Parrot!

I created a new bird design for a parrot - this is the prototype. I used some plain fabrics and then stitched on some twisted fibers for feathers. I may need to reshape the beak to lay closer in to the head.

Oh, how I like to swing!

Bird Beaks

I have been making most of my bird beaks from cloth. Turning the tiny things right side out has been a finger-cramping challenge. I have also made a few beaks with leather. These are easier, but I haven't been happy with the thickness of leather that I have. (The yellow is too thick and the turquoise is too thin - plus turquoise will only work on limited birds.)

I decided to break out the old toaster oven and polymer clay today. This was prompted by not being able to create a parrot beak with cloth. If I can attach the beaks successfully, these are much easier to make.

Nothing like a warm toaster oven on a cold winter day!

Varnished beaks ready for various birds

Marbled Fabric

I finished this jaunty bird today. The first photo shows work in progress where the personality is about to be added!

The fabric is a piece of yellow silk that I hand-marbled several years ago and have been hoarding in my stash. I've pulled out all my marbled fabric and plan to use some more of it to create unique birds.

 

BEFORE & AFTER

Little Bird

This is one of the small birds I have made. These only stand about 3 inches tall and have fewer pattern pieces.

If I decide to sell patterns, I might start with this one because it would be good for beginners.

Variety

Today I dropped off my first set of birds to sell at Gallery 116! Hope the customers will like them enough to make a purchase. Here is the colorful selection. And since it's still cold and snowy, I may as well do some more sewing.

Cold and Snowy

It's a great day to stay in and sew! I will be sharing my many birds and other creations here. I have been sewing since I was a young child, but just recently discovered the world of fabric sculpture. Although I have seen others creating mixed media dolls, I never thought that was much my style. But after I got Abigail Glassenberg's wonderful book, The Artful Bird, my creative juices really started flowing.

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