Scrappy Wool Birds


During the Fall and Winter months I’m always in the mood to make things using felted wool scraps.  Here are a couple of cozy-looking birds that I recently created.

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To create the birds I used some felted wool scraps leftover from my larger projects.  This material originates from old wool sweaters that were either mistakenly shrunken in the wash, or the moths got to them.  To rescue your sweaters by turning them into felted wool, simply wash and dry them.  And please keep in mind that only 100% wool sweaters will felt properly.

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Once you have your felted wool material prepared, create a bird shape template (1 body, 1 wing) using cardboard.   My cardboard comes from the back of a lined yellow pad…you know I love to reuse everything!

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Use the template to cut bird shapes from the felted wool material.  For some variety, I made some birds with two coordinating colored wool (1 color for the body, another color for the wing) and kept the colors uniform for some other birds.   Additionally, I used pinking shears to trim around the wing edges to add more interest.

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Next, use 22 gauge wire to attach a beaded dangle (the beads are saved from vintage necklaces) through the bottom of the bird.

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I also used a mini-felted wool ball (purchased from Ornamentea) along with a felted wool scrap (cut into a circle shape.)

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Next, use an embroidery needle and thread to stitch an eye.  Also use the embroidery needle to attach a thin twine hanging loop.

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Lastly, use craft glue to adhere the wing to the body of the bird.

This birdie looks right at home hanging from a colorful bush.

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And this one could either be hung on our Christmas tree, dangled from a kitchen cabinet knob, or maybe suspended somewhere in my studio, or anywhere throughout the house, really.  I still have a big pile of leftover wool scraps, so chances are good that I’ll be making many more little birdies.

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Happy scrappy crafting!



17 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. What another beautiful inspiring project. Thank you for always giving me that little boost of inspiration.
    love me 🙂

    November 29th, 2010

  2. What a great idea Becky. I love anything with birds. I’m on the hunt for old wool sweaters. Living in Las Vegas I really haven’t seen much in the way of wool, but maybe I can try the thrift stores. Flying back from Seattle to Vegas now, and it’s supposed to be in the 40’s in Vegas, that sounds like wool weather to me! LOL

    November 29th, 2010

  3. I love em, birds are my favorite!
    I think they’d look beautiful on the Christmas tree.
    Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving Becky!
    Come on over to my blog, I’m having my very
    first giveaway!
    ♥Jenny

    November 29th, 2010

  4. I love this idea; Birds so fit every season! They symbolize so many things, the ability to take flight, soar, sing, tweet, etc. I felted a sweater the other day, perhaps I will give this one a try. I bet your home is so lovely with a flock of these lovelies~

    November 29th, 2010

  5. your birds are dear, dear, dear!
    & so are your feathery lovepeace messages below.
    honey, your heart flies w/such sweetness.
    xoxox

    November 30th, 2010

  6. Ann Marie

    Oh Becky, I just love your page so much. Everytime I come here I just look in awe. I just love your stuff. I was all ready to make the little bottles that you posted, now I need to make birds — lol. Keep creating, it makes my day!

    November 30th, 2010

  7. Hi, Becky. I just LOVE these! They are so sweet and easy enough for all of us to try. I have unfinished projects to attend to this weekend. Enjoying my cup of coffee today and being inspired by my blog friends. Hope all is well!

    November 30th, 2010

  8. Aww…thanks everyone for the sweet blog love. Thanks for making the sharing part so special.

    November 30th, 2010

  9. Very cozy, indeed! They are fabulous!!!

    November 30th, 2010

  10. Suz

    I just love these, Becky.
    Thank you for your support…
    Hugs,
    Suz

    November 30th, 2010

  11. How cute, Becky! It’s easy to see that you have had the creative bug since you were a little child!
    Hugs, Diane

    December 1st, 2010

  12. These lovely birds make me feel all warm inside! Beautiful!

    December 1st, 2010

  13. Doreen

    Becky, these are so sweet! I could imagine a whole tree decorated with these little guys!

    December 1st, 2010

  14. these sweet little birdies have flown straight to my heart……and i LOVE those little dangly baubles, too!!! xox

    December 1st, 2010

  15. Lisa

    So adorable!!!

    December 2nd, 2010

  16. Peggy

    very cute!

    December 3rd, 2010

  17. valerie

    Thanks so much! I’m making some today out of some wool that’s special to my mom.

    July 27th, 2014

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