IMPORTANT!
PLEASE DUST YOUR FEATHER ART WITH A FEATHER DUSTER.
Feathers will last for many years if properly cared for, but will gradually deteriorate if dust is allowed to accumulate on them.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Where do you get the feathers?
A. Most are from a network of pet owners and aviaries that gather the molted feathers for sale. Many of these are from different varieties of parrots and exotic pheasants. Some feathers are a byproduct of farmed fowl (raised for meat)—chicken, turkey and common pheasant.
Q. Are the feathers dyed?
No, the color is natural.
Q. How long does it take to make a piece?
Since a bird will molt only a handful of feathers every year, and of those at most half meet my rigorous standards, it can take years to collect enough to make a single finished mask.
The feathers are washed and sterilized. The procedure of separating the feathers according to type of bird, color and size is the next time-consuming stage of the process.
After completing the papier mache base, I place each feather precisely and attach it to the base. It's truly a labor of love.
Q. Do you do custom orders?
Yes. If you have a collection of your own bird's feathers, I can make something for you using them. If you are interested in a piece that has been sold, there is a possibility that I can make something similar. Please call or email for details.
Q. Where can I hang your work?
Do not hang in direct sunlight—the color will fade. Indirect sun and spotlights are fine. Feathers love steam and can be hung in bathrooms.
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