I am in love with all the specimen art that is popping up everywhere. I did a snowman version for winter, and now that spring is here I’m ready for something new. After reading all the great ideas for the burlap challenge over at the CSI project, I fell in love with burlap and knew I had to do something with it.
I started with a large burlap coffee sack. I carefully cut the coffee sack at the seams and set the printed half aside for another project that I hope to finish soon. I can’t wait! Anyway, back to the project at hand. I drew a simple 3 bird templates in graduating sizes onto a cereal box and traced them onto the burlap.
I then dry brushed blue and green acrylic paint onto the smaller birds. I love how the painted burlap looks, simple and fresh.
I used hot glue to attach the layers of birds to each other. They looked a bit plain at this point so I added a button tied with a string of burlap and hot glued onto the bird.
I love the look of fabric matting, however it is expensive. So to create the same look, I used a light weight muslin fabric and regular white mat board. To create your own fabric matting, lightly spray the board with spray adhesive and gently lay the ironed fabric on top. Smooth out the wrinkles with the palm of your hand and then trim the excess fabric. I love this technique, it allows me to to create the perfect matting at a fraction of the cost. Instead of using the matting in the traditional way, the little birds are resting on top of the matting. This creates a textured backdrop for the birds and adds another layer of interest.
I painted the frame white, sanded the edges and glazed over the top with a chocolate glaze. I love how this turned out.
If you don’t want to miss out on any of the fun we are having at Housing A Forest, make sure to follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Google + and Twitter.
If you don’t want to miss out on any of the fun we are having at Housing A Forest, make sure to follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Google + and Twitter.
Tammy
They are so dang pretty, these babies look a million bucks!
I love this! I’m a huge fan of burlap and with super-cute chicks for spring/Easter, that’s awesome! Love it!
Ooo, this is even cooler than Joseph’s coats! Have I told you that I have a growing obsession with birds and that Mike keeps vetoing everything bird related that I want! Perhaps he’ll let me do something like this. It looks great Tammy!
P.S. The link at the top isn’t working.
Thanks for letting me know about the link, I just fixed it.
Stopping in from the 504 main blog hop
I think this is my favorite specimen art I’ve seen! I love birds & burlap. I love how the frame turned out too. =]
That is so adorable. You did an awesome job!
Sarah
So so so adorable! I love it to the moon! I hope you will share this at my VIP party today =) http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/04/vip-party-11.html
Super cute- great tutorial! We would ♥ for you to link this up
lollyjaneboutique.blogspot.com
It‘s so nice that I found your blog about your link on ‘Under the Table and Dreaming’. Of course I’ve scrolled a little and like what I see. Now I’m your new follower!
Take care
Tine
Those are absolutely adorable! I think I’ll have to try something like this. Thanks for sharing.
So very sweet! What a super idea!!
The layers are so cute
Saw you on Not Just A Housewife.
This is great, so glad I clicked over. I couldn’t tell from the thumbnail that the birds are layered! What a wonderful idea. So nice and springy too.
Hope you can stop by my little blog sometime and say hello!
I just love this! Burlap can create such uniqute things!
I would love for you to link up at my party!
http://www.cherishedbliss.com/2011/04/craft-and-tell-tuesdays-1.html
Tammy – Your burlap birdies are so cute! I have featured this today. Thanks so much for stopping by and linking up to the Sunday Showcase – I greatly appreciate it. Hope you have a wonderful holiday! ~ Stephanie Lynn
These are so cute!! I love how creative this project is. Thanks for sharing.
Pam
What a wonderful tutorial, thank you so much! I’m totally out of the loop, had never heard of specimen art until now so thanks for educating me. Off to find some burlap, love your creation! Deb
Hi Tammy. I just found you at Delightful Order. Your chicks are so cute. I love your blog too. I’ve been looking around and your so creative. I’m now following you as tonasun on GFC and looking forward to getting to know you. I’d love you to stop by and visit.
Hugs…Tracy
What wondeful handmade art. I love the layering you did with the burlap. Very creative!
Thanks for linking up to Terrific Under Ten!
absolutely adorable and with burlap… LOVE IT! You have been featured at CraftOManiac. winks-jen
Cute! I love the painted burlap.
I agree the painted burlap looks so fresh! Fun project!
I love the simplicity of this! Great job! Thanks for linking!
Hi, friend! I’m admiring all your creative projects here so can you please share them with us at the Creative Bloggers’ Party & Hop? I hope to see you at the party
Yay! You came
Linking this up with us made the Creative Bloggers’ Party & Hop better and more special. Thank you!
Look, you keep the awesomeness of burlap coming! Oh so fun, and so economical. You even get to paint it! Thank you so much for posting at the beagle.
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