Helen Philipps: Birds and Beads

Wednesday, 6 March 2013

Birds and Beads

As it has been so spring-like here for the last few days, and the bird song has been filling our garden and the woods and hedgerows round about i decided it was time to show you some of the fabric birds i've made......

........this little bird is from my book *pretty patchwork gifts* and is part of a hanging decoration which has a stuffed birdhouse and a flower too.............i loved making the projects for this book and also painting the little watercolour illustrations to decorate the page corners...............

.............all the photographs in the book were taken by the wonderful interiors and lifestyle photographer simon whitmore............below is a picture i snapped at the weekend of the birdie hanger in the potting shed ....it was sunny and warm enough to spend a bit of time pottering there at last.....

...........i have also been making simpler little fabric birds to make a very loooong string....

...........years ago i bought a similar very long string of fabric birds from a hippie shop and i decided to make a new version with lots of bright fresh fabrics.........it took quite a while to make enough birdies.....

............and to sew on all their beady eyes.............

............to string the birds together i used baker's twine and put lots of gorgeous beads between each bird.......there were beautiful lampwork beads and some cheap and cheerful bright pink ones too.......

...........i am really enjoying having this little flock brightening up the sewing room.........

............my daughter sarah loves them so i'm making another string for her now....maybe not as long as the original one though so she will get it sooner............

.............we did lots of gardening at the weekend, clearing old leaves and cutting down dead plants ready for all the new growth..... the garden has really come to life with buds and blossoms just beginning to open, lots of crocus and snowdrops looking pretty....and a robin and a family of blackbirds singing above us in the trees.............a wonderful time of year :)............thank you for visiting here, it is always a pleasure to see you and to read your lovely comments............wishing you all a happy sunny crafty week.....back soon xxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxx

65 comments:

debbie @ happy little cottage said...: Lovely!! Such a fun way to bring Spring indoors! xoxo; 6 March 2013 at 13:37
Maria Glazacheva said...: Bonjour Helen ,

quelle jolies oiseaux !! j`adore ils sot tous tres tres jolie et j`aime bien les couleurs !! Ils sont vraiment géniale!!! C`est MAGNIFIQUE !! :0) ♥♥♥

Merci de votre doux commentaire chez moi!! ;0) ♥♥♥

Bonne semaine!! ♥♥♥

xxx Maria xxx; 6 March 2013 at 13:37
sweetpea family said...: What beautiful birds and lovely fresh spring colours x; 6 March 2013 at 14:01
KC'sCourt! said...: They gorgeous! Think I am going to have to source your book! I too use to have a string of red birds from a hippie shop with a bell at the bottom!
Julie xxxxxxxx; 6 March 2013 at 14:18
Clara {Clover and Violet} said...: I love all your projects in your new book! Your birds with the beads are adorable!! We have snow that began last night, I am longing for Spring, but I am going to enjoy the beauty of snow for now!! Have a beautiful day!!; 6 March 2013 at 14:19
Unknown said...: Helen I just love your little birds. I did look at these in your gorgeous book and they are one of my chosen topics (of which there are plenty!) You really bring sunshine into my world Helen, thank you so much Dorothy :)xxxx; 6 March 2013 at 14:30
Cindy said...: That bird string is so pretty. I want to make on too:)
We just got about 4 inches of snow yesterday. Just when my crocuses were ready to bloom and the robins had come back!; 6 March 2013 at 14:31
greenrabbitdesigns said...: I love your string of birds Helen, they are so pretty, no wonder your daughter wants some too! :)
Isn't it great being able to get outside again, I spent some time pottering in my greenhouse yesterday, the weather today though has turned a bit chilly again !
Enjoy the rest of the week,
Vivienne x; 6 March 2013 at 14:34
Christine said...: I love the birds. I would love them on a baby mobile too. I think I need to have another baby so I can make it.; 6 March 2013 at 14:46
Teje Karjalainen said...: Helen, your birds are so beautiful! I love the decoration with the house, bird and the flower! What a wonderful project to make small birds! Have a lovely time! x Teje; 6 March 2013 at 14:48
Vintage Sheet Addict said...: Just beautiful, love those little birds! Can you buy yourself a Mother's Day gift, of course you can! Guess what I'm off to get! :) x; 6 March 2013 at 14:50
Ali said...: Brilliant - loving the birds!! Such beautiful work xxx; 6 March 2013 at 15:01
thriftwood said...: How lovely ... and how fabulous to have your own book! I really, really, wish I could sew ...

