Friday, February 27, 2009

French General Fabric Stash Contest

Those are my birds!  A few months ago I stumbled upon a "fabric stash" challenge on the French General's website.  The challenge was to dig deep in your fabric stash and create something using only items you already have.  The easy part for me is that not only do I have a huge fabric stash, I also hoard things like antique bisque bird heads, lace, vintage beads, acorns......So I started these little birds- the Sisters.  Check out French General's blog entry here and vote for your favorite entry! (the funny thing is I used very little fabric for these little birds- they stand about 3 1/2" - 4" tall)
I started by wiring arms to the chipped-up bodies, and attaching the heads.  Each one really took on a personality of it's own.  This is the next group just waiting for clothes.
Then each little bird got an outfit made from bits of an old quilt & lace.
I'm so excited to be seen on one of my favorite sites!  French General has the most amazing selection of vintage beads & findings, kits, textiles, millinery flowers, and books.  I was surprised more people didn't take on this challenge- it was a lot of fun- and it inspired me to dig out my secret stash of bird heads :)  Don't forget to vote for your favorite- the winner gets $100 gift certificate!        

Bird Nerd- Red Chair #1

I think I'm a bird nerd. I realized it this morning when I admitted that this little 2" chair with a tiny vintage glass bird perched on top was yesterday's random inspiration. Maybe I'll start a weekly "Red Chair" series here. Hmmm.....


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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Vintage Fabric Birdhouses

My first blog entry- and although I don't have a lot to say- I'd love to show my friends what inspires me and what I've been working on.

If you were a bird, what would your house look like?  Would you be Scrappy Chic?  French Country Hippie?  Country Bird?
Like a crazy bird getting ready for spring, I gathered all my scraps & bits, too tiny to use for anything else, little vintage Japanese clay birds, and made my spring houses....




Would you be Girlie Bird?


I loved making these little fabric scrap birdhouses.  Can you tell I'm ready for spring?  (in case you're wondering, if I were a bird I'd live in the yellow La Casa, but I wouldn't be a blue jay- they're too aggressive.  I'd rather be a robin- can you imagine laying eggs that color!)
What birdhouse would you live in and what kind of bird would you be?