How Do You Prepare Feathers For Native-American Hair Ties?
Feather charms are the traditional “tassels” for Native American hair ties. Birds are seen as messengers of the spirits in many Native American cultures and their feathers are used for hair ties, often in ceremonies. Hair ties with feathers are sold commercially but can be homemade. The feathers are often painted with spiritually symbolic designs and pictures, and they can express events and stories in the wearer’s life. Choose the feathers for the hair tie. Research the meanings attributed to the different birds in Indian lore and decide which to use. This decision is based upon the message that the feathers of each different bird will impart. Decide whether the feathers will be painted. Some Native American tribes paint symbols on their feathers. Decide which symbols will be meaningful to the person who wears the hair tie. Paint the appropriate symbols on the feathers (see Resources to learn how to paint on feathers). Pick two feathers and glue the veins of the feathers together. Glu
