Birds and Branches


Last month I received some wonderful wooden pieces from Helga at Artchix Studio.  She likes to use green materials in her artwork…just like me.  And she was so generous to send over this pile of birds and branches made from sustainable wood.  They’re great as is, but I thought I’d jazz them up a bit for the holidays.

Here’s a look at a couple of things that I made using 2″ x 2″ canvases as a base.

The birdie below is dressed up in a coating of blue glass glitter (left to dry completely), and then topped with a sprinkling of mica (I used craft glue to adhere both shimmers to the wood).

And this birdie received just one coat of silver glass glitter.  I think this bright flash of silver will look lovely on our Christmas tree.

If jewelry happens to be your thing, here’s a necklace that I made using the wooden branch shape as is.

Also, as a side note, Helga sent me a bunch of other shapes as well…which I plan to play with over the next month or so in between getting things ready for Christmas and the New Year.  For me, taking time out to create is essential during the holidays…it keeps me calm and centered, happy and peaceful.



17 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. these are soooo lovely, Becky! I´m a fan of both Helga´s and your stuff, so this is the perfect combination for me 😉

    November 23rd, 2012

  2. I love everything you make! And I need to create too, it’s like breathing fresh air… I remember I’ve read one article in a past issue of Somerset Life or Studio maybe, in which you wrote this very thing. I don’t remember well, but could it be an article about handmade cards with cute round tags… stars… ?well, you surely know which article I’m speaking of! 🙂
    Hugs to you!

    November 23rd, 2012

  3. Erin

    These are lovely Becky – so peaceful and inspirational. You are an amazing artist with a unique and special style that touches the soul.

    November 24th, 2012

  4. Mindy

    I MUST get some of those birds!! Thanks for sharing your inspiring pieces Becky. I’m sure the birds will look gorgeous on your tree. Love the necklace too. Happy decorating.

    November 24th, 2012

  5. I love what you did! I have a couple of shapes that are similar…. didn’t know what to do with them. You always inspire me!

    November 24th, 2012

  6. I love the necklace – what did you paint the stick with? Thanks for sharing!

    November 24th, 2012

  7. Hi Dawn, To answer your question, I left the stick/branch as is. The set from ArtChix comes with branches in 3 different finishes (light, medium and dark). Another tip for you is that I used gold wire (in roughly 22 gauge) from a craft store’s floral department.

    November 24th, 2012

  8. The wood resting beside the wire and pearls on the necklace is such a stunning combination and I love the silver birdie.
    I have been using smaller binder clips with Gesso and glass glitter for glass ornaments but I so like the use of the larger size on your canvases.
    Another inspirational post.
    Wishes
    Lynne

    November 24th, 2012

  9. Linda K

    Love these Becky-your lovely nature inspired style is so soothing and calm , besides being so beautiful!! Hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving day.

    November 25th, 2012

  10. It always amazes me how you make simple and ‘clean’ pieces but they “shout” so many feelings, they make me think and search within, they have a song in them.

    November 26th, 2012

  11. These are beautiful! I love birds n’ branches~ So tweet, I mean sweet of Helga! 😀

    I look forward to seeing more 😀
    I’m making a paper bird now, I could use some of those branches!

    ATB

    November 26th, 2012

  12. I’m happy to hear that you like these projects…thank you ladies.

    November 26th, 2012

  13. Oh Becky, your pieces are wonderful!!! Such a delight to see your creations with ARTchix products. Thank you! : )

    November 26th, 2012

  14. Deb

    Beautiful ♥

    November 26th, 2012

  15. I agree with you Becky, creative time during the holiday is a must for me as well. These creations are just stunning. I especially love the blue/mica bird.. beautiful!

    November 29th, 2012

  16. ann marie

    How the heck did I miss this post? You know I’m all about birds and branches!! Gorgeous work — and I’m loving the paper towel as snow!

    December 4th, 2012

  17. Melissa S.

    I know a secret about where that little birdie resides! He brings sparkly happiness everday!

    December 19th, 2012

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