Love Claire xxx; 6 March 2013 at 16:31
claire said...: oh birdies! just up my street :) I had one of those hippie strings too - with a bell on the end?; 6 March 2013 at 16:37
fee @ chipper nelly said...: They are too beautiful Helen - you are SOOoooo tasteful!
How nice (and welcome) is this sunny weather? I've practically skipped down to the workshop!
fee x; 6 March 2013 at 16:56
Kerri said...: Hi Helen,

Your birds are soo sweet!! I love how you made them into such a long chain, and the adorable floral fabrics are perfect! I want to make one now!! Off to look up your book. :)

Hugs,

Kerri; 6 March 2013 at 17:12
Jane said...: We have been having some wonderful spring days haven't we Helen. The paintings at the bottom of the pages are are wonderful addition to your lovely book. How great your birdie strings look...I can almost hear them tweeting from here ;0)
Jane x; 6 March 2013 at 17:25
Lori ann said...: oh helen! i am surprised your daughter showed such restraint and did not run off with the string of birds! i am suddenly needing a strand of my own, i LOVE them! congratulations on your new book, so very exciting! it is in my amazon cart now!
i just love this post, thank you for being such a lovely place to visit and for always inspiring.
xox lori; 6 March 2013 at 17:43
Vintage Tea Time said...: Lovely string of Spring birds - really pretty. Yes, Spring is definitely showing itself in the garden, isn't it? Great! x; 6 March 2013 at 17:49
Brenda Pruitt said...: The addition of the beads is magical!
Brenda; 6 March 2013 at 17:51
vintage grey said...: Hi Helen! Your birds are so pretty and make me so excited for spring!! Have a wonderful time out in your garden this weekend!! Wishing you a sweet week!! xo Heather; 6 March 2013 at 18:18
Plain Jane said...: Such lovely colours x Jane; 6 March 2013 at 18:27
20 North Ora said...: Love your string of birds!! Will have to make me one.

My post today is about your new book and all of the precious things you can make in the book.

Judy; 6 March 2013 at 18:49
gillyflower said...: love those cute little floral birds, so pretty!
Have a great week with hopefully some more sunshine Helen!; 6 March 2013 at 18:50
Annette - MyRoseValley said...: Those birds are so adorable. I instantly feel a great need to make some for myself. I guess the pattern is available in your book... Have to search for it on amazon and see if I can get myself a copy. Happy spring feeling. Tomorrow is yet another wonderful day filled with birds twitter.
Annette
My Rose Valley; 6 March 2013 at 19:08
Mary Poppins said...: I have the hippie version too, hanging in our bathroom. Your pretty version is just delightful. Off to pop a certain book in my basket ;) x x; 6 March 2013 at 21:34
Elf Designs said...: Your blog is so beautiful and I have come away full of the hope of Spring. Em x; 6 March 2013 at 23:19
Sam I Am...... said...: I commented on this post in the post before....can you tell I am tired? I adore the birds and your Spring dishes and anything from Green Gate but all I can do is download their catalog. There are none in the U.S. and I can't find a website that sells it to the U.S. We must have made them mad or something or there's some kind of trade embargo? I'm just sure people here would go nuts over it! I've even emailed them wondering if I could start a website for U.S. customers but nary a peep from them. It's just as well...between the dog's special foods, my meds and now my pc is going....I'd have no money for it anyway! LOL! Woe is me! But I too have fabric scraps! All is not lost! Lovely, lovely post with so much inspiration! As always, thank you!; 7 March 2013 at 01:39
cristina said...: Helen!!! I loooooooove your birds!!!!
A lovely work! And a colorfull garland of birds!
Kisses from CATALONIA!; 7 March 2013 at 01:55
Teresa Kasner said...: Oooooooo Myyyyyyy Goooodnessss.. I am in love with your string of birds! I want a string of them too, I'm going to ask my sister, who has a sewing machine, to collaborate with me on some for ourselves. She can sew them, I will stuff and sew them closed and string them. Think she'll do it? You are SO clever and amazing! ((hugs)), Teresa :-); 7 March 2013 at 02:29
homemade@myplace said...: really lovely!!!!
xxx Ale; 7 March 2013 at 02:59
Naturally Carol said...: Hi Helen...what a gorgeous idea your 'bird string' is! I love the way you've beaded the birds together too. Have a very happy week!; 7 March 2013 at 07:28
Rous said...: Dear Helen, Here in Madrid it´s raining cats and dogs...:O)...
What a lovely birds strint!!!, Gorgeous, like everything you always do.

