How to Make Fairy Wings

Making fairy wings only requires the right assembly of materials and some creative spirit. Making fairy wings are a great project for children to help with, and are suitable for use as parts of Halloween, parade, or birthday party costumes. The thing that intimidates people the most when they think of crafting their own fairy wings is probably the sewing they believe is required, however, this article will guide you through making beautiful fairy wings with minimal sewing

You will need:

•   16-gauge galvanised steel wire (14-gauge for high-tension wings), between 6 and 9 feet long, depending on the size of fairy.

•   Wire clippers or pliers

•   Duct tape

•   1 pair sheer and or iridescent queen-size pantyhose in any colour

•   Scissors

•   Needle

•   Thread

•   Magic markers in fairy-like colours

•   Craft decorations like glitter, flowers, fluff, lace, foil, beads, fringe, pipe cleaners, feathers etc.

Instructions

1. Make an armature for your wings; shape the length of wire into a figure 8, checking as you go to make sure the wings are the size you want and that both sides of the figure 8 are equal in size.
2. Wrap a 3” length of duct tape around the centre join of the figure 8 to fix it firmly in place. If any wire ends are sticking out, trim them with the wire clippers, and cover the ends of the wire with duct tape so they don’t stick you in the back.
3. Test the armature by tugging on it firmly; add more duct tape if needed.
4. Stretch the pantyhose over the armature and shape your wings; take the scissors and cut the pantyhose into three pieces: two legs and one panty. Set the panty aside; it will become your wing halter.
5. Stretch the pantyhose legs over each side of the armature. Pull it taut, but not so tight that it distorts the wings. Use safety pins to hold the pantyhose legs in place at the base of the wings, and shape your wings by bending the wire.
6. Adjust the tension of the pantyhose as needed. When you’ve got the shape you want, sew the pantyhose in place at the base of the wings, and then trim off the excess hose.
7. Decorate your wings; using magic markers, draw the basic lines of your wing design. Colour your wings according to your fancy. Embellish wings with glitter, feathers, beads, and whatever else you desire.
8. Create a wing halter or ties; take the leftover panty, and cut out the crotch area (this will become the neck hole). You should have something that looks like a very small tank top. For small children, this halter can simply be pulled over the head; for larger frames, enlarge the holes and, or cut open the front of the halter.
9. Some people prefer to do away with the halter altogether and instead use long ties that wrap around their shoulders and torso; you can also use a double loop of elastic, one loop per shoulder.
10. Attach your wings to the halter or ties; using needle and thread, securely attach your wings to the halter or ties.
11. Try on the wings; use a hand mirror in front of a bigger mirror to see if the wings are sitting even on your shoulders, or ask a friend to check for you. If necessary, use needle and thread to adjust the wing placement, or adjust the ties until the wings are as straight as you want them to be.
12. Wear your fairy wings with your costume.

Tip and warnings

• Fairy wings do not enable the wearer to fly–this is sad, but very true.
• Looking though field guides of moths and butterflies to find patterns you like can help you in determining how you would like to decorate your fairy wings.