Handmade Gifts for Bird Lovers

Freckled Bird Pillow by Georgianne Holland at Nestle and Soar

Bird lovers are everywhere, and if you are thinking about a gift for your favorite bird lover, it is easy to find gifts that will decorate their garden or feed their feathered friends. How about a handmade gift for your bird fan that will decorate the inside of their home instead!

You won’t have to buy a tank of gas to shop for your bird-loving friend! Handmade bird pillows, birdie cups for their favorite coffee or tea, and special one-of-a-kind modern vintage bird wall art are easily available with a click of your mouse. And while technology makes it fast and easy for you to purchase a great handmade gift for a bird lover, you can appreciate the low-technology methods used to create these handmade items. Talk to most any crafts person, and you will be intrigued to hear about the extensive time, patience and talent needed to hand-make these collectible home décor items. These are the kind of gifts that will be appreciated for years to come.

Hand-thrown Birdie Cup at Nestle and Soar

Bird lovers tend to like birds in every room of the house; at least I know that I do! In my Nestle and Soar studio in Colorado, I have bird-themed office supplies, containers of all shapes and sizes, bird calendars, and bird art for the wall. The variety of bird species is so very extensive, it is easy to help bird lovers celebrate their favorite colors with handmade bird-themed items. Have you ever seen images of birds from around the world, in lands far away from the backyard sparrows and finches seen everyday, to be amazed by the bright colors and plumage of birds from around the world? This is the kind of variety that makes bird lovers happy, so help them celebrate the true wonder of birds by giving them a special gift.

Perhaps you have a creative urge and would like to try making your own handmade gift for a bird lover? It is fun and easy to turn soda bottles into bird feeders or help your kids or grand kids paint a simple wooden bird house from the hobby store. This kind of thoughtful gift has the benefit of being handmade by a loved one, and bird lovers tend to be warm hearted folks! One of my favorite handmade gifts for bird lovers became the big hit at Christmas time last year. I found a stash of simple drawstring muslin bags and stamped a lovely image of a bird in flight onto them. I filled each one with wild bird food from my local home and garden shop. It was fun and easy to give away these sweet gifts to all of my bird-loving friends at Christmas potlucks and gift exchanges. And when the bird seed was all gone, each of my friends could reuse the muslin bag as a simple gift wrap for another gift! 

What bird-themed gift would you love to receive?

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne

                   

Top Ten Tuesday -- March 6, 2012

There are birds and fiber galore in this week's top ten! From a hand embroidered bluebird lunch tote to a burnished bird necklace, and 7 other wonderful items in between, I feel great kinship to those who hand-make bird-themed items and fiber arts projects! If there were more than 24/7, I'd be interested in trying my hand at many of these types of projects. Oh well, I cannot make the days any longer, but I am so happy to pass along contact information for these creative folks!

#1 Hand Embroidered Blue Bird Canvas Lunch Tote

Jemzy on Etsy makes this sweet bag which measures 9" x 11", and comes complete with a pink floral calico pocket lining. This may be the best Easter basket you've ever received! Visit with the talented Jemzy here.

#2 Sparrow Tea Cups from Rustic Peace

I originally saw these lovely cups on Pinterest and have tracked them as far as I can to Rustic Peace on Tumblr. I hope that if anyone gets further in the search for these coveted cups, you will share with all of us!

#3 Seamless Felted Mittens with Floral Design

Aurelial T Felting in Lithuania is making these charming mittens to order on Etsy! I know that winter is almost over for many of us now, but springtime in the Rockies can be seriously snowy, so these mittens look just right to me! If you live in a place where it is snowy or cold at least part of every year, this mitten purchase just makes perfect sense. Visit AureliaLT felting and see her complete line -- you'll enjoy yourself!

#4 Needle Felted Landscape Ball

I'm really impressed by the detail that The Felted Egg shopkeeper Emily puts into a simple 3.25" spherical shape! You can see photos of all angles of this ball on her charming Etsy shop, and I'll bet that you will be impressed, too! She has used both wet and dry felting techniques and 100% natural plant-dyed wool. Lovely!

