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The following is a basic list of tools & materials used in the making of my realistic costume wings.
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My corvid-style wings without arm-covers (still designing)
Materials themselves are variable and can change depending on the type of wings you're making, how you want them to look, your budget, etc. I'll include alternate materials when applicable and prices whenever possible. This list is organized in order of appearance in the tutorials themselves, from "part 1 - CONCEPT" onwards.
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- CARDBOARD: a single appliance box (like a refrigerator - hardware stores may set one aside for you, if you ask - you can honestly say it’s for an art or costume project) should provide enough for one wing worth of feather patterns, though the amount depends on your wing-style and size. They also sell cardboard sheets at Staples for an affordable price. 
​Price: Free-$10 ~ Source: Hardware/Electronics store, or from recycling locations
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- YARDSTICK: a basic wooden yardstick.
​Price: Less than $3.00 ~ Source: Hardware store
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- SCISSORS or BOX-CUTTER: a sturdy, comfortable pair of scissors or bladed box-cutter to cut your cardboard with, whichever you prefer.
​Price: $5.00-$10.00 each (low-quality/cheap pricing)
Source: Hardware store/Office supply
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- POSTER-BOARD: one 22" X 28" sheet should be enough to trace & cut out one wing worth of covert patterns. Also useful for correcting any over-cuts on your cardboard feather patterns.
​Price: $1-$5 (depending on quantity & store pricing)
​Source: Office supply
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- 10-12 GAUGE THICK WIRE: use your measurements from part 1 to determine how much you need. 10 gauge is thicker than 12, and is only really needed for feathers longer than 38" or under more stress (like your leading feather). Wire hangers (like from dry cleaners) are usually thick enough and can be straightened and used. Otherwise new in 100 ft rolls are commonly found at your local hardware store. 
Price: Hangers = Free if you got' em, $36 for 100 on amazon if you don't | 12-gauge multipurpose wire rolls 100 ft long ~$13
​Source: Home Depot
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- HEAVY DUTY PLIERS: also known as "lineman's pliers", for bending rolls of wire (or wire hangers) straight. Patient, steady hands are useful here.
​Price: $8-$16 (varies depending on brand & quality)
​Source: Hardware Store/Craft supply
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- WIRE CUTTERS: usually included on the heavy-duty pliers.

OPTIONAL: SMALL PLIERS: to provide a bit more grip when you need it - I used bent needle nose pliers.
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- 20-24 GAUGE WIRE: used for wrapping the first primary feather (since it is made of many separate 12 gauge wires), "galvanized steel" works fine and is usually the cheapest and most commonly available.
​Price: $5-$10 (varies depending on length & material)
​Source: Hardware Store/Craft supply
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OPTIONAL: 1-2 inch Alligator Clips: while all the feathers can be attached to the wing by bending an extra bit of wire around the bolt or elastic, having alligator clips makes replacing old/damaged secondary feathers much easier. Can be expensive though, so those on a budget or one-shot projects may want to skip.
​Price: varies, depending on size and quantity ~ $5 for a 4-pack
​Source: Hardware Store
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OPTIONAL: GLUE: used for cementing the Alligator Clips to the wire feather shafts. I used Gorilla Glue, but any strong bonding glue that works on metal should work. When in doubt, try it.
​Price: varies depending on brand and amount ~ $7 (a 2 oz bottle is plenty)
​Source: Hardware Store/Craft supply

under construction...to be continued

To view the full versions visit my deviantArt page to view part 0 - MATERIALS and part 0.5 - TOOLS.