Faux Cicada Wings Tutorial

Wings for the Small Scale Figure

A Note From Linda:

Im thrilled to be sharing with you the basic technique I use for creating your own one-of-akind wings for through the Faux Cicada Wing Tutorial! Within the lesson, youll learn many little tidbits of helpful tips throughout the creative process. It includes a printable wing pattern along with simple, easy to read instructions for creating beautiful imitation Cicada wings for your own fairy fantasy creations. Before beginning, I encourage you take the time to read over and gather the supplies and tools suggested for this project. As you begin, youll find many large photos and instructions guiding you through each step. Once learning the basic technique for creating your own faux Cicada wings, combined with your creativity and imagination for embellishments, the possibilities for beautiful wings will become endless! Have fun, but most of all enjoy the creative journey!

Linda

TERMS OF USE: One copy may be saved to a personal file for personal use, and shall not be for redistribution. The use of the tutorial, Faux Cicada Wing Tutorial, Wings for the Small Scale Figure is forbidden to be redistributed or used in conjunction with other classes or programs of study through which membership or tuition is paid. This tutorial is made available only through Linda Smith Originals.

2009 - 2012 by Linda Smith Originals. All Rights Reserved.

Supplies

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12)

Fabri-Tac perm anent adhesive Glitter glue 22 or 24 gauge wire Iridescent cellophane Mini iron (preferred) or regular hom e iron Scissors Medium tipped paint brush W ire cutters Large darning needle or com parable tool 2 pieces of white card stock paper (preferred) or white printer paper Transparency film for your printer & color ink for printing the Cicada wing pattern An old m agazine

Faux Cicada Wing Tutorial

Wings for the Small Scale Figure

Cicada Wing Pattern

(Set of three included)

For use in the Faux Cicada Wing Tutorial. This page may be printed onto transparency sheets or resized for personal use only.

C 2009 - 2012 by Linda Smith Originals. All Rights Reserved.

Printing the Pattern

To begin, print the faux Cicada wing pattern (page 4) onto a sheet of transparency film. A transparency film is a sheet of clear plastic specifically used for printing and is available at most office supply retailers. One side is slick to the touch, while the other side has tiny vertical notches and is lightly coated in a substance that allows the ink to grab onto the sheet when printed. Print the wing images onto the notched side (look very close to actually see the notches). For the best results: * Use the transparency film and color ink recommended for your model of printer. * Adjust the printer property settings to a high quality print for transparency film. After printing, allow the images to completely dry.

Cutting the Pattern

While handling the film by the edges, use the scissors to cut one set of wings from the sheet. Avoid touching the images directly to minimize fingerprinting or smearing. As shown above, one set includes a left and right top wing (larger), along with a left and right bottom wing (smaller). Store any unused sets between plain paper against a flat surface.

Cut out each wing individually, as shown above. Be careful not to cut up to the edge of the wing graphic itself, but allow plenty of excess around the image.

Cutting the Cellophane

To give the wings a fantasy flash effect, an iridescent backing of cellophane is used. As the light plays upon it, hues of blue, green, and red can be seen. Cut a piece of cellophane large enough for all four wings. Position the wings on the cut sheet of cellophane, finding an area on the paper that will give off the flash or fire desired.

Cut out the areas of the cellophane to be used for each wing, as shown above. Take care with handling the cellophane, as it may crinkle or mar easily. The pieces used should be wrinkle free. With the cellophane paper, either side is usable for our project. In the next step, the iridescent backing will be bonded by heat to the wing image. The substance that the transparency sheet is coated in for printing, combined with the notched surface will bond the two together when the right amount of heat is applied.

Bonding the Cellophane Backing

For the demonstration, Im using a mini iron set on low to medium heat. A regular household iron on a medium setting will work for this also. Now well build a layering or sandwiching of the materials well use during this process. Using an old magazine allows a soft, but firm surface to work on. Lay the magazine down first on to your work surface. Place a piece of white card stock paper or white printer paper on top of the magazine. This will allow the wing image to be seen without any distractions. Next, lay the Cicada wing image on its shiny side down, with the notched/printed side up.

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Cover the image with the cellophane. Place the second sheet of card stock paper over the cellophane and wing image. The two pieces of card stock should sandwich the cellophane and wing.

TIP: The thickness of the card stock paper will diffuse the heat, where as a single sheet of regular paper may be too thin resulting in the melting of the cellophane. If using regular printer paper two sheets is recommended.

