Long treasured and now highly collectible, feather trees were first produced in Germany in response to a concern for the conservation of woodlands. Designed to resemble the white pine trees of northern Germany, the perfect symmetry of these tabletop-size feather trees was very much preferred in many German households during the late 18th-century. The tradition of burning candles on trees also influenced the simplicity of shape and the sparseness of the tree limbs. Many Germans carried their feather trees across the Atlantic Ocean when they immigrated to the United States. By the early 1900s, goose feather trees grew tremendously in popularity, directly in response to the conservation views advocated by President Teddy Roosevelt. By the 1920s, demand for feather trees led to the production of a variety of sizes, starting at a petite two inches all the way up to a 96-inch high version with 75 branches. Dyed green goose feathers were tightly wrapped around wire, and these branches were attached to a wooden trunk. Swan and ostrich feathers were also used to produce large -scale trees for hotels and large homes.
Today, feather trees are enjoying a revival for use as holiday decorations and celebrations. Our three-foot version is perfect for an Easter or spring centerpiece and can be brought out again come Christmastime. For a different look, the feathers can be dyed before being applied to the tree.
Materials:
200 or so soft biot goose feathers in six- to eight-inch lengths
5/8-inch dowel
white acrylic paint
wooden base
18-gauge floral stem wire
26-gauge wire
white floral stem wrapping tape
polyurethane adhesive
craft bond glue stick
handsaw
drill
scissors
wire cutters
needle-nose pliers
31 white ball-head pins
ruler
pencil or marker
Steps:
1. Measure and mark dowel. We allowed 24 inches for the tree trunk and added five inches for the wooden box base. Saw dowel with handsaw. Drill hole in base for dowel.
2. Beginning 1/2 inch from end of dowel, mark locations for branch holes on dowel, leaving three inches between each group of branches (figure A).
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