Make $10 cellophane fairy wings: No wire, safe for kids, patterns included.

[@alicewestward5541]

I spent a buttload of money making my own fairy dress, but when I found out how much wings would cost I nearly lost it. I'm so glad I found this video.

[@tigralon]

I cannot believe how much information you've packed into less than 10 minutes!! This is one of the best craft videos I've seen on KZbin in a long time....kudos on a fantastic job. I'm definitely going to be checking out all your other videos as well.

[@aalihte380]

i absolutely died at "this is Bianca, isn't she adorable?" lol..too cute. and great tutorial. brilliant idea!

[@gryphern]

I have been attempting to convince him to wear them to the free weight section of our gym and do some fairy-squats. So far, no go.

[@RoseKP]

Omg! I know what I am going to make my husband do when I make mine!

[@AshHeaven]

_Tooth Fairy_ vibes

[@deannawoolf1737]

This was a fantastic tutorial. I was able to follow this and get a great set of wings on my first try! I appreciated the straight-forward and detailed way you shared the best way to do this as a result of your own trial and error. I wanted to share another strategy I used for attaching wings (child sized): snaps. When all 4 wing sections were done (2 top and 2 bottom), I cut 2 ovals out of the laminated posterboard and used hot glue to sandwich the wing pieces between the ovals, so that everything was together and in the configuration needed. I then hot glued one side of a pair of larger snaps onto the central oval piece of the wings. Then, I sewed the pair of matching snap sides onto a pre-existing dress my daughter wanted to wear. (does take some marking and measuring to make sure the snaps line up, but luckily, the dress material was a bit forgiving/stretchy). The wings held securely through 5 hours of sunshine and rain. My daughter said she couldn't feel the wings at all; they were so lightweight and did not restrict her movements at all. Thank you for this tutorial again and happy crafting, everyone!

[@TheSuzieBlue]

This is an AMAZING tutorial! This is just what I needed. Not only were the instructions great, you have a wonderful speaking voice, and created a great presentation. KZbin needs more videos like this!

[@Sleipnirseight]

AWESOME tutorial!!! I made some sick dragonfly wings with this! Some notes: 1) NOT ALL SPRAY GLUES ARE CREATED EQUAL! I used E6000 interior/exterior spray adhesive. It came out more as a liquid than an aerosol- it was just too thick and wet to dry completely. It mostly just soaked the paper and remained completely wet where it lay between the cellophane layers. Definitely go for a more aerosol adhesive! 2) You can create some INCREDIBLE aging/ wear-n-tear on your wings using very high heat! I lit an incense stick and used the ember to burn little holes in the cellophane. I also ran the ember along the edges of the cellophane to create a more natural, rougher look. You can probably use a matchstick to do the same thing. Try it! It looks freakin awesome!! And thanks for this bad ass tutorial!!!!

[@gryphern]

awwwwwwwww *blush* danke. also, good pointers on spray glue and heat treatment!

[@MajorUrsula]

Thanks very much for this tutorial. Made a pair about 44" wide with an opalescent cellophane which turned out really really well, and I got boatloads of complements. My only note is that when you get that big, it pays to put a little extra reinforcement along the top rib of the wings to keep them from trying to fold over.

[@lanarober8952]

Do you mind linking a pic? i am dying to see how large wings look.

[@flonny1340]

This is definitely late but did you take pictures of them. I would love to see them

[@Malloops]

This is one of the best tutorials I’ve ever watched on youtube. Especially for fairy wings! Thank you for providing all these details, tips, tricks and resources!! Also, thank you SOOOO much for providing the necessary info, and sticking to the point ❤️❤️❤️ Ive subscribed and will watch the rest of your vids!

[@unknown_8555]

itws been 11 years and this is still one of the best tutorials ive found

[@KatBlaque]

thank you thank you thank you.

[@NatLeRat]

OMG KAT!!!

[@Linaeth]

This is the coolest! I have a fairy-themed party to attend coming up, and had no wings. This is PERFECT! And I love how you stick to actual insect anatomy. Entomology nerds rock!

