Sing it with me, “On the fourth day of Christmas, my blog friend gave to me, 4 calling birds“, 3::coasters from Sandy, 2::garlands from Nester, and a dishmat made by Dar-by. My friend Denise has that song ‘playing’ on her blog and now you are lucky enough to get a tutorial of her famous birds. And you better act fast because I’m not sure she’s gonna give us unlimited access to her pdf pattern. Print, people, print.
I am fortunate to be friends {in real life—aka—IRL} with Denise and always enjoy the chance to chitty chat with her about a myriad of topics from theology to blogging to crafting. She actually is partially responsible for my new life; she introduced me to blogging and has been instrumental in mentoring me as a homeschooler. I’m so excited she’s agreed to show us her birds and even though I have one of the ‘real’ ones—made by her—-I think I’m gonna give this craft a try! Welcome Denise and thank you for teaching me so many wonderful things!
PAPER AND FABRIC BIRDS
I created my version of the little paper/fabric bird after seeing some out of my price range on Etsy. It took many tries–which you can read about here, but I think I finally *landed* on the perfect little decorating accessory.
Step 1: Pick out cute fabric and cut out pieces.
(Get a PDF of the pattern by contacting Denise)
(Get a PDF of the pattern by contacting Denise)
Note: I would not attempt a paper bird first; but when you are ready, make your pattern out of something clear so that you can place it over the area of the map that you want to show. I used the plastic that was the window on some packaging. It is easier to see if you outline it with a permanent marker.
Note: I use quilter’s thread, small black beads, and old lady glasses for the next step. And in case you are wondering, in the above photo, LB stands for Little Bird. There are BB pieces as well. I used a small hole punch to make a template for the eye placement.
Step 2: Sew on the small beads for eyes
Step 3: Line up the small head piece for sewing first.
Step 4: Sew in the directions of the arrows on the pattern.
(Back of head to front of head to back of head to tail to beak to middle of belly.)
Clear as mud?
(Back of head to front of head to back of head to tail to beak to middle of belly.)
Clear as mud?
Note: I’m not sure I have ever sewn a bird the same way twice. Do what works best for you.
Step 5: Stuff bird.
Note: Use a pencil to get the stuffing in the tail. Poly-fil works fine for the fabric birds, but you will want to use a pulled apart cotton ball for the tail of a paper one. The Poly-fil will just keep sliding out and it will bug you.
Step 6: Sew shut.
Step 7: Make legs.
Note: I use 24-guage wire, but I think a large paper clip could also work–not a small paper clip because the legs would be too short. I know that because I tried it today when I couldn’t find my spool of wire. I use a jewelry tool, but needle-nosed pliers would probably work. I made the shape below out of a thicker wire to show the shape more clearly–actually, I made it because I couldn’t locate the missing spool of wire.
Step 7: Glue in legs.
Note: There are dots on the pattern to give you an idea of leg placement. Believe me, this is not an exact science. Getting the balance just right takes a bit of patience. I roll the ends of the wire in some tacky glue and then shove them through the holes that I make using a bigger needle–you know, stick it in and then just roll it around to make a bit of an opening in the fabric. I make sure the legs are about the same length and then allow the glue to dry. I then balance the fellow by holding down the feet and making slight adjustments to the angle of the legs. Sounds more complicated than it is.
Step 8: Give as a present and make people smile. See for yourself here.
More birds can be seen in this post.
and I like cowboy boots, C.S. Lewis, good food, strong coffee, banjo music and books. I am a deeply flawed momma of 4 and grateful receiver of more good gifts than one heart can hold. I fight for joy and find it in the most unexpected places. I make quirky look normal, relish in my small town Southern way of living, and am learning that it's all grace--every last bit of it. 
{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks great!
So cute! Pretty soon, I am gonna run out of fabric scraps.
Oh well, guess that means I'll have to buy more fabric!
omgosh! i'm so excited that you posted this. i have been looking for those bird patterns…since I saw them at Blissdom! yippee!
Love it! I think even I could do this! I love that it can be year round, or holiday!
These are just adorable. And now, even though I've never met her, I really like Denise, because apparently without her we wouldn't have Edie the blogger!
I don't think I've left comments on the other posts, even though I've read all three. Shame on me! I'm just loving this series. Thank you for doing this.
Those are really pretty! Thanks for the idea!!
Those are so cute. Would make fabulous Christmas ornaments. Thanks!
OMG those are sooo cute!
