Silhouette UK: Faux Leather Feather Earrings

Hello, Nadine here with a quick earring tutorial using Silhouette's new faux leather.

When we received the Silhouette faux leather paper to play with, I was totally intrigued. It cuts as card, but can be washed and sewn like fabric. When washed by hand or in the washing machine, it becomes softer and takes on the texture of leather.

I liked the idea of delicate items being made out of this tough and somewhat masculine material, so decided to make some feather earrings.

What you’ll need:

Silhouette CAMEO
Silhouette Faux Leather Paper
Pair of earwires
Jump rings
Pliers
Metallic permanent marker / paint

STEP ONE: Open and Resize Shapes

Open Design #79106 in Silhouette Studio and scale to 33% of original size

Chose feathers - I picked the bottom one and third from left.

STEP TWO: Remove Quill

The feathers need to move freely on the jump-ring, so the top quill parts need to be removed. This can be done a number of ways - point editting, the modify tools such as crop or subtract, or with a knife. I chose the latter option

STEP THREE: Cut and wash

Using your stickiest mat, make sure that the faux leather is well stuck down. I used the default blade settings pre-set for faux leather and the cuts were great, but always do a test cut when using new media. Once cut wash in the sink or washing machine.

STEP FOUR: Colour

Add a touch of metallic paint or permanent maker using a ruler or tape for a straight line.

STEP FOUR: Attach with Jump Rings to Earwires

Use jump rings to attach the feathers to the ear-wire. An important tip is to twist the jump ring rather than pull apart, as this will not distort the shape.

I was having so much fun with these feathers that I made a handbag charm also!