Fun Fairy pattern explained #1550 - wings

While it is possible to make your own fairy wings from scratch, it is tricky.  Over the years we have tried so many different ways of doing this and have concluded that it's not worth the trouble when such good wings can be purchased for around $10 or $15.

So, this time I made extensions that could be added to any purchased wings. Bigger is better. The ones I used measured 36" x 24". I will give you links to purchase the wings that I used.  Although, in the 8 months since I made these wings, they are no longer available where I bought them ... grrr!

Annie's Costumes has the black wings.  And ... well I can't find the exact wings I used in green, but Amazon has something close. Again ... grrrrrr!

So, here is how to deal with wings that may not be the exact color you want, because even though I was able to get big green wings, they were not the shade of green I needed. And the shoulder straps were the wrong color, too.

First pick off the shoulder straps. You may need to just cut them off.

Make new shoulder straps to match your costume or maybe your skin. Also, this is the chance to make the elastic nice and tight. Purchased wings often have elastic that is too loose.

Second, spray paint them. This will take several coats, flipping the wings from front to back.

Then pin on the wind extensions. You might want to try on the wings before sewing them permanently.

I dressed my form with the shoulder straps going under the blouse, but Simplicity must have pinned the wings to the back of the bodice, because I don't see any straps in the photo above. BUT, I'm not sure that is the most practical way to wear them.

So, anyone with wing wearing experience and advice ... please share it with us!