I just realized YOU are the one that made that cute bird for the Nester at Blissdom! I loved it {and still do – since that sounded like past tense!} Thank you for giving the tutorial!!! I will be all over it!
oooh…I will definitely be using this one! Birds are my theme this year for Christmas! Those are just too cute!
Edie- I just found your blog & it BLESSES me to NO end!!!! If you get a chance drop my blog & check out my garland (inspired from your post yesterday)!!!!
In Him, Ashly
Darling.
oh my gracious, those are ADORABLE!! can't wait to give these a try…I've been wanting some birdies, but haven't found any in any of the frugal places I shop
thanks for sharing Denise & Edie!
hey edie! it's been a while since i've been here and i'm trying to figure out why!!! i've always loved you and your blog! i keep seeing you on my 2 fav blogs (darby and nester) and it led me back! you're now linked on my blog so i won't forget. xoxo
so so so cute. Going to dig through scraps right now!!!! (okay not right now, in about 5 seconds)
adorable little birds. i like it you can make them with paper, too. maybe another way to "upcycle" all this old pile of dusty medical journals with pretty pictures of cells on the cover…
LOVE THEM! Such a great idea with the bird fad of late! I think my friends will be getting THESE for Christmas.
Super cute!! I am loving this series!
Oh my. This is going straight on my favorites list!
Love your blog, by the way
How sweet and great fabrics!
sandy toe
Those are ADORABLE! I'm sooooo doing some of these! Toile would be beautiful!
Love,Love, LOVE these! Yet another wonderful idea for Christmas. I'll be adding it to the list. Thanks for sharing!
i love those!
Squeal! Those are so cute! I know exactly who will love getting some of those this year.
What a perfect way to use up some fabric stash!
Nancy
i love these sweet little birds! thanks for all of the tutorials. can't wait to see what's next.
reworkedart.blogspot.com
I just have to tell you that I just found your blog this week and I LOVE it! So inspirational in a variety of ways! You have a wonderful way with words that is captivating! Thanks for your wonderful blog!
Help — can someone please tell me a brand name of sealant to use for the coasters shown the day before? I'm not normally a crafty person and don't know these things.
Thanks
These are just TOO darn cute. Now I need about 2 dozen for the Christmas tree idea I have. WISH I could sew! Hmmm, I wonder if I could talk my mom into sewing some? LOL
I don't know if you catch comments from a few posts down…BUT I just left you a comment on your husband's birthday post.
Also, I am very much enjoying this Handmade Days of Christmas and look forward to more! Thank you.
I just found your blog today by way of Nester. I don't know how I missed it before! The birds are adorable.
Then I noticed your Issues, etc. widget. Love it. I started skimming past posts and realized you must have been the caller on the homeschooling broadcast talking about the Latin/Spanish tutor? That was the broadcast I happened to listen to today while walking on the treadmill.
How cool to "run into" the same new person twice in one day! I look forward to reading more (and downloading that cute bird pattern.) Thanks!
So cute! What's next?
Carrie
I am so excited! I don't know when….but I am making these. I have loved these birds from the first time I saw one…
Thank you for the 12 Days….I can't wait to see more!
Goodness gracious! I just found your 12 days… on Day 4. So glad I did. (btw, those little wire feet are precious!) Thanks for hosting this!
sweetjeanette.blogspot.com
This is so dog gone cute I can hardly stand it! Thanks for taking the time to share and post a tut!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the fabric birds. I am working on my third now. I made 1 with different fabrics that coordinate. I love that one the most!
These birds are really fun, I might just add them to my never ending TO DO: list… thanks for sharing!
oh- just finished up my first birdie…not perfect, but LOVE it!!! cutting out several more once the kids get in bed…
thank you!!!
I am searching for the Bird pattern, do you mind sharing?
I bookmarked your site. . just so I could come back and see these birds .. how generous of Denise to share how she made them. . wow!! What a great series. . thanks!!!
I'm not even a bird person and those are cute! this is a fun little carnival you've got going on! glad I found you!
Love, love, LOVE!! I saw some cute birds like this on etsy, but they were $50 a pop!
Since I needed a bunch, because I want to incorporate them into centerpieces for my wedding, $50 for one little bird was waaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy too much!
Thanks to you, I can easily (and cheaply) make my own. I'm addicted!
Linked this post in my own blog. Love it!!
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I am also looking for the pattern for the birds to put in my baby’s nursery. Would you share the pattern with me?
Dewanna Campbell
These are so cute!!! I am dying to make them. But when I click on the PDF link, the google document page says this document isn’t available. Is there any way I can get that document?
This is fabulous
news. Thanks for sharing with us.