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| Bluebird Feather Hoops |
I finished finished the bluebird feathers yesterday and took pictures to share with you. I've done eight in all, and they'll be flying to new homes soon. The hoops each measure 3-1/2" in diameter.
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| Back of Bluebird Feather Hoops |
Once they were completed, I backed each with muslin and rehooped them. Then, I gathered and secured them in the smaller part of the hoop to be sure they wouldn't loosen. I assembled the hoop and added ribbons and the bluebird verse from the Blackbird Designs selvage to each one.
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| Bluebird Feather Hoops Detail |
Here's a closeup of one of the hoops to show you the verse, which I printed on vellum. I used enough thread to attach it that the recipient can have the option to either keep the verse in front or slide it around to the back. I'm quite happy with how they turned out!
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| Hickory Hill Farm Brown Creeper |
Wednesday morning, I was making our bed when I heard a bird strike the window. One of the cats immediately jumped toward the pane hoping to "get it", but I quickly shooed her away from the window so I could see if the bird was okay.
What I saw was this little bird (I'd never seen one like it before), sitting on the window sill, obviously stunned and blinking. Once I made sure the cats were out of the room, I carefully opened the window, put my hands outside and picked up the wee thing.
I stroked it and warmed it in my hand for at least ten minutes, letting it regain its senses, and it finally flew off. Then I went to my Facebook friends to see if anyone knew what kind of bird it was.
The response came quickly from one of my Portage friends. Linda P. told me it's called a Brown Creeper. They're small woodland songbirds native to Wisconsin. They have long tails that support them as the cling to the bark of trees in search of grubs and bugs that reside in the bark. Their long beaks help them reach in to extract tasty morsels for food.
While it was in my hand, I took photos from all angles to help me remember just what it looks like up close. You know that I'll be adding this one to my list of future bird embroideries! I'm telling you, holding it in my hand was like cradling a little miracle. I've never seen one before, but certainly will be looking for them in the future!
The Feather hoops are so pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks for saving that little bird. I've never heard of that one, wonder if we have them here.
I hope our little feathery friends are ok in the freeze, we have been putting out a lot of food for them.
It's -15 here today, I hope they survive.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteThanks so much! I was happy to help that little bird. It kept blinking it's eyes like it was trying to refocus, so I joyfully held it in my hands to keep it warm as I stroked its feathers. I've been worrying about the birds and critters, too. I wish I had a nice sheltered retreat for all of them, but hope they choose to hide out in the Compass Barn or the multiple bird houses scattered around the property. I know the big pine tree in the back yard would help keep them out of the wind, as well as some of the brush piles in the "habitat". I know they'll find places to keep warm, but that doesn't stop me from worrying about them. I knew I wouldn't be the only one.
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna
Those Bluebird feathers are beautiful. We are going through a lot of birdseed these cold days. As I write there are about forty birds at our feeders. Wonderful to watch.
ReplyDeleteHi Bev:
DeleteThanks so much! Same here. We bought 80 pounds of seed on Wednesday, and have already gone through 50 pounds. As soon as this cold spell breaks we'll go get more, but we should have enough until then. The feeders closest to the farmhouse are really busy because it's a sheltered area, but the apple tree feeders are busy, too. I know they're appreciating the seed. I wish I had a heater for the bird bath so they'd have fresh water. I'm might try to order one. We love watching them, too!
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna
Your feathers have turned out beautifully!! And what a miracle to be able to hold that wee bird in your hand - that's incredible.
ReplyDeleteHi MA:
DeleteThank you, dear. It really was a little miracle. I'm so glad they he/she was able to safely fly off. Stay warm, my friend.
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna
The feathers are Beautiful . Happy the little bird fell into your kind nurturing hands Donna.Lived to fly another day.xx
ReplyDeleteHi Lou!
DeleteSo nice to hear from you again. Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad this little bird was okay, for sure.
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna
Another beautiful project, those feathers are just so adorable.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that little bird was able to fly away. So tiny and pretty, and to be able to hold it.
Shirley
Hi Shirley:
DeleteThanks so much! I'm glad you like them. I'm equally happy that the little creeper was okay and could fly off under its own power. Such a little gem!
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna
The feather project was very creative and turned out beautifully! What a lovely experience to be able to hold that little feathered treasure in your hand and help it back on its way! We once had a similar experience with a hummingbird... we even offered it flowers from our butterfly bush and got to watch it drink/eat from the flowers while it sat in our hands. Beautiful and amazing little creatures!
ReplyDeleteHi Lois:
DeleteThanks so much, dear! I'm glad you like them. I always consider myself fortunate when I can hold one of the birds in my hand. It seems they hit the windows all too often, and thankfully, it's never hard enough to do more than stun them. Even so, I wish it wouldn't happen. How lucky for you to be able to hold a hummingbird! They're just like little jewels! I agree. They're amazing. Stay warm!
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna
Sherryofcreateology: Oh my these Feathers are Gorgeous! Your stitching and the little hoops with the vellum tags and seam binding ribbon are precious! I adore them. I love your little experience of nursing the sweet little Brown Creeper bird back to warmth and flight. I have never seen one. Love…
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry:
DeleteThank you, girlfriend. I really enjoyed stitching them! Having that little bird in my hands was a humbling experience. So trusting and sweet.
Hugs,
xoxo
Donna