Willow birdhouse - Part II

So here is my finished woven birdhouse:

I was really pleased with it.  The weaving seems secure and it all holds itself together well.  Our instructor gave us the option of decorating the houses with lichen and seeds and nuts and other things, but in my usual minimalist style, I left it as it is, with willow for the base and the roof woven in leaves.

My friends' houses came out great too. Here is Elisa with her large house, where the roof is made from eucalyptus bark and the house is decorated with twigs with lichen:

And here is Monique's house with her flower style roof made from leaves. Isn't it fabulous:

This final photo shows Monique with Cheri on the right - our instructor. 

It was wonderful day and I do think I'll be trying willow weaving again sometime....especially as I have a weeping willow tree in my garden.

Have you tried anything new recently?

Two new residents at Birdland

We've had two new residents move into Birdland. Here are the proud owners of a new construction :

We are planning on taking round a little gift for them later and hopefully get to know them a little bit.  We don't even know their names yet - maybe you can help?  Do you know them?

The lady of the house seems very proud of her new home.  I think I overheard her talking of a few different colors she wants to paint it.

Always good to get new neighbors.  No kids on the scene it seems....but the summer has only just started...so I'll let you know.......

Oh yes - and don't forget to let me know their names if you've met them already!

Nesting Place

So what do the words "nesting place" mean to you? Have you found yours? That little safe place.... for nurturing, flourishing, .....a place where you can find your wings......a place to share...


The Etsy Metal Clay team is having a challenge for it's member to create a piece using hinges. I've done several jewelry pieces with hinges before, but many of the team haven't, so it's a good opportunity to try something new. Even though I've already made some hinges, I thought I'd join in...so this little piece "Nesting Place" is my challenge piece, showing a little songbird sitting on the perch of a birdhouse.

Here is the back, so you can see the hinge.


And like all good birdhouses, it does open up....


And if you peer inside ......you'll see three little eggs on a nest.


All the hinge challenge pieces will be shown on our etsy metal clay blog, so when that is up, I'll link through to it, so you can see lots of hinged jewelry!


Have a great evening in your nesting place.