The Eastern wild turkey is a beautiful creature, noteworthy for its striking fan and wing feathers. Turkey hunters who successfully bring home a bird might want to save more than just its meat. Turkey feather art can add texture and elegance to any home, plus they are a great talking point to share a passion for hunting and the outdoors with others.
When I tagged my first turkey in May 2015, I saved the entire fan and most of the wing feathers from my 20-pound tom, knowing I wanted to make something with those feathers. My mother-in-law is a calligrapher and she requested that I save most of the wing feathers for quillwork, which I happily did. So I took the 5 wing feathers I had left to make a piece of wall art, using a “dip-dye” method to add some color to the otherwise black-and-white feathers.
There are a lot of variations to how this DIY art project could turn out for you, and the best part is that customization is just as unique as the feathers you’ll use. For me, the coolest feature of the feathers I had is that the tips of 4 of the feathers are flattened, from the tom strutting and rubbing the feathers on the ground. I love how this project turned out – it adds texture and beauty to the wall it is hanging from. This could wind up as a piece of wall art, or a baby’s mobile, or outdoor décor. There are a lot of options to make it your own.
Turkey feathers can make beautiful, natural crafts and accessories. Their colors and patterns are gorgeous, and they are easy to find since turkeys shed their feathers regularly. With a few simple steps, you can turn turkey feathers into art, jewelry, home decor, and more.
Gathering Materials
To start, you will need to collect turkey feathers. The best feathers to use are the large, colorful ones from a turkey’s tail and wings. Look for feathers that are between 8-12 inches long, undamaged, and have good color. You can find them around farms, in fields, or even purchase them.
Other supplies depend on your project, but basic materials include:
- Feathers
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Glue sticks
- Jewelry findings like clasps, pins, and eye hooks
- Beads, sequins, ribbon
- Wire, string, twine
- Paint and brushes (acrylic or fabric paint)
Cleaning and Prepping Feathers
Once collected, the feathers need some prep work. Gently wipe away any dirt or debris with a dry cloth or soft brush. Use a hair dryer on a low setting to blow away dust and dander. To sanitize spray lightly with rubbing alcohol and let dry completely.
Then steam the feathers using a steamer or iron on the cotton or silk setting to smooth and shape them The steam will get rid of any remaining odors and pests Avoid over-steaming, as it can damage or dull the feathers.
Basic Turkey Feather Crafts
There are endless possibilities for turkey feather crafts! Here are some easy, beginner-friendly projects to try
Turkey Feather Wreaths
- Gather at least 25 feathers in coordinating colors
- Take a wire wreath form and wrap the base tightly with floral tape
- Glue the feather quills onto the wreath in a spiral pattern, layering as desired
- Accent with ribbon, pinecones, leaves, or other embellishments
- Hang on doors, walls, or use as a table centerpiece
Turkey Feather Bouquets
- Select feathers in your preferred colors
- Trim quills so they are 1-2 inches long
- Group into mini bouquets of 3-5 feathers
- Use hot glue to attach a jeweled pin back to the bottom of each bouquet
- Pin onto clothing, hats, or hair clips as unique accessories
Turkey Feather Art
- Find a canvas, plaque, or piece of wood to use as your base
- Arrange feathers into a pattern or design using a reference photo
- Glue down the feather quills using hot glue, keeping them as flat as possible
- Let dry fully, then coat with a sealant like polyurethane if desired
- Hang on the wall or prop on a shelf to display
Turkey Feather Lampshades
- Carefully remove existing lampshade and reuse the frame
- Starting at the top, glue feathers around the frame using hot glue
- Overlap feathers slightly as you work your way around
- Mix and match feather sizes and colors for a bold look
- Add dangling feather accents if desired
- Reattach the frame to the lamp once finished
Making Turkey Feather Jewelry
Turkey feathers also make for striking jewelry pieces. Here are some jewelry projects to try:
Feather Pendants
- Select feathers with good coloring and patterns
- Cut off the quill, keeping just the feather vane
- Add a jewelry bail to the top using pliers
- Attach a chain, cord or ribbon to create a necklace
Feather Earrings
- Trim two matching feathers into shape
- Glue an earring finding to the bottom of each quill
- Let dry completely before wearing
Feather Hair Clips
- Cut feathers into short, uniform lengths
- Glue 3-5 feathers onto the grip of a hair clip
- Let dry then clip into your hair for a fun accent
Feather Bangles
- Find wide, sturdy feathers and trim to 6 inch lengths
- Overlap the ends and glue into a circle
- After drying, glue a magnetic jewelry clasp to the ends
- Wear on your wrist as a natural, boho bracelet
DIY Turkey Feather Fans
With their stunning colors and array of feathers, turkeys also make excellent decorative fans. Follow these steps:
- Select feathers that are around 10-12 inches long
- Arrange 9-11 feathers together in a half-circle
- Bind the quills together tightly with wire or string
- Glue a decorative bead, sequins or ribbon over the bindings
- Add a bead, button or pendant in the center as an accent
- Attach a ribbon or cord at the bottom to hang or hold the fan
Display on a wall or carry it as a stylish prop for your next event or photoshoot. Fans made with extra long 24-28 inch feathers can be worn as dramatic backpieces too.
