Tuesday, February 16, 2010

A tweet, A Tute & A Giveaway!

It's my 100th post!!!! Wow! I am so excited! So I have been working on something special just for today. I have been working on a project inspired by Denise over at Living life Creativley, she made some of the cutest birds. So I have been working on my own little bird pattern, and sewed at least 10 before I was happy with my little birds.

It is a bit tricky to get the legs to wok just right, so some I glued to twigs to give them a more stable base ( my brilliant hubbies idea!) I also wanted to make some nests for one bird that I made and liked, but he had just a bit too much junk in his tail feathers if you know what I mean, and would not stand for nothing, so he needed a nice place to rest. Here is how I made the nest. I wanted them to look as real as possible, and since I live in northern MN, ans we have lots of snow on the ground, I couldn't exactly go out and get leaves, mud and twigs. So I stared with an old enamel wear cup that was the perfect size for my nests.

I then took a small hand full of spanish moss and molded it to fit in the cup. Leaving the middle open for the bird. Once I had a basic form, i removed it from the pot, and covered it with some super 77 spray adhesive, then used my hands to mold it together and to help it keep its shape.

Once it was dry, I added some dark and light brown spray paint to the inside and outside of the nest to help it look a bit more realistic.
Once the paint was dry I was able to add my final little details, burlap, fabric, and twine. I wanted to wrap something around the outside to give it a little more stability. But still looking very natural. I added a little more spray paint to the outside and it was done! Very natural looking, and you can make them any size you want. I have a feeling I will be making a bunch more! Well on with the giveaway! I am posting these fun little guys to my Etsy store, but I want to give my readers a chance to win one! Here is what you need to do to win! You can earn more than once chance too!

1. Become a follower if you are not already, if you already follow just leave me a comment! If I can reach 300 followers by Sunday, I am going to Giveaway 2 birds!

2. Go to my Etsy store and look at all the birds, then just leave a comment here as to which bird you would choose if you won.

3. Spread the word! Tweet, FB, or Blog about my giveaway!

You have 3 chances to get your name in the drawing! I will draw a winner on Sunday Feb. 21 and post the winner on my blog!

Thank you to all my followers and readers, you make blogging so much fun!
Good luck and thanks for stopping by!


109 comments:

Treasia Stepp said...

They are adorable. I am also a follower here as well.

I don't find the birds in your Etsy store. Have you put them there yet?

Kelly said...

I love the birds AND the nest! I am already a follower.

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

These are adorable. I am a follower too. I can't find the birds either. But I know I love your map birds! I am having a giveaway too--hop on over to join!

Anonymous said...

Oh these are so sweet! I tried to make one using Denise's tutorial and well..I am pretty well awful. LOL Tricky is NOT the word I would use to describe the legs!

Christina said...

the birds are adorable!

Anonymous said...

There's only one bird in your shop right this second so I'll just say he's my fave! LOL

Amy Kinser said...

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find the birdies either. But, I can tell you that I love everyone I have seen on your blog. They are great and the nest is wonderful. Would love to win anyone you have made.

Amy Kinser said...

Oh yeah, I am already a follower.

Six divided by two..... said...

Congrats on your 100th post!!! I love the birds!!

Sherri said...

I love the birdies! They are ADORABLE! I think Mr. Green Jeans would work great in my little country home!

Sherri said...

I am a follower already!

farmhouse mama said...

Mr Green Jeans would look perfect perched in my house! Cute.

farmhouse mama said...

Also a follower.
Congrats on your 100th post.

Unknown said...

Holy cow, you ladies are fast! :) Thank you so much for stopping by and looking, all the birds are now loaded in my shop! So feel free to take a look! Thanks again!

Amy@TheLemonCottage said...

Congrats on your 100th post!
Another fabulous creation from you!!! Love them. Thanks for showing how you made the nest, too cute!
Already a follower of yours!

~Amy

Emily said...

I love the birds! Great for spring.

Amy@theredheaddiaries.blogspot.com said...

Just found your blog yesterday. You are so creative and I can't wait to copy your stuff :) I don't know how to sew so that limits me quite a bit. I am now a follower so hopefully I can get one of these adorable birds!!!

Jeanette said...

too cute, I am a follower also

she dreams big! said...

As a long time follower, thanks for posting 100 times! And the birds nest -- gonna try to make one myself. Thanks!

she dreams big! said...

Oh, and I will choose 'bird on a wire' when I win (lol)! Would look so springy and cute under a cloche!

leelea said...

Love your birds!!!!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

These birds are so precious. I'm really into these kind of cute birds. We live on a chicken ranch HAAA so I deal with the real kind all the time! Love how you made the nest. So creative and just warm and lovely. I can't tell you how much I love those little nests. I'm doing a thing on birds and eggs and nests and cloches (sp?) this week so maybe if I can....I will make some of my own nests! I will send people your way with all the credit! Love your blog. I think I am already a follower...of course!
Blessings
Debbie

leelea said...

