Why I steam my feathers and how I store them

Every so often I have the opportunity to pick feathers. Sometimes they’re in great condition but not always. I love it when I can accumulate second hand, picked or vintage feathers because it’s the most humane way for me to make feather burlesque fans and costumes or headdresses. As much as I collect and use feathers and fans, I like to be mindful where I can. I try to avoid disposable fast fashion for photo shoots and shows also. If I purchase something, anything, I hold on to it forever or gift it to my students or friends when they are in need. I also love a good trade! I occasionally sell certain items if they are documented in photo or film or if I have extra. By doing this, I avoid over purchasing and letting items go to waste. I try to avoid waste where I can.

One way that I avoid waste is by recycling feathers, even ones that appear to be unsalvageable like these two examples. If you look at these first 4 photos, you can see the before and after of both feathers. To get this effect I’ve given these two feathers an intense steaming. Feathers are so resilient that even if they look broken and smashed, the fibers will usually pop right back into shape after an good steam. It’s very simple to do. If you wish I can make a video on how to steam feathers. Let me know if a video will help you and I’ll do so but it’s pretty self explanatory. Just steam each feather individually and if needed comb them with a simple plastic comb. Be gentle but thorough. When storing them, I use old sheets or towels and stack them one on top of the other or I place a fabric box on the second or third shelf of a bakers rack and place the feathers between the wires of the rack with the bottom of the feather in the box. Using the Bakers rack wires to separate the feathers so that they don’t clump together. I do steam my feathers often. Before every show or if they’re just looking a little matted. I hope this helps for anybody who is learning fan dancing, costuming, or just wants to keep their feathers looking beautiful.