There are many ways to make fairy wings. This is the affordable version.
Step 1
Obtain four wire hangers. You might like to buy the type of coated hangers. These hangers are easier on the fingers when you bend them. Or, you can obtain them for free from your local dry cleaners, as they often recycle the hangers or even try to throw them away. You can also use a very thick beading wire, if you are making small wings -- 16 gauge or lower.
Step 2
Start with two hangers. Cut the hook off down to the point where the wire spiral starts. Then bend the spiral part on one hanger to the right and on the other hanger to the left.
Step 3
Take the two twisted parts and overlap them. Wrap them tightly with duct tape.
Step 4
Repeat this process with two more hangers.
Step 5
Bend the hangers into your desired wing shape. Often the top wings have a wider shape and the bottom ones are skinnier - it will assist you if you look at photos or illustrations of butterfly wings. You can also make great dragonfly wings by just making them have a long oval shape.
Step 6
Use duct tape to join both sets of wings. You will now have 4 wings. At this point the wire structure is complete.
Step 7
Take 4 knee high socks. You can get them at pharmacies, supermarkets and department stores. Stretch one over each wing. Pull it tight to the center and then twist the entire set of wings as you hold the end of the nylon. Usually you can then hook it on one of the ends of the wire hangin out. Otherwise, just twist them and hold the ends of the nylons to the center until all four wings are tight. Wrap them once again in the middle to hold the knee highs tight on the wings.
Step 8
Wrap the middle of the wings with velvet and glue it with hot glue. Make sure to put the glue seam toward where your back will be so it's not showing.
Step 9
Spray paint the edges of the wings before painting them. You can use acrylic paints and glitter to top off the wings.
Step 10
Make the arm bands. You can use elastic head bands if you want color, or use elastic. It's good to put the elastic on before the velvet center in case you need to hide an elastic seam. To put the elastic loops on, first tie a knot in the elastic so it's a loop, then put it around both top and bottom wing on the right side, and bring the loop through itself between the wings. This is an easy way to put them on without having to sew them. If you do it right, the knot will be on the back side of the wing where it won't show.
Step 11
Add feathers if you prefer the angel wing type to the guazy kind. This can be done with a lot of patience and store bought feathers by attaching double-sided tape to a wing and sticking the feathers on. Do one wing at a time and make sure the feathers go on with the quil going up. Do both sides of each wing. (Start from the bottom so that the next row of feathers will cover the quills of the lower row.)