Tips and Tricks
- Store finished feather crafts and accessories in a dry, climate controlled space to prevent damage from moisture or pests.
- Turkey feathers can be delicate. Handle them gently during crafting and transportation.
- Natural feathers have variation in patterning. Embrace this beauty by grouping differently colored feathers together.
- Wire feather stems for extra durability and shaping options.
- Look for ethically sourced feathers or use ones found in nature whenever possible.
- Draw inspiration from cultures like Native American and African that traditionally use feathers in art and dress.
With some creativity and simple materials, it’s easy to turn humble turkey feathers into stunning art, décor, jewelry and accessories. They make wonderful handmade gifts or projects to sell. Keep crafting with this natural material and you’ll be amazed at the beauty you can create.
Apply painter’s tape
Being careful with the feathers, place painter’s tape near the tip where you would like to have the paint applied. I placed my tape straight across the feather about 2-to-3 inches from the tips. If you wanted to try a chevron pattern, stick the tape on the feathers in a v-shape.
Prep your mount
If you are using a dowel for a mount and want to paint or stain it, then do this now and allow it to dry. An antler or a piece of wood like I used might not need anything except a good dusting before attaching string.
How to make your turkey feathers
FAQ
Can I keep a turkey feather I found?
The possession of feathers and other parts of native North American birds without a permit is prohibited by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).Oct 30, 2024
How do you make turkey feathers from construction paper?
To make turkey feathers from construction paper, trace the turkey feather pattern numerous times on three or four colors of construction paper and cut the feathers out. You’ll need about five of each color of construction paper feather for a typical turkey craft. Then, arrange the feathers.
What do real turkey tail feathers look like?
Real turkey tail feathers are somewhat flat on the end, a bit like an artist’s flat paintbrush, and shaped like an elongated, rounded cone or triangle. If you wish to make them a realistic shape for a craft, study actual turkey tail feather images. Otherwise, draw something similar to an eye shape on card stock and use that for the craft template.
How do you make a turkey using construction paper?
To make a turkey with construction paper, first, trace and cut out feathers using the turkey feather pattern on three or four colors of construction paper. You’ll need approximately five feathers of each color for a typical size and style of the turkey craft.
What can you do with turkey feathers?
Turkey feathers have become quite popular in the hunting industry. You can use them as decorations, such as sticking them in a vase, or wear them in your hair. There are also bigger projects you can do with them. Be sure to give Beka Garris a follow over on Instagram for more ideas and good memories of successful turkey hunts.
How to make turkey feathers look like eagle feathers?
To make curved turkey feathers look like straight eagle feathers, it is necessary to flatten the feather quill without damaging the feather blade.
How do you play turkey feathers?
Turkey Feathers Game – Try to roll all six numbers in under one minute! For an even harder challenge, give players only 30 seconds to complete the task! Flying Turkeys Game – Put those Nerf darts to use again for this fun Flying Turkeys game! Players must knock all of the cups completely off of the table in one minute to score points!