Conlin - Crafty birds: bird art and crafts for mixed media artists

Crafty Birds

Bird Art and Crafts for Mixed-Media Artists

EDITED BY KRISTY CONLIN

Cincinnati, Ohio

Bluebirds, hawks, hummingbirds, swallows, doves, peacocks, wrens, crows, swans, robins, larks, magpies, eagles

From origami paper cranes to the Phoenix rising from the ashes to, well, the Road Runner, birds of every size and stripe have claimed a prominent place in art and popular culture. And let me be the first to admit ittheir allure is hard to resist. But how to define that allure? Im convinced there is no one thing that elevates our feathered friends to cultural icon statusrather, turns out birds have a whole lot going for them.

For example, isnt there a certain grace to these seemingly delicate creatures, many of which put something of a spell over us merely with their song? And then, of course, theres that whole flying thingsoaring above the trees, the clouds, that freedom that so many of us crave. But I believe that, really, so many of us identify with the symbolism attached to birds, to specific birds. Like the swallow. The swallow is considered a symbol of protection and warmth, a representation of home and security. The raven also is steeped in symbolism; he is perceived as magical, a shape-shifter and a forbearer of omens. And the bluebird is a frequent visitor to literature and popular culture as well, usually signifying happiness, modesty and an unassuming confidence.

Its no wonder, then, that with all this meaning, birds have been a common subject for so many of our artists here at North Light, authors whose chosen mediums could not be more varied. And so here is an opportunity to share with you a beautiful collection of projects to experiment with, maybe try something new, maybe to create something special. Marie Frenchs is lighthearted and fun.

With just those three projects youll become a jewelry-making pro, learn mad Adobe Photoshop skills and stitch up a mixed-media masterpiece. But with Crafty Birds, youll also learn about wire-wrapping, plaster casting, collage, assemblage, journal making, soldering, working with encaustics and so much more.

I, for one, am crazy as a loon for the projects assembled here, and I hope youll enjoy them every bit as much as I do!

~Kristy Conlin

LEARNING TO SOAR

From Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts

BIRD NEST RING AND EARRINGS

From Semiprecious Salvage by Stephanie Lee

Weve been excavating in a thick grove of trees. Its been a relief to have shade and find our endurance extended, resulting in longer days of comfortable labor. We have not found much of major significance, but have found ourselves the target of a nesting birds frustrations. We must be making too much racket for her to peacefully build her nest. In the echo of her petulant squawking and daredevil swooping at our hats, we found our patience tested and left camp for the day.

Upon our return this morning, I was instantly aware of the quiet of the canopy. No squawking. No swooping and screeching. Despite her annoying antics, I found myself hoping she was nestled in somewhere, resting and readying herself for motherhood. I happened to glance up and catch sight of her leaving a branch not far above me. In a plucky spurt of youthfulness, I clambered up the tree to scout out her new home.

I found a tiny nest made of grass, twigs and the string I used to tie my hair back and which I thought had been lost in the dirt. Within lay three vivid blue eggs. I wanted to pick them up and feel their silky smoothness but I knew better than to disturb her home. The moment of observation was cut short by her return. Not wanting to feel the sharp end of her anger, I shimmied down the tree just as she discovered my presence. She swooped at me and I jumped the last few feet taking shelter under the cover of the dig site tent, not a moment too soon. She retreated to her nest leaving a few exasperated screeches in the air.

Truce, little bird.

~ Stephanie

STEP 1 Thread the Eggs

Cut three 3 (8cm) lengths of 24-gauge silver wire. Draw a bead on one end of each by heating the silver wire with a torch. (You can use three 3 headpins if you prefer.) Sand the beads lightly, then string one pearl on each piece.

STEP 2 Add the ring shaft

Cut a 6 (17cm) length of 18-gauge sterling wire and bend it in half, creating a small opening. Thread all three pearl wires through the opening.

STEP 3 Secure the Eggs

Wrap each pearl wire around the folded wire, just below the opening, a couple of times for each. Make sure to wrap snugly against the pearls to keep them from sliding away from the wire-drawn bead.

STEP 4 Create the ring form

Curve the folded wires around a large dowel or paintbrush to create the ring form, then adjust it as necessary to the size you want.

STEP 5 Close the Ring Form

Wrap the ends of the wire back around the base of the pearl wrap.