I went and looked at the whole birdie bunch on your Etsy....I love Tommy the best!!!! I love the fabric you choose for him!!!!! I think he wants to come to my house!!!! I will make a nest just for him!!!! LOL

dmvoccola said...

I love how you solved the tipping over problem with the branch underneath idea! I know just what to do to get them to stand, but it seems complicated to everyone else. I think I'll just attach a branch in the future! Very cute take on the bird.

Unknown said...

Thanks Denise! Some would stand just fine, and others not at all! I like how they look with the twigs too! Thanks so much for the great inspiration! :)

LisaH said...

They are all really cute. I love Buddy the Brown Bird though. He would be a great addition to my re-purposed door shelf.

Simply Domestic said...

Congrats on your 100th post! Love all the birds, but my favorite is the linen with blue! I'm already a follower,

the thrifty ba said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
the thrifty ba said...

there is a post ready to show off this cute idea for 5.30am tomorrow!

the thrifty ba said...

i have a bad case of the spring fever and these sweet birds arent helping.
im a follower...

Anonymous said...

ooh love love the birds. soo cute. I'm a follower..

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Your little birdies are oh so adorable....I am having a giveaway this week too.
Happy day!
xojanis

WhisperWood Cottage said...

You are too clever and crafty!

I am totally a follower now! I can't believe I wasn't before. Sorry!

If I win, I want "Tweety"!!

Dassupdate said...

love love love them! you are too talented! Love the pink and brown one!

Cas said...

I am already a follower!

Cas said...

Little bird blue is the cutest...ofcourse I am partial to blue.

Kaysi @ Keeping it Simple said...

This is so cute! I am a follower now
Kaysi
kaysiscrafts@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

These are so adorable and thank you for showing how you made the nests!! I am loving tweety bird best but they are all so cute!!

I am a follower too!

Cami said...

I'm a follower. Great blog!

Cami said...

I like the "Tweety Bird". These birds are giving me spring fever!!!

Unknown said...

I like Mr. Green Jeans!!

Kristi Flanagan said...

So cute! I love those birds and the nest too!

Kristi
Punkin Seed Productions

Stephanie said...

All of your birds are so adorable. I like Tweety the best. I do not have a blog, but I am a daily follower of your blog and a few others. I look each and every one of your posts. I wish I had the artistic ablilities that you have.
Thanks for your blog.
Stephanie @
prada63gus@yahoo.com

Shae Ko said...

Ifff I had to pick my favorite I would choose the little blue bird.

shaeo3@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Wonderful Craft Blog!

Melissa said...

absolutely adorable little birds, love their skinny little legs...I've followed you on my feed reader for a long time but now I "follow" you too.

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

These birds are so adorable!!! I'm a new follower! Congrats on your 100th post. :)

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

I think they are all really cute but if I HAD to choose I would pick Mr. Green Jeans or the Bluebird. :)

Denise said...

I love George the little coo coo. How cute. Great give -away.

Capricorn Soap Company said...

I love these!

Thank you for sharing!

I'm following from the Creative Blog Hop
http://www.capricornsoapco.blogspot.com

kibbygirl said...

You are so talented! I love the birds and the nest. I am no where near that crafty yet. It is hard to chose which one is cuter but your Tweety Bird is adorable. I think that would be my first choice. I am now following your blog and I posted on your contest too! have a great day

kibbygirl said...

I forgot, here is the link to see my post if you would like

http://thefrugaldollhouseaddict.blogspot.com/2010/02/cute-contest.html

Let'sMakeADifference said...

Really cute stuff!! I love Betsy! Thanks for the chance!

Fawnda@Fireflies and Jellybeans said...

These are totoally adorable! I love Tweety and George.. but they are all so cute! : )

Julie Bagamary said...

How cute! I'd pick the Tweety bird since that what hubby affectionately calls me.

Rachel said...

I like little George! :) So cute!

Pattyjo said...

I love the little blue bird in the nest. How generous of you to allow one of your birds to fly away to a new home. If you pick me, you can tell your little blue bird to fly over to my house.
Thanks for offering a chance to win one of your cute babies!
Pattyjo

Pattyjo said...

I appreciate the second chance at your art. I am a follower of your blog too.
Pattyjo

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

Thanks so much for linking up. As I child I used to make bird nests out of mud and grass clippings. this method is much better :)!

Boy oh Boy oh Boy! said...

I am a follower!

Boy oh Boy oh Boy! said...

I just checked out your etsy shop and I just love tweety bird!! Beautiful work!

Sandy said...

I just adore your little birds...thanks for the giveaway!

