A Few Words On The Birds

bird brain: a person with confused ideas; incapable of serious thought

Yes, that seems about right today. Might have something to do with staying up waaaay past my bedtime last night, knitting and watching a movie. Can't say I won't do it again tonight, though; it was awfully fun.

I'm seeing a lot of stuffed birds of the non-feathered variety popping up here and there (in fact, go here to enter a contest to win a bird and a very cool family cookbook). Just thought I'd pass on a few bird related tips and show you what I've been doing with my little birds.

First of all, a little tip when sewing your birds:



Sew a basting stitch 1/8 inch from the edge of the tail before stitching the sides and beak of the bird. The basted stitch will make it easier and faster to turn in the seam allowance and stitch up the tail.

I've been exploring different combinations of fabrics and textures, including this little bird.



His belly is made from a beautiful ribbon I picked up from the thrift store a few weeks ago.



Oh the possibilities!

Here is another perch option:



Sticks in a vase. This was my original idea for displaying the birds before I stumbled upon the perfect branch to hang on the wall. I think a bird bouquet would make a perfect gift.

Wondering what to do with all those scraps from cutting out little birdies?



Make a bird nest! I used a plastic bowl turned upside down and simply dipped the scraps of fabric in watered down glue. I applied the first layer facing down so that the right side of the fabric lined the nest. After the first layer dried I applied a second layer, right side of fabric facing out. Clear as mud?





Voila! A bird nest made from scraps. I thought about making some fabric eggs for the nest, but lost my ambition. Perhaps you'll pick up that torch and run with it.

Lastly, I wanted to show you my new to me apron.



Imagine my glee when I found this little beauty at the thrift store for a dollar. You could have knocked me over with a feather. Just the right thing to wear while crafting little birds and thinking confused thoughts with my bird brain.

I currently have dough in the bread machine for pumpkin spice bagels. I've never made bagels before, but am anxious to give it a whirl. Tomorrow is Aidan's field trip to the pumpkin patch, and what could be better than a pumpkin bagel with cream cheese in his brown bag lunch. I'll let you know how they turn out.

Don't forget to enter the pant-wearing chicken contest if you haven't already. Just two more days!