[@elladavidson1897]

My friend and i are going to comicon together and we are cosplaying as steampunk faeries and we almost bought wings which we both would have hated. I am so happy we found this! nerd win!

[@amandamitrani5482]

You are extremely thorough in explaining the logistics and tips of this project, very helpful!!

[@Costellogrification]

Another awesome video! I love that you throw the directions out clearly without a lot of Um... Ah..... pauses. Thanks!

[@LittleKaori]

this is a genius idea! The end result looked amazing and the instructions were very accurate. For ironing plastics like this (fake leather as well), I use an old kitchen towel. Lay it in between your project and your iron and it will never stick. Dampen the cloth slightly if you use this on fabrics.

[@klmiller1991]

I used the dragonfly reference and made them much bigger. I actually zoomed in on the actual photo, took multiple pieces of paper and traced it on my laptop's monitor. There like 2 1/2 ft and it worked and they are AWESOME. Thank you for this tutorial. I'd be lost without it. MY wings look amazing. I'll post a response and show them when I can.

[@KCDreamyCat]

This was so informative thank you. I'm trying to make wings for a craft fairy and have failed with other tutorials using wire. I pray this works better !

[@Scaleeth]

The very last part of the vid with the bird warmed my heart. Also, very good tutorial. Thank you!

[@midwestmommabear7869]

Wow! Thank you, you just saved me hours of headaches and money with your "do's and don'ts" I wish more people spending time to do tutorials would add common mistakes and tips n tricks!

[@saltlifegull4091]

WOW, you got it going on! Just what I've spent hours looking for. Beautiful job, strong demonstration, easy to follow and best video around on making these. Thanks so much for sharing. Your subscriber from Florida!

[@tacocool1]

Im making a sculpture from cellophane and this video helped me get an idea on how to approach the heating an color process. Thank you a bunch.

[@gryphern]

The back mount in this video works great, you just bend the top two wires in the direction you want. By painting the wires with artist's acrylic paint from a tube (it's thick, not the little 99 cent bottles) or using hot glue or thick epoxy, the wires blend into the top smoothly.

[@s.stellium9026]

Soo many details nobody else mentions!! You saved me tons of mistakes. Superb research shared here and very well job creating the video visuals and all!!! Thank you 🌸

[@gryphern]

You are welcome! If you want to hardcore make several pairs of laminated paper and cellophane wings, investing in a mini band saw, such as the ryobi 2.5 amp Inch, could make cutting a lot easier. Band saws tend to make smooth Cuts in cardboard, unlike a reciprocating saw that goes back and forth which is what you usually see as mini tabletop saws for arts and crafts. Band saws have a thin flexible blade which is more like drawing the cut through cardboard than it is like using a table saw.

[@DrayBay]

Thank you for all the time you spent to figure this out, my daughters childhood will be better just this little bit because of you :D

[@katdanielson5838]

That was a very well made video. I want to give you kudos on how informative and perfectly paced it is. You really know your stuff! I am looking forward to using this technique on my next set of wings. Thank you for making this video. P.S. LOVED the ending

[@o0Avalon0o]

Best tutorial, by far. Thank you for the detail put into explaining everything, as well as the examples of what did/didn't work for you. I really felt like I was learning along with you!

[@flynno4832]

Ben: I refuse to do anything that makes me less masculine *kissing a bird*

[@AshHeaven]

Poetic

[@ataaah]

I love the wings and I LOVE that you are going from scientific basis instead of... uh... winging it. you rock.

[@tarrahskye1170]

Love this tutorial! I used these instructions for a faerie festival costume and they looked and worked great. I based my design off of cicada wings and used thick card stock instead of gluing together construction paper (harder to cut, made stiffer wings, but looked good!) and I used silver chrome spray paint on the paper before I added the cellophane and they ended up very pretty. I got lots of compliments! Thank you for the video!

