LoriB,
Thank you for Martha Stewart's Feather Tree Instructions. Very pretty. The feather tree I am looking for is the Vintage German Feather Christmas Tree. It looks like a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. Thanks again, Cheryl
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Bernina 820, Bernina Artista 165, Pfaff Creative 7530, Janome 1600P
  
Member since 10/4/04
Posts: 525
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Posted on: 11/20/09 11:22 AM ET
In reply to LoriB
I saw feather trees just like Martha's at Home Goods yesterday. They were available in white, green, and red, and were approximately 2.5 ft tall.

All I could think was, BOY, wouldn't my two kitties love one of those for Christmas!

Edited to add: My kitties are indoor cats and enjoy the wildlife in our yard from the windows . . .
-- Edited on 11/20/09 4:26 PM --
  
Member since 4/7/08
Posts: 428
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Posted on: 11/20/09 11:32 AM ET
In reply to cherylwashere
I think they are made alot like fly fishing lures, I mean the tying and securing of the feathers, not the hook(!). I found a site with this kit What do you think?
Ooo just found these instructions!
-- Edited on 11/20/09 11:35 AM --
  
Member since 11/22/07
Posts: 506
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Posted on: 11/20/09 6:23 PM ET
In reply to cherylwashere
Using a site like the above link to the goose feather tree kit, about 15 years ago I decided I wanted a real goose feather tree....bought the kit and made the tree. (I can't remember now the source, in the days before the web, but it was in New England somewhere I believe)...anyway.....while the tree still survives and is brought out by the now grown children every year at the holidays...it was a major pain to do.

I bought the kit because it was cheaper than buying one from the company already put together (although as I remember the kit was not inexpensive). I also just wanted to do it myself.

The kit has feathers that are pre cut to the parts of the feather that you need. You do not use a whole feather at a time...you are also sent the bare branches and the trunk (which got wrapped with a brown tape in my model)....the method involves placing glue on the branches (a basic white type of glue, not hot glue) and then spinning/wrapping the feather portion around the branch, very tightly, so there are no gaps...the vanes of the feather then spread out, giving the bottle brush look. There is alot of holding and waiting and gluing that goes on.

In all I am glad I did it once, but will probably never do it again....also now my hands have some arthritis, so I have to be more careful about the projects I do...If you cannot pinch and hold for long periods of time, this is not the project for you! Good luck, they are a special look and after all the effort, I guess I am fond of the end result.
  
Member since 4/10/04
Posts: 1658
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Posted on: 11/21/09 2:53 PM ET
In reply to Tishie
Hi Tishie,
I ordered a kit from that company on Thursday. The kit has 2 - 10" trees with everything needed to complete them. I spoke with the owner Merry Cotton on Friday and she assured me that after a few trail twists, it will come together quickly. She mentioned if I needed her she will be just a phone call away.

I thought it would be best to begin with the least expensive one and then I can gradually work my way up to the taller ones. That's only if I find I am not pulling my hair out with this project. I have made glass beaded Christmas Trees with all the tiny decorations for them and they turned out well. That was years ago though. Can I teach an ole dog a new trick. You bet I can.

Thanks for the instruction link, looks like winner too. I found step by step instruction too. Need all the help I can get. The ole brain forgets quickly, backup is a must.

Many Thanks, Cheryl
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Bernina 820, Bernina Artista 165, Pfaff Creative 7530, Janome 1600P
  
Member since 4/10/04
Posts: 1658
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Posted on: 11/21/09 2:55 PM ET
In reply to emelle
Hi Emelle,
Thank you for your information. Please, post a picture of your tree, I/we would love to see it.
Many thanks, Cheryl
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Bernina 820, Bernina Artista 165, Pfaff Creative 7530, Janome 1600P
  
Member since 11/22/07
Posts: 506
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Posted on: 11/21/09 6:11 PM ET
In reply to cherylwashere
I will try to remember when the kids come home and get it down from the attic where we store the Christmas things...good luck with yours.
  
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