Do you need to achieve maximum stopping power at a party? Perhaps something striking for the burn? Or possibly it's just a few extra inches of height? Regardless, a feather mohawk is a powerful statement of your inner awesomeness manifested on your head for all to see. They're pretty easy to make and inexpensive if you know where to get the materials.
The design came together through a random intersection of ideas that were stewing in my brain. I often hunt about for new materials and project supplies. I've found that following a trail of weird materials or random projects can lead to some pretty heavyweight inspiration if you're willing to plunge all the way down the rabbit hole. While investigating fox tails and kudu horns I came across a treasure trove of cheap feathers on eBay.
Given that I was already wearing my hair in a mohawk at the time I figured a feathery version could only add to the effect. Besides, I love to make stuff. Speaking of which, if you like this project you might want to check out my site and my store .
For this project you'll need:
* A sewing machine
* Feathers
* Unicorn buckram (I got mine at Jo-ann's)
* Goop (or any other gooey sticky glue)
* A brush
* Paper
* A pencil
The design came together through a random intersection of ideas that were stewing in my brain. I often hunt about for new materials and project supplies. I've found that following a trail of weird materials or random projects can lead to some pretty heavyweight inspiration if you're willing to plunge all the way down the rabbit hole. While investigating fox tails and kudu horns I came across a treasure trove of cheap feathers on eBay.
Given that I was already wearing my hair in a mohawk at the time I figured a feathery version could only add to the effect. Besides, I love to make stuff. Speaking of which, if you like this project you might want to check out my site and my store .
For this project you'll need:
* A sewing machine
* Feathers
* Unicorn buckram (I got mine at Jo-ann's)
* Goop (or any other gooey sticky glue)
* A brush
* Paper
* A pencil
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Signing UpStep 1: Select Your Feathers
After browsing a few eBay sellers I found one called Pretty Plumes which had good prices and the exact shade of royal blue I was looking for.
Feathers from different parts of a bird serve different purposes and will have a different look and properties. I used a combo of chicken wing and guinea feathers. The wing feathers are pretty straight and durable and the guinea feathers add variety and flair.
I picked two styles with complimentary colors, but you could just as easily mix and match. It's easy to come by peacock feathers , long tail feathers , and ones with extra fluff at the end. Go nuts.
Also, you're going to need more feathers than you think to complete the mohawk. Each bag of feathers is going to contain a good bit of fluff, broken feathers, and ones that just aren't pretty enough to make the grade. I went through ~50 wing feathers and ~100 guinea feathers with barely a handful to spare. Fortunately they totaled me about ten bucks so it's hard to complain.
Feathers from different parts of a bird serve different purposes and will have a different look and properties. I used a combo of chicken wing and guinea feathers. The wing feathers are pretty straight and durable and the guinea feathers add variety and flair.
I picked two styles with complimentary colors, but you could just as easily mix and match. It's easy to come by peacock feathers , long tail feathers , and ones with extra fluff at the end. Go nuts.
Also, you're going to need more feathers than you think to complete the mohawk. Each bag of feathers is going to contain a good bit of fluff, broken feathers, and ones that just aren't pretty enough to make the grade. I went through ~50 wing feathers and ~100 guinea feathers with barely a handful to spare. Fortunately they totaled me about ten bucks so it's hard to complain.
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Instead of sewing darts (triangles) in the base, I used the cut, wet and overlap technique described in the following link from Threads magazine:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/17474/how-to-make-a-hat-base/page/all
It was fun to do and a little easier than sewing tiny pleats in the buckram, so I wanted to share. Thanks again, and I'm looking forward to checking out your other Instructables!
You've made a roach.
George Catlin documented American natives all over the east and mid west back in the early 1800's. He shows roaches made of all sorts of things-- deer's tails, porcupine's quills, dried grasses, horse hair, feathers...
You're a living part of a centuries-old tradition!
Feathers can get washed, by the way-- use shampoo, no problem.
The guys with the short hair, or the ones who don't like having all the pain from the pull on the scalp use the ties, but for a clean, traditional look, the way I described is best.
I just finised my feather mohalk and wanted to thanks you for your great instructions and inspiration. I was continuously impressed with you ingenuity of the design and easy step guide. I think mine took longer (about 15 hrs) because it was my first time using the sewing machine. I'm sure that it will be a great addition to my first Burn experience this year. If you're going to be out there too maybe we could meet up and have a Mohawk Day. Thanks again for helping me discover my creative talents. Keep up the good work! :)
Vacameron, fantastic mohawk yourself! I love the variety of feathers and colors and the rat-tail at the back is a great idea as well :)
However, you mentioned that this would be a good Burning Man accessory. While æsthetically I agree, I feel I must mention that feathers in BRC are generally frowned upon, because they are notorious for falling off and creating difficult-to-round-up MOOP. This originally came from the multitude of boas whose feathers were poorly attached and flying everywhere in the wind. As long as you glue the feathers on reeeally well, this isn't a practical problem, of course, but in some circles this fashion accessory may unfairly earn you a stigma.
As long as the mohawk is well-constructed, I believe there ought to be no problem; I just wanted to let everyone know of the general anti-feather sentiment at Burning Man.
love this!
Removable mohawks are quite convenient.
thanks a bunch XX
It would look so bad on me(I've got really long hair), but would be so great on my brother:)
Thanks for the kind words, by the way.