[@SnackSlayer]

You are an absolute LIFE SAVER. I just ordered some wings on Etsy, but when I went back to look at the reviews I noticed that her delivery of the product is inconsistent at best - people that got their wings in were ecstatic about them, but there were a fair number of people that never got their wings for reasons ranging from 'I'm in the hospital' to 'my husband just died in a car crash' or 'I was attacked by a stalker' - although they did all get refunds, so that's good. But yeah, I was having a bit of a panic over here as I've been working on a costume for a festival this summer, and the wings are an important part; this tutorial really helped put me at ease, knowing that if push comes to shove I can make a beautiful pair of my own, so thank you

[@gryphern]

You are welcome! The hardest part is cutting, so if you don't have big strong hands make sure that you buy a new pair of razor sharp scissors to cut the big sections out with!

[@ancfm1995]

I greatly appreciate your taking the time to explain everything so concisely, thank you for an awesome tutorial!

[@profNeyz]

Just wanted to say thank u so much for this tutorial and the templates! Mine were bubbly and I couldn’t get everything I needed to I used black card cellophane and laminating sheets glue tape wire and patience! They looked pretty good and my 4-yr old loves them! It was her fairy birthday party today! Thank u!!!

[@gryphern]

Yes is doable! For wrinkles I'd use a hair dryer along tatters and holes cut into the cellophane to wrinkle it without melting it. For age, you could spray glue the inside of the cellophane and sandwich some grit and fine powder between the 2 cellophane pieces. For broken veins, you would want to add a non-structural vein to a sturdy design and break that one, leaving a lot of structural support for the rest of the wing. A steel wool pad scrubbed in various surface areas will age it nicely.

[@Varghjerta]

I absolutely love your tutorials, I made a pair of wings through the articulate dragon wing video too and they all come out so awesome!

[@Fingerscrossedout]

You are my lady a GODDESS!!! seriously I wanted these when I was a kid and saw them on etsy (same material) for $500! now I (the creative bitch I am) make them myself! You saved me a lot of money so I can make awesome things for my shoots! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

[@whimobsessed]

Thank you for such an awesome and very thoughtful tutorial! I love how you showed mistakes and all the little details and steps you put into making them. This was fantastic. Definitely going to have to make some for my daughter! :D

[@phynoxthegreatxx8067]

Me and my friends are going to go around our small town dressed as fairies so thanks for this! Its gonna make things alot easier

[@gryphern]

You are welcome! If you have access to one of those inexpensive mini band saws you can make the layered paper veins super thick and sturdy.

[@phynoxthegreatxx8067]

@@gryphern thanks! Ill keep that in mind :))

[@SnackPacks10]

great tutorial! But PLEASE never wrap ace bandages around your chest! they tighten over time and can seriously hurt you!

[@gryphern]

you make a good point. over time, elastic chest constructions can tighten. in my mind it was one layer thick and velcroed in front for an hour. however, an actual wrapping can shift and cause loss of ability to breathe over time. excellent safety point, I'm trying to see if I can add a comment box to the video.

[@KoriLuvsNuggets]

My little sister wants to be fairies for Halloween together! I couldn't say no! But instead of buying things I would just make them! Thank you soooo much for this tutorial. It's amazing!

[@Scadia]

GREAT tutorial. I have been looking for a decent cellophane wing tutorial FOREVER.. :) thanks!

[@DarkangaelBrokenwing]

Good Job on the wings, I love them. I am sure my niece and nephew will love the wings too.

[@profNeyz]

This is the perfect tutorial! I have just made wire wings but am not happy. Will give these a shot! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH

[@gryphern]

Bianca is a Celestial Parrotlet, or Pacific Parrotlet (Scientific name is Forpus coelestis.) She was hand fed as a baby so she's really comfy with people and is trained to fly around our place and come back to the sound of a crinkly plastic bag. Her favorite food is cranberry bread, favorite toy is a very tiny ski ball game with the ball on a chain so it can't get lost. She lives with her sister and has the ability to take a bath in a ketchup bottle lid due to HER INCREDIBLY SMALL SIZE.

