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[nebbie]

EDIT: Okay, nevermind, there are a bunch of threads on wing construction.

So my only question that remains unanswered regards attaching the wings to the body...what's the best way to keep them from flopping around everywhere and to remain stable?

[Amy the Yu]

Have the base of the wings lay against your back at more than just one point, or more than just one edge.

[ilumiari]

Run thick wire around the outside edge of the wings to stop them from flopping

[nebbie]

Thank you both!

I've done a bit of thinking, and have decided that along with your suggestions, a small wooden plate would probably also help them remain stable. I'll just nail the wire in, and strategically cover the wood with feathers....I think/hope this will work. >.>

[Amy the Yu]

I've seen the wood method before and they turn out REALLY heavy...and wings aren't completely flat like wood boards are.

I would recommend chicken mesh (you can find this stuff in hardware stores) and cover that with fabric and attach the feathers to that.

http://images.cosplay.com/showphoto.php?photo=48451
My friend used this method for hers and I think that large wings don't get much larger.

She's 5'1", so that'll give you a scale for how large her wings reallly are. They held together well too. Still in good condition after almost 2 years, but she just keeps them in a giant garbage bag under her bed...

[ilumiari]

Yes, chicken wire is good for the base. I wouldn't suggest it if you weren't going to cover the wings with feathers, but they should look pretty . Stick as many feathers on as humanly possible and post some pics

[nebbie]

Originally Posted by Amy the Yu

I've seen the wood method before and they turn out REALLY heavy...and wings aren't completely flat like wood boards are...

Oopsie, I think you misunderstood me. ^^; I meant having the base of the wings come to a little wooden base against my back to help stabilize them. ^^;; The chicken wire/fabric/feather technique is what I was planning to use for the wings themselves. I want to use a little piece of flat wood as a stablizer for the wings against my back.

I read in one thread about a girl who use rubber cement to glue the feathers on...I know that stuff is psycho strong, so should I use that to attach the feathers? I really don't want to use hotglue. :/

[Tentacle_Guy]

nebbie,

All of the heavy wings I've made have a little round bit of wood as the attachment point to the body. This helps stabilize as well as provide a strong attachment point for straps. Make sure to pad the underside a bit. Even if its only a couple of layers of cloth, though cloth stuffed with batting or foam rubber works best.