#5 Pink Embroidered Felt Birds in time for Spring

The applique and embroidered details of each Beedeebabee item is artistic and perfectly balanced. Don't you love the uniformity of her hand work and the charming shapes of her designs? This little pink bird brooch is nearing the top of my list for sure...enjoy your visit with Beedeebabee on Etsy here!

#6 100% Re-Turned Recycled Norwegian Wood and 100% Adorable

Hand turned wooden birds made in Norway by Lars Beller Fjetland are catching my fancy this week. Lars used left-over wood from carpentry production, like a table leg or armrest, and turned them into these adorable sculptural birds. Let's all keep our eyes open for production of these charming pieces!

#7 Meg Hannan's Fabric Jewels "Millefiori" Hearts

I have to share with you these textural treasures from Rag Sky Art Studio in Seattle, Washington, and the hands of Meg Hannan. She has used vintage fabrics and fibers to make these layered and rolled fiber hearts. I found a shop named Great Green Goods that offers them through Renga Arts to us folks outside of the Seattle area!

#8 Peony Eco Shopping Bag

I would feel very special indeed carrying this exceptional shopping bag! Colettecolor on Etsy tells me that it folds up to stash into my purse when not in use, but it is so lovely, I think I'd proudly walk into the grocery store with it on my arm! It measures about 15"x17" and has a 22" strap. That's some good-looking grub!

#9 Burnished Nest Necklace from Sidney Hanner

I was intrigued to see all of the great classes in jewelry making being taught by designer and instructor Sidney Hanner. I also love the name of these classes: Gilding the Lily Classes! I know that classes like this are only available for specific time-frames and places, but I am inspired by this necklace and Sid's generous sharing of her techniques.

#10 Funny Animal Photo of the Week!

Someone has a sense of humor! Perhaps it isn't me, but here's my funny animal of the week!

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne

Before and After...Everything Creative in its Place

Nestle and Soar Desk Before

Nestle and Soar Workstation Before

There are those who tell me that the creative personality is messy. Having an artistic stash is almost a permission slip to have too much; too many materials and supplies, anyway. I certainly appreciate the messiness that comes from having multiple projects going at once in my studio and in my office. Maybe that is a learned habit that moms develop, like making sure each of her children is thriving simultaneously.

Nestle and Soar Desk After

Nestle and Soar Workstation After

Mostly though, I enjoy simplicity and tidiness. It is not unusual for me to spend the last 20 minutes of each day walking around my home and my studio, putting items back where they belong. And I do have designated places where items belong! A chaotic home makes me feel a little twitchy, just as I imagine my tidiness prowls before bedtime make my family a little twitchy!

I did thoroughly enjoy emptying out my office last week and taking responsibility for the mess it had become. I convinced myself that the piles of paperwork I was building slowly over time were logical, but really, they were just an excuse for incomplete work. I also couldn't make myself admit that some of the paperwork I was saving (with the excuse that they were important) were never actually going to be acted upon by me. I needed to get real with myself. I am so glad that I did! By cleaning out the office -- literally taking everything off of each surface --I knew that I would have to justify everything I brought back into the space after the dusting was finished. And let me tell you, it feels wonderful to kiss many of those important papers good bye!

I think my next tidying project will be refurbishing my Dream Board which is above the workstation in photo four...as if dreams are ever actually a tidy experience!

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

Studio Scene at Nestle and Soar

This week in the studio has been all about tree pillows. I love needle felting trees! This week I made multiples of a fan favorite design, my Spring Tree pillow. Trees will start looking like this, with tiny green buds and a bird visit or two, just any time now!

I also finished my new favorite, the Red Bird tree pillow. I think this tree looks like a lovely lady, but I didn't notice that until I started taking photos...what do you think? I'm really fond of trees that have taken on unusual shapes because of the wind: I have to admit though, I'm not a big fan of wind. Anyone who lives in Colorado this week can sympathize with me regarding heavy wind!

