Inside The Tutu Factory: August 2013

Here is a little behind the scenes look on how we make our feather wings. These ones were custom made for a customer to match her rainbow rave tutu. A lot of time and effort goes into these as each feather is glued on individually.

Always helps to have some good music on while you work and who better to listen to than Katy Perry when you're working on rainbow wings that wouldn't look out of place in one of her concerts? (I can dream, right??)

I just stick to a standard shape for our wings right now but you could easily make these up in any shape, size or style to match your theme. I do have to watch how big I make them to keep postage costs down for my customers but if you're making them from home for yourself you could go crazy!

It's best to draw one half of your desired shape on some card so you can then cut it out and draw around it so both sides are the same. Don't worry about having any lines on the card as you won't be able to see them once the feathers are on.

So after it's been cut out we need to make slots on each side so we can insert some straps to enable them to be worn. I've used thin elastic here so they're not too visible but I've also used elasticated sequin trim or you could use ribbon or even dress net. It's always worth checking where abouts the slots would be best placed to fit you. Could always get someone to help with this bit to get the perfect fit!!

Now, cover the straps on the back in some tape for extra hold.

I start adding the feathers from the bottom so it's a realistic 'angel wing' look. I usually paint some glue over the space where I'll be adding the feathers as well as on the top of the feathers. Try not to get too much glue on the bottom ends of the feathers so they're quite free and still quite 3D

Now the feathers need to be layered so you can't see the card through them. As long as you've got a good base to layer the other colours on top then it will be fine.