[@chloeaqua529]

bless this tutorial, thank you! my biggest problem with making wings was twisting around all that bulky wire and still ending up with a rough shape. 😵😵😵 this helps so much!

[@gryphern]

Yeah! There are a lot of wire wing tutorials online. I've used welding gear to make very clean looking frames. Using copper welding wire and an acetylene set up you can make seamless wing frames by melting the end of wire to an adjacent wire piece by bringing the end just past the red hot stage, fusing, and removing the heat like working lampwork glass. Normally, people tape the wire together which can look bad. But soldering wire can be done with a hardware store hand torch or soldering iron.

[@KatharinaJohnson]

This was a joy to watch but Bianca really made it a perfect video :D

[@tarazucarelli2641]

THANK YOU THANK YOU!! You saved me time and lots of energy. I was about to make wire wings and then found this last minute. SOOO much easier and worked great!

[@gryphern]

That's great to hear! For some people cutting the layered paperboard is a little tough, I'd be curious to know what tools you used for cutting the laminated paper board?

[@gryphern]

Good to hear! You're welcome! Many make up effects and props can be made inexpensively, but it doesn't necessarily benefit the artist to figure that out, since they want the profit of a high demand, low volume, sale item. My interest is figuring out the cheap part. I've made and sold and had in museums SO MUCH STUFF I sort of became nihilistic and no longer care about being the "special artist." I've become very interested in sharing the artistic process and the interaction with others.

[@brittany16950]

Hey I am 12 years late but I LOVE your illustrations!!

[@gryphern]

Good question! I suggest Elmer's brand glue because it is one of the cheapest spray glues that is still reliable to use. The reason I used spray glue is because it is INCREDIBLY sticky, permanent, and being thin. So even though we can see through the cellophane, we don't see the clear, thin layer of spray glue. A glue stick would be a little lumpy here and there and create a visible layer. Rubber cement DIES over time, it's super acid and decays both the paper and it breaks down over time.

[@sharonb5965]

These come out beautiful. Saw the initial wing someone did for a parade.

[@KD.89]

Thank you for this tutorial is the best I’ve seen so far most of them use wires and I’m disable I can’t do much of anything 😂 but this tutorial made me one to try it so thank you again for such a detailed video

[@LadyLongboard]

That was a beautiful ending.

[@cdeville]

A lot more information than I expected. You're fun to listen to as well!

[@Animeisters]

"I refuse to do anything on camera that makes me look less masculine"ok well anyways great tutorial and I can't wait to make my wings!!

[@fluffy_chickadee]

It was clearly a joke, he was gushing at the bird afterwards

[@TDIPrincessCourtney]

This is really cool! As soon as I am sure the local craft stores are back up and running I might opt to try this over the extremely complicated wire-frame tutorials littered through cosplay help blogs. Not quite sure who I'm cosplaying yet, but considering that I'm making a Witch of Time outfit already and it seems pretty cool I might be a God Tier Damara. Super awesome tutorial, definitely going to try this out!

[@KuraiUsagi]

Your video was ultra helpful to me! I used it to make a total of 4 sets of wings. I've made a pair for my little sister in pink, 2 in iridescent blue for my friend and me, and I'll be making a golden yellow pair for my mom soon after I finish making a tut dress for my sister. She wanted to be a fairy princess this year. :)

[@marynorman2701]

Excellent tutorial! Great info, organization and I appreciate the quick pace. Sharing this with friends, Thank you!

[@kaylabaggerly3766]

Thank you so much! Needed this for a cosplay and all the wire ones look a bit complicated for someone who is newer to cosplay making like me. This is awesome!

[@Claritytx]

This is great! THANK YOU!!! I love all of the information you provided! Will definitely try this!

[@raedraconis]

Fantastic. I can't wait to give this one a shot! Love your tutorials, and glad you're back!