Well, I'm back to the studio for sewing pillows and inserting pillow forms! The windy week has now turned into a snowy day, and that's a good day to stay warm in my studio.

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

Top Ten Tuesday -- February 21, 2012

In Colorado today the weather makes me feel like we are on the brink of springtime. I feel a growing urge to plant and to tidy-up, and my mind keeps wandering outside of my fiber arts studio. There are daffodils peeking up outside my studio window, and dozens of birds are singing in the backyard. How is a person supposed to focus on inside activities on a day like today? My saving grace are the artists, organizations and ideas that I've saved for this top ten list! I find it all so engaging, I may need to set a timer to remind me to go outside to eat my lunch. I hope you will enjoy visiting these creative and inspirational places, too.

#1 Petit Collage -- Tree Print on Wood

Tree Print on Wood

This charming family-owned business is creating sweet collage on wood veneers, as well as many other options, like unframed posters. Their website is a lot of fun to visit and I literally want to buy almost everything I see there! You can also see their lovely home in Dwell magazine, one of my favorite reads. I'm in love with Petit Collage.

#2 Knit Clothes for Kids by Marmalade Baby Creations

Baby's Coming Home Outfit from Marmalade Baby

There is nothing cuter than a brand-new baby! But wait...how about a brand new baby inside of this adorable sock monkey ensemble? That, my friends, would take the cute cake. You can find great knit and crochet baby clothes for your special child at Marmalade Baby.

#3 Bird Paintings for Year-round Feathered Friends

I found a talented artist on Etsy whose shop, Jenlo262, has many lovely original works as well as reproductions to offer. I can see an installation of her great 51 Birds piece as a striking focal point in my living room...can't you? The beauty of Jennifer's site is that you can arrange for a smaller installation, too. I love how each 5"x5" bamboo panel stands alone, yet when you hang them side-by-side, the entire piece is unified. Well done!

#4 Poem by Khalil Gibran

Cherry Blossom Tree © Nestle and Soar

I ran across this line last week and it now helps me think about my blossoming tree pillow work in my studio. I think I need to embroider this line onto my next tree pillow design...

"Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit."

#5 Art is Fun! and by this she means art is

This new-to-me website has been fun to navigate this week. I'm impressed by the site's creator Thaneeya McArdle, who reminds us that whether you are a beginner or total pro, tools and encouragement are available. If you have ever felt yourself holding back from an artistic effort, I'd recommend you check out Taneeya's helpful site to feel inspired!

#6 Ruth Stout -- Gardener Extraordinaire!

I have found a new hero and her name is Ruth Stout. I love watching her YouTube video about her simple life and simple plan for gardening. She has an eloquent yet no-nonsense way about her. I love her logic about all the ways she doesn't have to buy into the "complications" of gardening. My favorite quote from this 12-minute video is "I don't do anything I don't want to do unless I have to. And I don't have to." Words to live by!

#7 Two Yellow Birds Hanging on a Tree -- Vintage Salt and Pepper Set

Japanese ink stamps mark this charming vintage swinger set. Made in the 1950s, the set is over 3" tall. My mother-in-law used to collect salt and pepper shakers, and this sweet find made me think of her. Available from Etsy's vintage shopkeeper in Ann Arbor, Michigan, neieh88. Thanks Helen!

#8 Molly Gordon and Authentic Promotion Ideas for Creative People

I have thoroughly enjoyed and recommend the insightful blog of Molly Gordon. She is a master coach on the topic of finding the "just-right" customer for your product or service. If you are a creative person, you may benefit from reading Molly's latest blog post about artists and creative vulnerability. "With a little self-awareness and the willingness to keep things simple, you can maintain focus, build confidence, and let in the support you need to continue to do creative work." Molly

#9 Crocodile Stitch Baby Booties in Deep Jewel Tones

Perhaps you already spend a lot of time on Ravelry? It is a very popular site for those who knit, crochet, and get all touchy-feely around yarn of all types! I found this wonderful crochet project which is perfect for anyone who loves tiny feet and jewel tones. Aren't they regal? I think they are really special, and you can find more information about them here.

