Finished Feather Hoops and A Guest...

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.

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.

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!

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!

A Little Tablescaping...

Brynwood Needleworks - Feathers and Stick

 

I played around with a little tablescaping yesterday. I've been collecting these feathers since we moved to the farmhouse. I liked this interesting stick, and I added a butterfly I found on the driveway early this summer. They've been displayed in a little, oval ironstone bowl since I started, but I decided they should be on view.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Birding Books

 

I have two antique bird books, too. One is for identifying bird eggs, and the one on top is for identifying bird eggs and nests. 

 

Dad collected one of the hawk feathers, and before I left his house the day he died, I safely tucked it into my bag to bring home. He taught me to love the outdoors, so it's appropriate that he be represented here, too. I even have a broken egg I found last spring. I haven't identified it for sure yet. It's a very pale blue and the right size, but I don't think it's a robin's egg. Good thing I have these books. I'll be able to look it up so I'll know for sure.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Curio Table

 

The glass lid lifts on a hinge, so I carefully propped it up and started arranging all the bird items inside. Once everything was arranged, the glass lowered to protect the contents.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Feathers Under Glass

 

The final touch was to add another of Tom Beardsley's lifelike carvings - a woodcock - on top to complete my birdy theme. I think the only thing I'm missing is a bird's nest...and I think I have one out in the potting shed. I'll have to check. I really think Handsome is going to like this one.