[@Sleipnirseight]

Okay, so I love this tutorial for making the wings. I did this a few years ago, and to make them more natural/tattered, I used a lighter (more natural looking than cutting out holes with an xacto knife). HOWEVER.... Gluing the coat hanger to the wings DOES NOT HOLD. I used various heavy duty glues, resorted to tape, and it all peeled apart with light wear. What I'd do in future, is buy a roll of wire and use a nice, LONG piece for each wing. Rather than gluing to the outside of the wing, I'd glue the wire sandwiched within the layers of poster board (plus the cellophane). The wire would ideally go the full length of the wing for maximum stability. Then wrap the loose end of the wire from each wing together, and bend them into the u-shape to be tucked into a bra, bodice or bandage. The coat hanger is way too short, and even if you glued between the paper layers, it'd still break loose after time. Just a tip to save someone trouble (my wings turned out gorgeous thanks to this tutorial, but they're unwearable😭)

[@gryphern]

I feel like this calls for a 3d printed solution. I got good grip with gorilla glue but I used super old wire that was pitted and textured so it got good grip with the glue.

[@Sleipnirseight]

@@gryphern A 3D printer would be nice to play around with making bases! Though I think the overall design/structural challenges would be similar if you were to keep the poster board wings (which I really, really like!). Also, having poseable wire is lovely. BUT, having a flat, 3D printed material for the base would help when sandwiching it between layers... 🤔

[@Sleipnirseight]

@@gryphern PS, over the years of searching for fairy wings and tutorials, I always come back to this video. Still my favorite method and results! 😸

[@gryphern]

Okay-- I've been playing with this since your comment. Depending on what kind of wrap you use (different thicknesses) is will behave differently. You CAN fuse it using heat. Try with some practice pieces. Use something, like a baking paper or newspaper to protect the Saran wrap If you have a garage with concrete flooring, or some place where stuff can't be set on fire, you can also fuse Saran Wrap with a lighter. let me know how it goes, it's not super straight forward.

[@judypelkey8424]

Thank you for the tutorial. I'm tired of everyone having the same designs.

[@goddesseselementaldesign2461]

LOL. you guys are a riot!! Thanks for the information....been making mine a long time. Never thought to use poster board for the cells in the wing.

[@gryphern]

Iron first so you have a nice smooth surface to draw in. The smoother the surface you draw the fork across, the better the lines will look. If you iron after drawing lines you'll end up with little creases most likely. TEST test test ahead of time, so you can be confident you like the look by using a small sample.

[@Zanorfgor]

Now I want to design a costume that would use these. Excellent tutorial.

[@prttybitc626]

Loved the ending. So funny! "I refuse to do anything that makes me look less masculine. This is Bianca" LMAO.

[@Mercury8826ftw]

Beautiful wings and a _very_ helpful tutorial. I would love to see pictures or videos of the wings you've made on someone and how they fair. Thanks for the Upload!

[@nikki4455]

DO NOT USE ATHLETIC BANDAGE it tightens and can break ribs and cause various other breathing problems, a sturdy bra, corset, or tying on straps are all options

[@gryphern]

I get mine from the gift basket sections of craft stores and party stores, and I'll hoard it when there's a sale. Some stores (like the dollar store down the street) will sell mini rolls or squares of it for things like wring mugs filled with candy. I'm not very particular, I just buy the cheapest thinnest flimsiest stuff on sale, and I make sure it's not the shrink wrap kind, which is more expensive and will do funny things when heated.

[@gryphern]

To make them last for more than a few minutes in the rain without starting to warp you'd need to seal the edges. The cut edges where the layers of cellophane glue and posterboard are exposed could absorb water and get limp and peel apart. You could brush on Mod Podge® Gloss Acrylic Sealer. It takes FOREVER to dry so plan ahead by two days, and two coats will seal the cellophane to the posterboard and the posterboard edges sealed off from the rain, or **use black hot glue over the outer edge.**

[@TheMighty_Quinn]

this is extremely helpful to me because I am leaving for an anime convention on Friday and I found a tutorial that had good information and steps, but this video helped me more understand the mechanics of the wings and how the cellophane works. Now I can make my cosplay with ease!

