Feather Work Part 1: Realistic Bird Feathering Techniques

Deborah Galvez

Free 7-Day Trial

Learn realistic feather work for artificial birds with master character artist Deborah Galvez (Life of Pi, Where the Wild Things Are, Dr. Dolittle 2). In Part One of this 2-part course, Galvez takes you step-by-step through her process for feathering a fake chicken. From creating a custom sock for the body form, all the way to laying feathers, and even hair punching techniques, Galvez shares her secrets for achieving realistic feather effects for any bird puppet or feathered creature you can imagine.

Advanced Level
3h 7m of duration
English (auto), Spanish (auto)

Curriculum

Materials

CLICK on the links below to find the materials you need for this lesson.

 

Some items might be harder to find, but a little internet scouring usually finds you everything you'll need.

 

Van Dyck's Taxidermy

Moonlight Feather

Cellusuede

Wilshire Wigs

Joann Fabric (Michaels)

 

FOR YOUR WORK STATION

Chicken Body Form (fabricated or purchased) with head, feet, eyes, comb

Fabricated Wing Forms

Foam Poly Form or Foam Latex Head

Head Form

Mask Form

Picture/Diagram of Wing Feathers to use as your Guide

Stand for chicken puppet

Wig

EPOXYS/GLUES

77 Spray Adhesive

Barge Adhesive

Hot Glue Gun

Glue Gun Sticks

Pros-Aide

Silpoxy

FABRICS/FOAMS/FURS

¼ Yard Felt

¼ Yard Power Netting

¼ Yard Ribbon

¼ Yard Spandex

Duo Adhesive Fur

Leather Scraps

HAIR/CREPE WOOLS/FEATHERS/FLOCKING

2-3 Chicken Pelts

Assorted Chicken Feathers

Hair Weft

Large Assortment of Miscellaneous Feathers Types

Miscellaneous Fur and Flocking Fibers

TOOLS

Crimping, Pliers and Gripping Tools

Pliers

Tweezers

Cutting Tools

Scissors

Knotting/Hair Tools

Flocking Gun

Sewing Needles/Pins

Pins

Punching needle and Punching Holder

Sewing Needle and Thread

Other Tools

Handheld Steamer

SUPPLIES

Assorted trims from Joanne Fabrics

Basic Headband

Hair Clips

Jewelry Kit

Lashes

Miscellaneous Jewelry Bits

HEALTH/SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

When working with toxic and/or dangerous materials or tools:

ALWAYS read labels for appropriate use guidelines

ALWAYS wear a high-grade respirator

ALWAYS work in a well-ventilated area

ALWAYS protect your skin

ALWAYS wear eye protection

Artist BiographyDeborah Galvez

Master Creature FX, Hair, and Feather Artist Deborah Galvez
See Full Bio

Additional Purchasing Options

Notice: DVDs do not include closed captions.

Get FREE Popular Course Content!

Free lessons from 16 of our most popular courses, taught by Hollywood's leading FX artists. Plus our newsletter with new courses, artist stories and special offers.