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Slowly working from right to left or left to right, begin to iron the cellophane and wing together by passing over the top sheet of card stock. Working slowly from one side to the other will eliminate the possibility of air bubbles forming between the cellophane and wing image.

TIP: TEST IRON FIRST! Use some of the scrap pieces from the wing pattern sheet to experiment and practice for the right amount of heat, as some iron settings may vary. Find the right temperature that bonds the cellophane to the wing image without melting in the process.

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After ironing, check to make sure the entire image has bonded to the cellophane. If not, continue to iron the wing. Once done, the cellophane may lightly stick to the card stock. Allow the image to cool.

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Once the image has cooled, peel it from the card stock.

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The photo above shows how the wing should look in appearance once the bonding is completed. Note that the wing is free of air bubbles and crinkling. Continue to repeat the bonding process with the remaining wings.

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Trimming the Wings

Trim the excess from each wing by following the outer edge of the image.

TIP: If the outer edge of cellophane slightly separates, rebond by lightly touching the shiny side with the iron.

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Creating Dimension

Once each wing has been trimmed, dimension can be added by scoring the veins. Well still use the magazine for padding with the card stock paper on top for the next step.

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Start with one wing and place it shiny side up with the cellophane side down. With one hand, hold it firmly in place against the padded surface. With the other hand, take the large darning needle and apply it to the wing. Holding the needle at an angle, score all of the veining by dragging the needle using firm, but light pressure.

TIP: Any burrs on the needle will scratch the surface of the wing. Wear down the burrs by rubbing the point of the needle across concrete or asphalt.

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Once the veining is scored, it enables the light to playfully dance across the wing. Above is a closer look at a plain wing without the scoring and one with. Note how much more dimension has been added to the wing by scoring the veins. Continue to score the remaining three wings in the same way.

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The Wire Armature

Once each wing has been scored, theyre ready to be placed upon a wire wing armature. The armature will enable the wings to be posed and self-supported when attached to the figure. For the next step, well be using a set of wire cutters and 24 gauge wire.

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For the size of wings cut two pieces of wire approximately 9-10" long. Keep in mind that 22 gauge will work well with this project as well.

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Beginning with one wire, measure down 6" and place a bend in it as shown above. Repeat the same with the other wire. The crimping divides the frame into two parts, one for the upper wing and the other for the lower.

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Place the wire around the darning needle to create a loop. Begin to twist the wire.

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Continue to twist the wire until the twisted area measures about a " in length.

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Repeat the same for the other wire. Dont worry if theyve lost their rounded form, well shape them up in the next step.

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Starting with one wing armature, bend the long end to conform over the edge of the larger (top) wing. Do the same with the smaller (bottom) wing. Each wing should be positioned to fit at about 1/8" from the twisted base of the wire. Dont be concerned with the excess wire at the ends. These can become decorative elements or can be trimmed off later.

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On the upper wing, along the edge of the back, apply a bead of Fabri-Tac glue. Place the wire on top of the bead of glue and press the wire onto the wing. Repeat the same for the lower wing.

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Shown above is a view of the back side with the wire in place. Note how close to the edge the wire lays. Repeat the same for the other set of wings.

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Shown above both left and right sides, of the wings secured to the armature. These are on their way to becoming beautiful flexible wings!

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With the wire cutters, trim the excess wire to the desired length. Keep in mind that these may be kept longer for many embellishing possibilities, such as curling, adding beads, ect....Its all up to you!

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Glitter & Sparkles

Have the glitter glue and medium paint brush in hand. Now were ready for my favorite part. I love glitter glue and its sparkling effects!

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With the paint brush, dip into the glitter glue and begin to apply a generous coat over the wire armature and the top edges of the wings. Shown above is a backside view.

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The glitter glue will dry crystal clear without shine or added bulk to the edge. Not only does it add a decorative edge, it also adds additional bonding....and its pretty too.

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Allow the wings to sit and dry. Once dry, add a second coat of glitter glue to the wire area. Using the edge of the brush (with glue in it), seal all of the edges around each wing in its entirety.

TIP: The wings can also be hung by the loops for drying. Take a piece of wire and loop it through to hang free.

After drying, the little loops may be trimmed off to fit into the backside your little fairy creations.

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Congratulations! Youve just created your own faux Cicada wings! With your own creativity, the wings can be further embellished with additional findings. Add small feathers, flowers, gold filigree accents, mini beads, crystal accents.... the possibilities are endless!

Have fun creating!

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