I fell in love with these wonderful trees after attending a feather tree workshop of Dennis Bauer’s. Living in an old house, I love to recreate a Victorian Christmas. These trees are perfect for that! Decorating a feather tree is easy, as the branches are spaced wide enough for ornaments to hang freely and many can line each branch with all in view.
Feather trees come in all colors, even lavender for Easter. They can display ornaments starting with Valentines and St. Patrick's Day through Easter and July 4th. In between holidays, there are the bugs and farm animal ornaments and aliens, then on to Halloween and Christmas...sigh...life is good!
This tree was introduced in Germany around 1850 as the first artificial Christmas tree. They were crafted until 1930 when they fell out of favor. They are enjoying a come back along with so many fabulous new glass ornament styles.
There are still great old feather trees around. If interested in purchasing an old one, test the brittleness of the feathers. Many of the old trees can be restored. Along with making historical reproductions of these trees, Dennis Bauer also does restoration, as long as the feathers are sturdy.
Feather Tree Storage
Feather trees should always be stored in a climate controlled area such as a closet. The heat from attics will make the feathers brittle and the dampness in basements will cause mildew. I store my feather trees with the branches open. They can be stored closed up, but the branches are made of floral wire. Each time they are bent or straighten, they become weaker. A box will allow for air flow around the tree and cedar chips keep moths away. Or cover with a pillowcase. Save the silicone packets from shoe boxes to throw in with your tree to absorb any moisture. These trees are pretty hardy though. If stored properly, they'll last a hundred years.
I recommend that you keep your feather tree handy and decorate it all year around. My favorite color is the white one, it goes with every season. It's best to display your tree out of direct sunlight, the UV rays will fade the paper on the trunk and probably work on the feathers as well.
Pets and Feather Trees
Pets, especially cats LOVE these trees. Here are a few suggestions to keep pets away: Keep a squirt bottle handy and be diligent with it. Cats don't like the scent of citrus or lemons (or pine), placed around the tree this should keep them at bay. Double stick tape or contact paper upside down serves a dual purpose. It deters pets and makes for good entertainment! A pop can with pennies makes an awful noise. And there is a product called a "scat mat" that delivers harmless static electricity when touched. This comes in a circular mat or rectangular. It's meant for keeping pets from crossing thresholds, getting on countertops or cars.
Cleaning Feather Trees
To clean feather trees, I suggest vacuuming the feathers by placing a cheesecloth over the vacuum hose nozzle.
Note from Barbara: To find out about purchasing a feather tree, visit Ann's website, Home Traditions. She does carry the Dennis Bauer trees and they are available through her web site.
