I've worn a collar in public before, and I made a semi-furry t-shirt, but wasn't so happy with the result in the end.
I know what you mean about being nervous, KangaDrake - I usually don't wear anything furry. My parents are really conservative too, my dad more than my mom. Although they always encouraged my art, and both my brother and I are working on creative careers.
It helps to be in a group - when I've had friends wearing collars and furry stuff, and I'm hanging out with them, I've thought 'hey, why not? I'm with people doing it, so it makes little difference.' I usually indulge in those times. There was awhile while still living with my parents where I sort of led a double-life...at home, I was a good little Christian boy...at school, a bi-curious hyperactive furry kid.
I certainly met a lot of interesting people by hanging out with those not afraid to defy the norm.
And eventually it got me out living on my own, too.