Sandy

http://thewondersofdoing.blogspot.com/

Recycled Rita said...

I love them all but think Betsy is my favorite! Happy 100th! karen....

Kim @ Everything Etsy said...

I'm a new follower. You could link up to my linky party for more new subscribers. :)

Your little creations are so cute!

~Kim

Rebecca D said...

I'm a follower...

Rebecca D said...

I like the "Little Blue Bird"... so cute...

Barbara Jean said...

Oh so cute!!
Love the little tan bird, top row., far right.
And love how you did your nests. Much easier than some of mine.
Thanks for the lesson on how you did it.

Thanks for the nice giveaway, Congratulations on 100 posts!

blessings
barbara jean
PS I am a follower.

Unknown said...

Marvelle Morgan: follower

Unknown said...

Marvelle Morgan: I love Mr. Green Jeans

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

Cute! What talent.. Love how the little nest turned out. Thanks for sharing at POPP.

Unknown said...

Friday Follower

~Lauri
http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Love Mr. Green Jeans!

~Lauri
http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com

Simply Stacie said...

Following you from Follow Me Fridays!

http://stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com

Julie said...

I love those birds, you did a terrific job.
Found you, followed you, live just a short 2 hours southwest of you, so cool.
Take care and have a blessed weekend.

Sumo @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff said...

I love this! I'm featuring it on my blog tomorrow!

http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com

Come grab my featured button!

Thanks for linking up!

The Riebeek Family said...

i follow

The Riebeek Family said...

The betsy bird. It matches my daughters fancy bird nursery!

Marianne said...

I remember these cute birdies from your feature at FJ. They are so cute, I love the addition of the twigs and nest.

Marianne said...

I am following now!

Marianne said...

I like the little bird on a wire!

Cindy said...

oh, my lordy, i saw you over at blue cricket designs, and i had to come & visit a blog called the little green bean! (it's what my son used to call his 'blankie' as a toddler!) makes my heart melt, the memory!! anyway. just became a follower, love your birdies to pieces!!

Cindy said...

I love Tweety Bird!! But they're all so cute!

jengd said...

Just found you through Blue Cricket and I'm a new follower! Love your posts!

jengd said...

I really like all of your birds but I think Mr. Green Jeans may be my fav.

Paula@SweetPea said...

These are so cute!

Decor To Adore said...

Tweety bird has captured my heart!

Decor To Adore said...

I will follow you....

Kris said...

Wow! So glad to have discovered your blog today and can't wait to follow! I am in LOVE with the birds. Going to check out your shop right now!

Kris said...

Now a follower! Woohoo!

Kris said...

Definitely "George"! The orange has me hooked! (Plus George is my dad's name, so it's only appropriate!) LOL :)

CM2 said...

Just became a follower and Patrick the patchwork birdie has flown into my heart! Would love to have the tutorial ... enjoy sewing and this would make a super gift for an e-friend! Thanks for the opportunity ! CM2

Teri said...

These are adorable!! :)

Lori said...

I would pick Patrick - he is adorable. Loving those nests too ~ you have been a busy girl!

SheilaC said...

Just found you! New follower; I love your little birds!

SHeilaC

SheilaC said...

I like Tweety bird... she seems to be smiling :)

SHeilaC

Unknown said...

i love the birds and all your stuff, but most of all i love you!!

my fav is the little bird on a wire. :)

Maria D. @ DownrightDomesticity said...

It is impossible to look at those birds and not go, "AWWWWWWWWWWW!" I really liked Tweety Bird the best.

Lei said...

THOSE birds are darling!!! And I love your tree and nests, too.

Sandra said...

Super cute birds and nests...so creative. Just became a follower and can't wait to visit again!

Kelly @ Make It Sparkly Mama said...

These are really really cute! I just became a follower!

Gillian Layne said...

I'm follower 296! 300 is in sight. :) Love those sweet birdies.

Anne Madeleine said...

I hope I'm not too late. My baby loves to watch the birds from her window and I've been wanting to incorporate a bird theme into her nursery. Your little darlings are just the thing! I love Tweety and Mr Green Jeans. What a cute idea!

Anne Madeleine said...

Oh, and I just became a follower, too.

jerriann said...

I just found you, I love your stuff, I am following you and that was the coolest little boy room make-over ever!

:))

Rhona said...

I became a follower.

Rhona said...

I think I would choose Tweety Bird.

sanjeet said...

These are adorable. I am a follower too. I can't find the birds either. But I know I love your map birds! I am having a giveaway too--hop on over to join!

Work From Home

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

I am in love with those birds. Could they be any cuter?? NO!!!

Love it! Thanks so much for linking it up!

XOXO
Jen

Miss Mustard Seed said...

I just love your little birds and the nest is so sweet. You do great work!