Tuesday, January 8, 2013

VALENTINES BIRD CAGE

As I have said before, I have a thing for Valentine's Day projects.  
Can't decide if it's the red and white colors I love or the whole concept of a holiday that is based around the theme of love.  Either way......

This is my first project of this season and it all started with this little bird that I kind of borrowed and then did not return from my sainted Mother-in-Law.  Sorry Virginia!
 I borrowed this from her because I fell in love with it and wanted to take it apart to see how it was made.  Then I planned to make about 20 of them.  Never happened because believe it or not, I'm intimidated by this cute little bird.  What if I can't get it right and then I've ruined the original???  I still might try, but for now, I'm using this one.
I found this old ___________ .You fill in the blank because I've never been sure what it is...an old lamp shade frame? part of a bird cage?....the jury is still out on what this is.  Whatever it is, it was $6, which is a lot for me to pay for something weird, but I was fascinated by it when I saw it hanging in an antique store.
I used it in a project last year....and based on the comments regarding its origins, it's still up for negotiation.  I decided it was a bird cage when i made this.....
Bird Cage Fun!
So when I needed something to hold my new little bird, I got it out again.  (If you are new to my blog, you'll find out that I dismantle practically everything I make and create something new with the bits and pieces.)  I made some littel beaded eye-pins to hang around the top.  (8 of them to be exact.)
Then I ripped some fabric scraps to tie around the base of the cage.
I kind of thought I was done at this point......
But I didn't think it looked quite finished and this is where I always run into trouble with that whole "less is more" thing.  I added some lace and a ribbon.  
So what do you think?  Should I have left off the lace and ribbon?  I never know...... 
Should I try to take that little bird apart and figure out how he's made?  Do any of you know?   

Linking Up to any or all of the fine parties listed at the bottom of this page as well as:

    
HookingupwithHoH

33 comments:

  1. No no, it's gorgeous, I personally think it's a lamp and I would totally use that as a light. In fact I'm pinning it too my elizabeth board, I'd like something like that for a lamp in her room

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  2. It's lovely, Danni ! I also would have paid anything for it, but have no idea what it used to be ;-)

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  3. What a beautiful decoration Danni - hmmm you just might make me want to try something for Valentine's day after all!!!
    Do not take that bird apart!
    XOX

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  4. I think it looks perfect the way it is. What a cool find. I like Mei's idea of using it as a lamp. Maybe a pendent lamp? It could be a bircage lamp with the bulb in the center and the bird clinging to the side?

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  5. GREAT birdcage! Loving the lamp ideas from Mel and Jenny too. That'd be so cool!

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  6. I bought two silver birds as Christmas ornaments that I haven't wanted to put away. Now to find something resembling a bird cage!

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  7. I think its absolutely wonderful!! I love everything you did to it :) I think you could study the bird without taking it apart... :)

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  8. Hi, your bird cage is very cute! As for what it is I think it used to be a candle holder. I have one similar to it, you set it over a small candle or tea light. But it could be many things. As for the bird I would suggest not taking it apart they are not easy to put back together. The body is probably styrofoam the wings are craft wire shaped and then covered in pantie hose. You could recreate one pretty easy. You could use the air dry foam type molding dough from crayola for the body, then any kind of wire that you could shape that will hold up to the pressure of being covered in hose. And if you don't have the right color hose you could paint them after you make it. I've had a lot of these thru the years that are attached to a stick that you put in a planter and they are usually air brushed. Hope that helps. BTW I love your blog its one of the few I check on, on a regular basis.

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    1. Thank you Vicki! I tried to reply to you via email, but it seems you are a no-reply blogger. You have 2 blogs and no posts!! Come on and join the fun! Thank you for the info about my item. I have been wondering. As for the bird....now I know why I'm intimidated by it! Sounds complicated! Thank you for reading and commenting on my little blog! I'm glad to know you're out there!

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  9. I think it's probably a lamp also, but whatever it is it's very cool. I would have paid $6 for it too! You dressed it up beautifully!! Love the bird!

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  10. I want to get my guess in and I'm thinking it's a shade from a bridge lamp. It's perfect the way it is for Valentine's! Don't change a thing.

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  11. This is so sweet Danni - I really want that birdcage thingy - Ship it over when you're done with it lol.
    Very cute xxxx

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  12. When I look at the bird cage's structure, I see a gazebo for garden fairies! 'Love the lace and ribbon. When Natalie is finished with it, may I borrow it?
    ;-) -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  13. How cute is this? I so need to get started on Valentine's Day stuff. Thanks for the reminder.

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  14. I like the red theme even more, I think is it more... passionate and fiery!

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  15. I love when you can...."borrow" things from family. This turned out really cute! I decided to take your advise by the way....busted out some red and pink. You'd be proud.

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  16. Turned out really cute Danni! I was totally cracking up - I don't know what that thing is either, but love it!

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  17. Looks quite romantic dressed up! ;)

    Thank you for partying with the Wildly Original Crowd.
    <3 Christina at I Gotta Create!

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  18. You are so creative!! I hope you stop by to link- http://atozebracelebrations.com/2013/01/link-party-3.html
    Nancy

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  19. LOVE the birdcage Danni!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer... From Dream To Reality!

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  20. I have no idea what that started as but it finished cute as can be!
    Steph
    swtboutique.com

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  21. Hi Danni, saw your pretty wreath and birdcage over at So You Think You're Crafty and wanted to stop by, say hello and tell you how much I like both projects! Will be pinning! :) Have a great weekend! ~Cindy, littlemisscelebration.com

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  22. It's very vintage looking while still being dressed up for the holiday.

    Thank you for linking your favorite post to Raising Imperfection.
    Please come back Friday to see if you were featured :)

    xoxo
    Lanaya
    www.raising-reagan.com

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  23. No don't take the bird apart, lol! I like the lace and ribbon and I Think this came out great. I'm visiting today from Raising Imperfection.

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  24. I think the lace and bow look perfect! I love this project, I have a thing for birds in decor.

    Thanks for sharing your favorite post at Raising Imperfection! We feature our favorites on Friday, make sure to come back and check.
    Leslie
    www.violetimperfection.com

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  25. I think it's perfect just the way it is! I'm not sure what it was.... if I had to guess I would say a birdcage. It is very cool looking, whatever it is! :)

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  26. This is so, so cute! Love the little dove! Great idea! Liz

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  27. This is darling!! Love it!! Beautiful project ;)

    ~Brenda @ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com

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