An automaton inspired by the magic spell 'Wingardium Leviosar' (as in JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the philopher's stone).
The illusion of the flying feather is based on the Pepper Ghost illusion. I used a special glass which is slightly more reflective then normal glass, this way it was not necessary to put a spot-light on the feather.
What you can't see in the video is the effect of the feather actually being in front of the sorcerer apprentice.

Materials used 50 % reflective glass, wood, cardboard, paper, steel wire, mini magnet, 12 gears.