Wendy, your work is beautiful! I had a fear of making feathers until I took a class in FMQ at my LQS a few years ago. Judy Woodworth was the teacher, and it was a privelege taking a class from her. One trick she taught the class was to pretend you are going around a coin when making the outer loops. As you go down, make a curve towards the spine and then back up and make the next loop. It did not take long to feel comfortable making the feathers. Before you know it, you will transfer this knowledge to making leaves, ferns, etc.