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Hi there, nice site you have here, I'm hoping one of you will be kind enough to give me some advice on a project that I'm working on.
My plan is to use wire mesh as the basic bird structure, then to use papier mache over it to flesh out the body, and then to finally use real feathers on it, to give it an authentic look.
My question is in regard to the last step. How do you advise that I attach the feathers? Do I try to place them in while the papier mache is still wet, or just try gluing them on after everything is set?
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I would finish the papier mache, then apply the feathers. Maybe hot glue would be a way to put them on fairly quickly, without having to wait very long for it to set.
Sue
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I too would do the PM first, then the feathers. If the feathers have stems on them, you could try making little holes in the PM in which to insert, and glue, said structures--that'd probably result in a stronger bond than just attaching them to the PM surface alone.
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Patraw is right, drilling holes would make the connection stronger. A small drill or a Dremel MotoTool would work fine. The trickiest part would be getting the angle right so the feathers don't stick out too much.
Sue
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thanks for the replies. I've only just finished the wire mesh (i've been a bit busy), but it's almost ready for the papier mache stage. I'll take your advice and fix the feathers on after the mache has set. The feathers I have do have stems. They're wing/tail feathers. I suppose I will try to make holes and the glue them in there.
@penwrite05 you made a bird too? You stealing my ideas? 
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