[@gryphern]

From the party/gift basket section of Michael's craft store. Big box craft stores usually carry it.

[@red.hoodii]

you just saved like 12 lives and animal sacrifice. THANKS SO MUCH

[@gryphern]

For the texture, you can heat a fork with a hair dryer or over a flame and then draw the lines into the cellophane by pressing a little bit and dragging. The texture will really make the wings "pop" and appear real. Other fairy wing makes tend NOT to texture their beetle wings, and it harms the design, since the wings are covered in little creases from being accordion folded under the wing covers (elytra.) You won't find too many real photos of costume beetle wings on google images,

[@diekedrake]

This can work for dragon wings. Its like gryphern said: if you wanna make them big, u will need more and bigger "fingers" between the webbings.

[@CorneliusSneedley]

What fun are parties where you can't stab people? :)

[@wolf33441]

I can't even begin to tell you how awesome this video is. Faved saved and all that stuff, I am soooo doing this project once I have disposable income again. :D

[@mardeehill]

Is it just me that can't hear her, I can just faintly hear her. The video I watched before her and I watched one after her, sounds great.

[@ArtisticAlpacaStudios]

I'd like to say this also works for fins. I used this for my Lagoona Blue fins and it was perfect.

[@Artist626]

Your tutoriols ae realy cool i made the beast mask and wore it to school ended up making four more for our schools musical, all i can say is these tutoriols are awsome :D

[@cupcakes99]

I love love LOVE your videos you help me out a lot... thank you. I'm going to make them this weekend... ohhh... cross your fingers...

[@gryphern]

I do occasional character voicing for small projects -- but it's minor. A little theatre, I can belt out a bawdy bar tune.

[@gryphern]

@sad2898 Sure! They're light and bendy, so it'd work best for a smaller pair of dragon wings, or else they'd shake, since dragon wings tend to be long and thin. For photos or just posing they'd look good, but not running and jumping if they were big.

[@C0rvu51nku8a3]

Glad to be the first viewer of your video!!

[@alluna]

This was so helpful for my Tinkerbell wings. Thank you SO much!

[@MrTigertim09]

Hi Gryphern it's been too long as realy love watching your videos they are detailed and well made, I hope we hear from you again soon.

[@tjrockrabbit]

I can't wait to try this! And I loved the ending! >.< So masculine.

[@denisemcdougal6445]

Love your video !!!!! Very nicely executed and explained

[@toribarnett2301]

This vid was really helpful thank and the bird at the end was sooo cute :)

[@Natalina1985]

Amazingly thorough! I'll be trying this out for Halloween for sure!

[@gryphern]

The beetle wing on the upper left is real. If you wished to make that, you'd want to focus on three elements: 1. The shape. 2. The wing vein structure 3. the texture of the clear membrane. The shape is easy enough, print and trace from dubu dubu dubu doht sierracollege.edu/ejournals/jscnhm/v3n1/img/slides/beetlewing.jpg For the veins you will have to fudge a little since the top veins need to connect, whereas the beetle wing has a gap in the veins in reality. (cont next post)

[@cupcakes99]

I have a blue print basicly going to be 4 pairs of wings each side I'll make a video responce with the blue print but with this pattern and technique should look great. I'll post that video soon. thanks for the advice.

[@showjumperluvr4]

I cant wait to try this! I love your tutorial the wings are very pretty!! thank you!

[@gryphern]

Wow! Really??? Do you have any photos because that sounds AWESOME.

[@candiwalkowski7480]

I laughed at the Magic: The Gathering Willow Fairy reference. I also loved the end. I subscribed because of this video, not just because of the humor, but because the tutorial was in depth, precise, you gave links to many resources, and you told what things you shouldn't do and WHY not to do them. Would you be offended if I compared you to Alton Brown? It's the same reason I like him too.

[@gryphern]

If you love nature, you may just be a scientist in waiting! I breed butterflies at a university, and it makes fairies all the more fun.

[@ZenobiaRice]

these are so pretty. I can't wait do try this idea out