DIY Feather Pendant

A DIY feather pendant can add a light, airy touch to a room without requiring a complicated craft project. This version uses white feather trim attached to a rice paper lantern, with the rows arranged to create a soft, layered look. Before starting, make sure your lantern is specifically approved for use with a lightbulb, and plan for professional electrical installation if you do not already have a pendant light kit installed.

Supplies:

• White feather trim (8 trims were used to complete the light)
• Hot glue gun
• Rice paper lantern approved for use with a lightbulb; not all paper lanterns are suitable for lighting
• Pendant light kit, if one is not already installed

Before you begin: Open the lantern according to its instructions and identify the top and bottom openings. Lay out the feather trim so you can check how the feathers curve before gluing. This small check helps keep the finished rows facing in a consistent direction.

How to Make a DIY Feather Pendant

1. Attach the first row. Start at the bottom opening of the lantern. Position the trim so the feathers extend about an inch beyond the opening. Turn the trim so the feathers curve upward when the lantern is hanging right side up. Use the hot glue gun to attach the ribbon edge to the lantern, working around the entire circumference.
2. Add rows across the lower half. Begin the next row about 2 inches above the first, then glue the trim around the lantern. Continue in the same way until the lower half is covered. Keep the rows even and check that the feather direction remains consistent.
3. Cover the upper half. Place these rows closer together, about 1.5 inches apart. Feathers may leave more visible gaps in this area, so the closer spacing helps create more even coverage. Adjust the trim as needed before the glue sets.
4. Finish at the top. At the lantern’s top opening, align the ribbon edge of the trim with the top edge as you attach the final row. Let the glued areas set before hanging the pendant.

Lighting and Installation Safety

Use only a rice paper lantern that is approved for the intended lightbulb setup, and follow the lantern and light kit instructions. If a pendant light kit is not already installed, have a professional electrician install it rather than attempting electrical work without the proper qualifications. Keep the light switched off when leaving the room or going to bed, and check that the feather trim does not interfere with the bulb or other electrical components.

The finished pendant combines the delicate appearance of feather trim with the simple shape of a paper lantern. For the neatest result, take time to space the rows consistently and make sure the lantern is fully supported by its intended hanging hardware. This DIY feather pendant project is credited to Laura.