Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Birdie Card and Holder

Hi Ladies,

OK, I wanted to make an entire flock of these cards and maybe I still will. It took me a little longer this morning to figure out how to make the wire holder than I had planned (the feet need to be bigger than expected to get him to stand up!).

If I find the time, I'll do a photo tutorial of how to make the holder, but for now, here is how to make the bird.

1. Start with a square of paper. I used a 5"square, but I've also made these with 6" and 4" squares. They are really cute as page embellishments done tiny!
2. Fold that square in half, corner to corner. I used a piece of yellow Prism cardstock as a base, but it's not necessary..... just depends on what you want. If you do use a base, and you want the patterned paper to set inside a tad, instead of folding along the center, cut just 1/8-1/4" off center and use the smaller side.
3. For wing, cut a square half the size of the body. So, my wing was 2 1/2" square. Then cut in half, corner to corner.
4. Adhere to body along top edge only. I have done these with just a bead of glue, but sewing is too cute. One tip, I always thread my sewing machine with two spools of thread (sometimes the same color, sometimes different) when sewing on paper. If you do this and set your stitch length to the longest stitch you'll get a fairly hand-done effect.
5. For the beak and tail, I use a 1" square for most sizes. If you are making a really tiny one, you'll want to adjust, but usually 1" works. Cut these along the center like with wing. The only difference between the beak and tail is the way they are turned and the paper they are cut from.
6. Adhere as shown.
7. Find a cute button or brad to use for his little eye.
8. You can make a stand if desired by bending wire. I have also sewn them closed along the front body edge to make a pocket in which to place a special note. Maybe I'll make one of those next to show you.
9. Watch him fly right to the heart of a friend. (OK, was that too corny?)

Update:
I just realized it's suppose to be Weigh in Wednesday. I thought today was Tuesday!!! Yes, I am losing it. Anyway, since I've already eaten and stuff I don't want to weigh myself. So, we will play Theigh in Thursday this week! :) Be sure to check back tomorrow!

21 comments:

Maren said...

This is the cutest thing ever! I LOVE IT!!

Brooke S. Rochon said...

This has got to be the most adorable and innovative card I've seen in forever. Where do you get all your ideas?

Jenn said...

I'm going to have to make this little birdie for sure, I have so many friends that are nuts for birds! Thanks

(I would love to see the stand tutorial as well)

Julie said...

Brooke,

I really can't take credit for the idea. My mom has a friend that made her a framed quilt square with this little chick on it. I copied the idea from that and have used it on quilts and throw pillows for years. Although, it's much quicker and easier to make out of paper!

ScrapMomOf2 said...

This is so CUTE! Very clever! After telling us that you forgot about Weigh In Wednesday, you said "I am losing it" . . . too funny! Weighing in . . . losing it?! Ha ha ha ha ha!!

scandi said...

This card is SO stinkin cute! I LOVE the wire holder! What a great little gift idea...a little birdie told me...
Love it!
I was on a roll losing weight so yesterday I treated myself to a full day of eating whatever I wanted! i needed a break :) It was really fun but I realized I didn't feel very good do I think I will get back to the healthy eating...
Hope everyone else is doing well!

Post-it Notes said...

So stinkin' cute!!

BethW said...

Just too cute. It really is "Brilliant" as they say in the commercials. You have really been coming up with some great ideas lately. Maybe I need to double my weight loss efforts-do think fat surrounding the brain could impede creative ability?

Lulu said...

That is soo cute!

I've been having some silly fun with some CC stickers on my blog if you want to peek Julie... :)

Natasja Cats - Verbeek said...

Love this chicken!!

Unknown said...

You are too funny!!! :)

melita said...

that is too freaking adorable! so cute!

Cass said...

Very cute! :)

leila Jezequel said...

loooove it!

Anonymous said...

Wow how creative is this....Might get round to making one of theseTFS!!!:)~X~

Eveline said...

What a super bird. I'll go and make some.
I lost a whole kilo last week, I weigh in on Monday. I only have 8 kilo's to go in total. So far I lost 3 in 8 weeks time. My clothes feel better already. Hope you lost some weight too.
Eveline.

mustangkayla said...

Love how you tucked the snoman and card in the bird! Beautiful papers for this project! Just love that bird!

Erica Hettwer said...

Congrats on the weight loss. I lost 18 pounds earlier this year. After a few weeks I realized that my plateau was due to a pregnancy!!! LOL! Little one is due in April. :)

Mrs. Nancy G said...

So cute and clever!
:-)

Julie said...

Congrats Erica!

That is an awesome reason to gain weight!

Denise L. said...

This is unbelievably cute! I think that I may need to make my own flock!