This week's fun activity... Denim Feather

Creating denim fabric feathers is a great way to upcycle old clothes or pieces of fabric.  You can use these soft feathers as reminders of birds or as decorations!

Materials: Denim scraps Twine Fabric Glue

Step 1 - Scraps Collect scrap pieces of denim! Yard sales, thrift stores, and your closet are great places to look for older, used denim clothing to use as scrap.

Step 2 – Cut Cut out a feather shape from a piece of denim. Use a piece of denim that does not have any embellishments or seams and cut as large of a feather as you want it to be.  The length of the feather (picture where the “spine” of the feather would be) should be in line with the weave of the denim.  Tip: Cut out a feather template to make it easier to cut your denim!

Step 3 - Twine  Cut a length of twine slightly longer than your feather. The twine will act as the “spine” of your denim feather.

Step 4 – Glue Using fabric glue, attach the twine down the center length of the feather shape.  You may choose either the front or back side of your denim; the final look will vary depending on which side you choose!  The fabric glue will harden the twine and help your feather hold its shape. Let the glue dry and harden before moving on the next step.  You can directly sew the twine spine to the feather, however with this method your feather will lack the stiffness that the glue provides.

Step 5 – Fray To give your feathers the actual feathered look, we need to fray the denim.  To do this, we will carefully pull out and remove the threads of one color. You will pull out the lengthwise threads to make your feather.  Tip: if it helps, use a small needle or tweezers to grab the threads. Depending on which way you aligned and cut your feather, pulling out white threads will make a blue feather, while pulling out the blue threads will make a white feather.  If you want a feather the other color, cut your next feather perpendicular to the weave.

Step 6 – Finish Once you fray both sides, your feather is finished! You can attach beads and hang them on walls or display them other ways!  The possibilities are endless!

FEBRUARY ADULT EDUCATION Stepping Stone Make-at-home Kit $25/member, $30/public Create beautiful garden stepping stones from concrete and ceramics at home! Mix, pour, smash, arrange and set all in the comfort of home.  All supplies and directions provided in this take home kit.

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BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS UPDATE The Gardens are closed for the season. The Education and Visitor Center is open. Hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MASKS ARE REQUIRED! Gift Shop Opening to be announced. Be sure to watch for announcements on fun learning activities for all ages, and for updates on our classes and programs, hosted by FBBG - all year - indoors and out!