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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Completed Nest Assemblage and Fiber Bird's Nest Tutorial.....

"To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring~these are."
~John Burroughs~
(Click on any photo to enlarge for better viewing)

I finished up the Nest Assemblage from my last post and thought I would share the results with you. I added a piece of glass to the front so it made it really hard to get a clear photo without the glare.I cut a piece of glass the exact size of the outer measurement of the drawer opening and covered all the edges in copper foil tape, burnishing it down with a bone folder. I ran a bead of clear drying glue around the edge of the drawer and placed the glass on top, weighting it until it was dry.I used a old rusty handle, brass corners, a tin heart, and some old brass tacks to further embellish the assemblage. I sprayed the brass corners and tin heart with some Hammered Copper spray paint (RUST-OLEUM brand). After the brass corners were dry I used a E6000 to adhere them to each front corner. I could not nail them on because the drawer sides are very thin, even tiny nails would go through. To cover all the holes where the nails should have gone I snipped off the back of some old upholstery tacks, gluing them in place with E6000 also. I was able to nail the handle on with the tacks.The tin heart was embellished with a bit of the left over Queen Anne's Lace print and a few sentences from a copy of an old book page. All done and ready to hang!I thought you might enjoy learning how to make a simple fiber nest for use in your artwork too.MATERIALS:

*Wire, brass (24 gauge), copper(26 gauge), and burgundy(20 gauge)*Wire Cutters
*Scissor
*Yard Stick or Measuring Tape
*Various Fibers of your choice, suggestions are: yarn, thread, embroidery floss, shredded paper, jute, twine, raffia, etc.
INSTRUCTIONS:

* Cut 3, 30 inch pieces of yarn.*Cut 2, 30 inch pieces of yarn in a different texture than the first three.*Cut 3, 10 inch piece of three ply jute rope.*Unravel each of the pieces of jute and separate the ply.*Cut 7, 30 inch pieces of various threads.*Cut 1, 30 inch piece of embroidery floss.*Take 2 stands of raffia and pull them apart making several thin pieces.*Layer all your fibers, mixing the materials until you have them all laid out stacked together; add your 30 inch wires to the stack.*Cut a 20 inch piece of copper wire gather one end of your stacked fiber and wire mix and wrap the end with the 20 inch piece of wire to secure the end together.*Lay three of your unraveled jute stings below where you just wired.*Layer in bits of shredded paper, sheet music, tissue paper, Spanish moss, or gift basket filler, you only need a few pieces.*Wrap the copper wire around the stacked materials making sure you do not bind it too tightly, continue wrapping and adding jute and paper bits until you reach the opposite end of the strand. You will need to add more copper wire as you go, simply twist it to the previous wire and keep wrapping. Once you reach the end, tightly wrap the wire to secure.*Cut a 20 inch piece of copper wire and secure it to the end of your wrapped bundle. Twist the end into a tight circle. Wrap the loose wire around the outside of the circle bringing the end up through the center of the circle, pulling tight.*Continue to wrap in a flat circle, securing with wire, until you approximately a 1 1/2 inch base.*Begin to build up the sides of the nest by layering the bundle onto the flat base, using the wire to secure by pulling it through only the previous layer. Continue to shape, mold, wrap, and wire until you have formed a nest. If you run out of wire before finishing, just cut another piece and twist it together with the one ending and keep securing.*Once your nest is complete it will more than likely need a trim.
(Nest Top)(Nest Bottom) Trim away any excess fiber but be sure to leave it natural looking with some little snips sticking out, after all, it is supposed to look like a bird built it!Add and egg, display, and enjoy!
Blessings,
Miss Sandy

P.S. This tutorial as well as others featured on my blog has been added to my tutorial link on my side bar. I have recently added sites that provide free graphics for use in your artwork. To check them out just click on the little birds nest photo on my side bar listed under Quill Cottage Tutorials, Tips, and Techniques. Enjoy!

18 comments:

LiLi M. said...

This is awesome Miss Sandy. You are so generous and talented, thank you for sharing. Have a lovely day!

Anonymous said...

How very beautiful. One of those creations that makes you happy just to look at! Thanks for all the info too.

Susie said...

Sandy that little creation turned out so cute!

SharDon Exclusives said...

Sandy, I am one of your greatest fans & this is one for bragging about! Great JOB!

kaniki's said...

Hi there Sandy... Found you some time ago- and added you to my blog as well.. What wonderful- beautiful Stuff.... Such a pleasure to visit..

Your nest assemblage turned out fantastic- and I just loved how you made your very own little nest... Going to keep that one in mind- how fun!!!!

Many blessings!!
Niki
Kaniki's Prims & Whims

Tina said...

Ohhhh - I love this piece. It´s sooo beautiful. You are so talented Miss Sandy and thank you so much for sharing the tutorial.
Have a lovely day.
~ Tina

KathyB. said...

Your tutorials are very easy to follow and understand. Thank-you ! Beautiful piece of art you created.

kathy said...

Sandy - I love this so much it is beautiful - Thnaks for the wonderful tutorial -- Your art and especially your words and spirit -
Bless my Heart - Kathy - ga

Linda said...

You provide really wonderful instructions with photos! How lovely!! Sometime I'll have to give this a try.

Blessings to you always,
Linda

FrenchGardenHouse said...

goodness, Miss Sandy...you have been so busy! Love this, so sweet and your instructions are so clear and easy. I'm having a give away on my blog, please join us in the fun!xo Lidy

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love your blog so much! I put you in my favs today and became a follower! Your posts are incredible! So much talent and creativity! WOW!

Desires of the Heart said...

Hi Sandy, Oh what a wondeful tutorial you have given us all! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us. Your piece turned out so beautiful. I especially love the way you finished it off on the outside. Have a wonderful weekend. Linda

Cindy Is Crafty said...

Lovely!

The Feathered Nest said...

Sandy, this is wonderful!!!!! I love all of the fibers and textures that you've woven together....the nest assemblage is just amazing sweet friend!!! And to place it behind glass just gives it more importance. I hope you're package arrives today :)! Wishing you a wonderful weekend, xxoo, Dawn

Anonymous said...

This is amazing. You are a wonderful teacher. I have found so many beautiful things to do I will never have a useless day again.
QMM

BellaRosa said...

Miss Sandy your nest assemblage came out so beautiful. Thank you for sharing the fibers nest tutorial, it is so easy to follow, I can't wait to try it, you know the finished piece so reminds me of the tiny humming birds nests that we find in our yard, you see all kinds of lil bits and pieces that they use to make their lovely lil homes for their bebes. Rose

Catherine Holman said...

Truly breathtaking Sandy!
Hugs,
Cathie

Barbara Jean said...

This is wonderful!
I make my own nests too, but i use birch tree limbs for my big ones, and weeds for my little ones. This is great idea,and so uniquely and wonderfully different.

barbara jean

PS I am long your place. =0)

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