Dear Canada: A step back in time

Feather Earrings

Homemade gifts always make the holidays special.

Materials:

• Feathers (from a craft store)
• Beads
• Thread
• Earring hooks
• Craft glue

Directions:

1. Clean the end of the feather quill by pulling the feather fluff off. You will need a clean end to put the beads on — the longer the bare end is, the more beads you will need, so if you only want a few beads you can make your clean end small.
2. Cut about a 4-inch piece of thread. Tie one end around a bead.
3. Place a drop of glue on the bare end of the feather.
4. Push the bead with the thread tied around it down the bare quill until you push it slightly on to the feathers. Put another bead down the thread and over the quill. Continue for 3 or 4 beads until you have covered the bare quill. Then, tie the end of the thread around the loop of the earring hook.
5. Knot several times and add a touch of glue for extra strength.