Small Bird Feathers for Costume/Cosplay

Feathers (or fish scales?) for glueing in a pattern for a bird costume.  I made these for an Anna's Hummingbird Halloween costume - if I go through with it, I'll post photos of the costume with these "feathers."  I'm posting this model before my costume is done for anyone who needs feathers for their Halloween costume this year.  :)

Since these feathers are printed in a single layer, they print up fast and are flexible.

I hope you enjoy!

-Michelle

Models

• Large:  28.7w x 25h mm
• Small:   20w x 20h mm

Print Material and Settings (tested on Prusa i3MK3S, using PrusaSlicer)

• Material:  PLA
  • For iridescent feathers use a silky multi-color filament.  I used MatterHackers' Gold Magenta Silky and Gold Green Black Silky
  • (untested) You may get a good fish scale effect with a single color filament and by using the bed side of the “feather”, which should be smooth.  You'll likely still see the nozzle path, though.
• Nozzle Diameter:  0.4mm
• Layer Height:  0.20mm Quality
• Infill:  “don't care” - this is a single layer design.
• Misc Notes:  
  • I don't recommend scaling this design in the slicer since it can change the bed adhesion and look of the feathers.  I created 2 sizes - if you'd like a size not included, remix or feel free to ask - I may be able to create one for you.  I include the f3d file for editing in Autodesk Fusion.  Someday I may publish a parameterized verison.
  • Use the PrusaSlicer “Fill bed with instances” option to print a batch.
  • This design requires good first layer calibration.
  • To remove the feather from the print bed, I lift the end of the stem up with my thumbnail and then use a plastic scraper to lift the rest of the feather off the bed.
  • You can separate the feather barbs post-printing and bend gently to further enhance the feather effect.

Hummingbird photo credit:  Laurel Eby