With the weather cooling down a bit I recently felt the itch to get my hands back into needle felting. And in usual fashion, I started off by felting a little birdie. There’s something very soothing about making something cute and familiar. I like how the mind doesn’t have to think so much, and can freely wander in whichever way.
Here’s a look at the birdie that I made using Brook’s letter (from my previous post) for the wings. The letter image was transferred onto cotton fabric using gel medium.
Here’s the same birdie from another angle…
…and here’s a close up. You can see how fuzzy the face is and the word “soar” is highlighted with subtle sparkles.
Below is a look at a bookmark that I made using Brook’s letter (also transferred onto cotton fabric).
Underneath the bookmark you can see a portion of a bookmark sleeve sewn from parchment paper.
I specifically chose to cut out and to use this portion of Brook’s letter because in this part of the letter she talks about a very special moment that she had while at camp. Brook was challenged with a very difficult and scary task: to climb a very high rock climbing wall with difficult angles and hard to reach hand holds. When it was her time to go, she was terrified (of heights, of falling, of failing in front of her peers). But she forced herself to work through it and she didn’t give up. It took her the entire day to complete the challenge and afterwards she was both thrilled and exhausted. It was a hard lesson in perseverance and in building self confidence. Anyway, I made this bookmark for Brook as a reminder to her that she can do whatever she puts her mind to. Now whenever she feels doubt, she can see in her own words how she conquered her fears.
Here’s a look at the top embellishment (pretty beaded dangles and a ribbon tail attached to bookmark with a safety pin).
This fall I plan to spend more time creating. Taking breaks throughout the summer left me feeling a little empty inside (I guess I missed my creativity time), so now it’s time to replenish. For me, fall is a time of personal renewal, which is sort of contrary to what happens outside (with the lessening light and falling leaves). As the outdoors sheds, I get a chance to grow more on the inside…it’s a more than fair trade off don’t you think?
12 Comments, Comment or Ping
Becky,
What lovely, sweet projects you are making from Brook’s letters!! Each one is more precious and poignant than the one before!!
Thanks for sharing! I do hope you have the opportunity to create more often, your light certainly shines through in all you do & i turn illuminates our days too!!
Hugs,
Jeanette
September 21st, 2013
Your birdy is so precious. I am thoroughly enjoying the wonderful projects you are creating with Brook’s letters.
September 21st, 2013
Is there anything prettier and heart warming than combining art with memories and love. Wonderful creations!
September 22nd, 2013
love your little birdie! you always make such nice felted things. i will also look forward to seeing what you will making now that fall and winter are coming.
September 22nd, 2013
ooh, love your birds. and what creative ways you use and make memories. Wow, Brook must have been so proud of herself for sticking with the climb and completing it. Great way for her to remind herself of her accomplishment. haven’t tried using gel medium with paper and material. will give it a go soon. thanks, love creating in the fall. working on owls right now. fun. enjoy your day.
September 22nd, 2013
Laura, As a tip about the image transfer process using gel medium. Don’t forget to invert your image when photocopying, so that when you transfer it onto fabric the image will be shown the right way.
September 24th, 2013
Sweet little birdie who reminds us to Soar and be free. Using Brook’s letter for the wings is just another bit of how sweet this is. As for the bookmark…only a mother and her deep love would create this for her daughter as a medal of honor to never give up. How perfect that you will be energizing your creative soul with time spent making your precious pieces of art while we are Falling into Autumn and embracing a new season. Creative Bliss Dear…
September 23rd, 2013
Ooo! Felty birds! I have needle felting on my “list” — their tiny animals are just so cute!
Loving the parchment paper holder too — great job!
xoxo
September 23rd, 2013
So happy to know you ladies like the projects…thanks for taking the time to let me know.
September 23rd, 2013
just about the sweetest thing ever! adore! 😉
September 23rd, 2013
I so adore your felted birdie Becky. You have combined your lovely style with such heartfelt bits and memories, and for that you’ll cherish them all the more. Happy autumn creating!
September 25th, 2013
I hope you have fun refilling your well. We all need time out sometimes-I love your cute bird-he is so tweet, I mean sweet ;D
September 26th, 2013
Reply to “Letter Birdie and Bookmark”