Easter Mash-Up...Crafting With Vintage Potato Mashers!

Any nest can make a cozy home!

 

Why do I love birds nests so much?  It's almost a theme in my home...but I never made a conscious decision to decorate with birds, nests, cages and bird houses.  Just now I counted over 25 different bird-related items in just my bedroom and master bath...and heaven only knows how many are in the rest of my house.  When I was little, some of my favorite pictures were of pretty nests in a blossoming tree.

 

Pictures that give me hope for Spring.

 

When a new mother-to-be fusses over her nursery, sewing tiny clothes and tidying up her home, we call it "Nesting." If I could choose a symbol of what "Home" means to me...I'm sure it would be a nest...a place of safety and warmth with Mother and Father watching over and providing for their chicks.

Easter "Pinspiration" 

Isn't this the sweetest and most unique nest yet?

I am continually amazed at the creativity of my fellow crafters!

I found it on Pinterest...made by Vikkis Vintageworks on Etsy. 

This one has sold, but she has several more...as cute or cuter!

 

My Version...

I have made two so far...one for me and one for my sister's birthday.

I chose colors to go with our vintage kitchen décor.

She seldom reads my blog so I'm not worried she'll see it here.

 

A baby chick for Patti...

Beautiful bunnies for me...

 

Vintage chicken was a swap gift from a blogger friend...



Fun little hand mixer...

 

Over Valentine's weekend I went on an antique store quest in Vegas and Oatman, Arizona for potato mashers and I found four to add to the two I had on hand.  I plan to make four more for gifts.  I will probably use more traditional Easter colors on those.  And I have some smaller nests that will fit inside some little tart tins.  I have really enjoyed seeing holiday crafts made with unusual or re-purposed items on Pinterest.  I bet I could get more blog posts done if I'd give Pinterest a little rest...lol!

Simple, simple little garland...rick rack, scrapbook paper circles and vintage images.

 

Happy March...It's only a day away!

A Sweet Nest Swap!

For Love of Nests...
Before the leaves unfurled on their branches, one could count the nests left empty when summer called it a day.  I never realized just how many little birds had made their homes in my yard.  There is something so hopeful about a nest...new beginnings and promises in little speckled eggs.  Easter came and went too quickly this spring...almost before we could count our colored eggs...leaving April out of the festivities.  Easter should always be in April...in my humble opinion.  There is more blue in an April sky...more hope for flowering things. 

So April became a month of nests.  We fuss about like mother birds...fluffling, arranging, and organizing our nests.  And we place nests in cozy corners....filled with eggs...or baby dolls...or fairies.  Then we exchange nests with others!  Vivian of viv out on a whim organized a large number of women suffering from Spring Fever...and we had it bad...into partners for a Nest Swap.  Each would make her partner the most "stinkin' cute" nest and send it winging on its way...but only when it was "too cute to give away."  That was the rule.  I am learning to make two of everything because I have a hard time parting with some of my creations.  I am sure I'm not the only one.  I have seen some beautiful examples of "thinking outside the box."  This community not only sparks creativity...it sets it ablaze.  Isn't it wonderful!

My Nest from Holly...

The Garland says "Happy" which is how this darling nest makes me feel!

The tiny pennants are only 1/2 inch in size.

Little Figaro patiently waits for the eggs to hatch...lol!

Cute Holly from Damita's Pretty Wrap was my partner in this sweet swap.

Peat Pot sweetly wrapped in burlap.

And she had another surprise in store for me...

 Beautiful silver nest with pearl eggs.
I have seen these on Pinterest and wished for one.
Holly made it herself...I could hardly believe it!
Thank you, Holly.  I love it so much!

My Supply Swap Pillow...

I told you I would be making something from this vintage card.

Dorothy of HensRule was my partner...who simply spoiled me.

Postcard printed on fabric.

Sewn to white burlap...I left the polkadot fabric's edges raw.

Colors are brighter than the picture shows.

Jo-Ann has some fabric that is supposed to take the ink better,

but I am pleased with how it turned out.

 

And I like how it looks on my comfy office chair.

Thanks, Dorothy!

 

Have a lovely evening!