Paper Birdies

Ever since the little songbird motifs started showing up on everything I’ve liked them! I’ve crocheted a few, doodled a few, and even stitched out a pretty good one in my first free motion quilting class!

I’ve been tempted to make a bird garland a couple times after seeing them around the internet, but it was always a “someday” project. A couple days ago, I saw the super simple procedure for the bird mobile here, by Heather from Life Made Lovely  and it was time!

I imagined a few strands of gently colored birds hanging against the white sheers in my bedroom at the window I wake up to each morning, and  had my plan.

I went through some of my scrapbook paper and as usual, I had a lot of fun choosing colors and patterns I might use. This is me we’re talking about. One color or pattern is never enough!

I drew my own bird body and wing shapes for two sizes, and took everything outside. It was a really gorgeous summer day — we don’t get many.  Listening to real birds while I cut smooth curves and played mix n’ match with the paper was perfect! Next time, I have to remember to take lots of paperweights out with me, to start with!

This was a really simple project once I decided on a template shape. A few staples, a needle and thread to string them, and my cut out shapes became strands of flying birdies to greet me in the morning!

The slight breeze had these lightweight cuties getting stuck in the fence and against the screen where I took pictures; but held out in the air I could only catch a few at a time in profile. Eventually, success!

I am glad I made these! If you want to, the template is below.  Mine are about 3″ and 4 1/2″ long, but bigger would be good, too.

Lessons learned:   1) Look for UPC codes, especially the stickers, on the backside of paper before tracing your shapes (duh, right? well…)   2) When working outside with paper, take plenty of paperweights ;)

Go, now, make some birds for your house!

Gail