#10 Angry Birds

Negotiations about whose branch this is, anyway, seem to always start out on a dramatic note...here's hoping your week ahead has only peaceful conversations!

Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

Good to Know -- Insights for the Creative Life

Rocket Kiddie Ride ©Feltmates, on Etsy

Independent creatives from around the world have found Etsy.com to be a beneficial business tool on many different levels. Today I am pleased to interview a talented and successful artist who has made her shop on Etsy, Feltmates, an important part of her success as a felt artist. Yoko Nomura opened Feltmates from Wisconsin in May of 2008. She creates absolutely charming characters from felt using 3D sewing construction techniques and felting, with brooches and pincushions being her largest shop sections. With over 700 sales and gallery exhibitions around the United States, Yoko has wonderful insights to share. She's given us all thoughtful insights that are good to know.

Georgianne Holland: In your profile on Etsy, you talk about blending traditional craftsmanship and a contemporary style. Can you please talk to us about how you define your traditional skills, where/how you learned them, and how art involving needlework fits into your professional goals? To stir up your thought process:  the traditional needle arts used to be considered homemaking skills, not art. Also, many needle-crafted items are imported to the U.S. How do you want the consumer to think about you being a maker of American handmade, in that reality?

Yoko Nomura: I studied ceramics in college.  After graduation, I worked as a designer for a company which produced handbag lines in collaboration with well-known designers.  I learned many important skills from this experience.  I was involved in the entire process, from concept and design to making the patterns and the sample handbags. 

Lion Measuring Tape ©Feltmates, on Etsy

In the late 1990’s, I became acquainted with some felt artists.  I was inspired by the idea of making your own material in which to work with. I started to design my own work with my own material, felt.  Felt was first made more than 8,000 years ago.  This ancient handmade fabric was the perfect medium for me to work with.  It merged the skills I had learned from working in ceramics and in fashion design. I am still fascinated by the way the felt can be made into almost any shape.  In this way, felt can blur the disparity between craft and art.  I am happy having my work defined as either and do enjoy making both functional homemaking supplies and sculptural pieces.    

G.H.: Is Etsy your primary avenue for merchandising your art? If not, what other avenues do you use? Your sculptural pieces, like Knitting Chicken and Rocket Kiddie Ride, would be ideal in a gallery setting! I'd certainly want to see them in person...

 

Y.N.: I am very grateful for the success I’ve had on Etsy.  In addition to Etsy, I have also shown my work in group exhibition in galleries around America.  Also, I do some craft shows around the Midwest during the holiday season.  I usually preview my work and announce my schedule on my Flickr site ( flickr.com/photos/feltmates ) and also by sending out emails to my mailing list.  Flickr helps me judge how people will react to my new ideas when I receive their comments and feedback.

Knitting Chicken ©Feltmates, on Etsy

G.H.: What advice do you have for using Etsy as a marketing tool? If you could turn back time, would you do anything differently? As you have been shopkeeping there since May, 2008, I'll bet you have insights to share :)

Y.N.: I have had galleries and magazines which have contacted me because they saw my work on Etsy.  I think a lot of people search for new artists on Etsy because there are so many amazing artists that have shops on their site.  Like everyone mentions, your photographs are so important.  Customers are not able to touch or see your artwork in person until they purchase and receive it.  I try to take pictures that look nice and have little difference between the photographic image and the real items, different view points and angles help.  Also, try to keep your shop looking fresh.  This is good for both new and returning customers.  Try new ideas and different colors choices to give customers more choices. The most important thing is to continue to enjoy making your work!  I believe that this feeling of enjoyment comes across to your customers.

I hope you will take a moment to visit Feltmates to see Yoko's terrific artistry, her bright and inspiring photos of her items, and the fun selection she has to offer at this time. When you do, it will be easy to see why so many consider her Etsy shop to be a favorite!

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne