Introducing... Carrier Pigeons!

So I wanted to explore the 'You've Got Mail' theme from the very basic, early forms of the postal service, right up to the latest technology of today.  One of the earliest forms I could think of was homing pigeons, so I started looking at their feathers, their legs, the scrolls etc... Here is an exmple of my sketchbook work on carrier pigeons so far:

Here, I am looking at the detail of the leg, and below is a textile sample taken from the drawing.  I've created this surface on paper using charcoal, wax and Indian ink.  My aim for this sample is to transfer the same surface from paper to material for a pair of leggings or sleeves.  I was thinking about working in cotton jersey, and perhaps combining devore with white/black emulsion sprayed on top.  Any other suggestions, feel free to give me a shout - it would be greatly appreciated!:)

Below are some textile studies of feathers.  On top is a section of canvas employing various stitching techniques.  Beneath the canvas, I have trapped feathers in wax.  I really like the trapped feathers, but stitching into wax is a nightmare, so I'll have to look at other possibilities, such as laminating, latex, gelatine...  Don't know how that last one would work out, but it's worth a bash!

Below: Feathers coated in wax.  The dirty-looking brown ones were actually white, but I used Potassium Permanganate to give them this rotten, filthy pigeon look.  Very chic!

So, that's it for the first part of 'You've Got Mail'.  I really enjoyed working with feathers actually, which is surprising to me because they've always kind of creeped me out before! It's also sort of relevant, since The Black Swan comes out in cinema's next week... I'm so excited, I've been looking forward to its release since last summer!  I'll bet there are a lot of feathers and ballet-inspired clothes out this S/S!