Besos y abrazos from Spain.
Rocio.

Thank you very much for your warm words.; 7 March 2013 at 08:58
Ladybird Diaries said...: I love your little birds, so pretty. You have chosen some lovely fabrics. Your photos are just beautiful.
M xxx; 7 March 2013 at 10:01
Frances said...: Helen, your string of birds is a delightful twist on the familiar version with the little bell at the end...think that they were from India.

Your birds all have wonderfully birdy silhouettes and certainly send a message of spring. The beads that you'e chosen are a great mix and add another bit of personality to the birds own character.

I'm sure that your book is going to be a great success!

xo; 7 March 2013 at 13:59
Simone said...: You are so clever Helen and it is a pleasure to see your work. I love the string of birdies with beady eyes! Have a lovely rest of the week. x; 7 March 2013 at 14:06
Unknown said...: Simply beautiful love your fabrics as always, dee xx; 7 March 2013 at 16:06
serendipity said...: They are adorable. The pretty beads are a really nice touch. xx; 7 March 2013 at 16:08
Paula said...: Hello sweet Helen! I am so happy... I just found that our Amazon has your book available now... so I am going to order it soon! I am glad to hear you have had spring~like weather. I love spring and hearing the birdies singing. I enjoyed it on my walk the other day! Your photos are gorgeous sweet friend and so cheerful as always! I love your sweet birds!!! I can hardly wait to make some! Your projects are so sweet and beautiful! You are very creative and talented! I love the string of fabric birds and the beads too. I am so glad you are enjoying them and I know Sarah will love hers too. How wonderful you enjoyed some gardening. Spring is a wonderful and blessed time of year! I wish you a happy, sunny, crafty week too! Much love sweetie! Paula xo; 7 March 2013 at 16:09
♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...: Good afternoon Helen!...All your little birds look so pretty together(I love the addition of the lampwork beads too...hours of endless fun to be had there I'm sure!)I'm not surprised Sarah has put in a request for her own little string of birds! The birdie hanger is lovely too and your book is altogether fabulous!
I'm definitely feeling spring in the air despite it still being chilly at times.
Hope you're having a lovely week,
Susan x; 7 March 2013 at 16:21
Crafted by Carly said...: How pretty, Helen! :-)
You're so clever!
Carly
x; 7 March 2013 at 16:31
mynestofyarnandbuttons said...: Hi Helen, Love those birdies, that's one of the things I want to make from your book. I also have one I once bought in a 3rd world country type shop. ( I think it was the hens of prosperity?) Great for decorating and especially in the bright fabrics.
Happy day and weekend to you, xoRobin❤; 7 March 2013 at 19:18
The warm fireplace said...: Love the birdy string, a delight to read your post.
Sue; 7 March 2013 at 19:20
Christina@A Knitter's Life said...: oooo I love the birds! Spring hasn't sprung yet in our part of the woods. But I'm looking forward to it!; 7 March 2013 at 22:36
Lillie and Moss said...: Hi Helen, I am a fairly new follower to your blog and I must say everything here just makes me so happy! Love it all. I will surely be back to visit more often!
Hugs, Shari @ Kashmere Kisses!; 8 March 2013 at 04:01
koralee said...: What fun..these are perfectly enchanting in every way... would love to have them hanging all in a row in my home..they would alway bring a smile to my face....you are so clever...love the pretty fabrics...hug to you my friend..enjoy your weekend.; 8 March 2013 at 04:40
Susan Freeman said...: Well dear Helen, you have managed to do it again ~ this is absolutely adorable, charming and ultra cute! I love to visit you because your sweet creations always make me smile!!

Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley; 8 March 2013 at 17:51
flowers on my table said...: Hello Helen, your little bird mobile with the house and flower is so cute, and the string of birds, well what can I say, such patience you have!
I have lots of little birds around my home too, they bring me joy. As does being able to get out in the garden, it is wonderful to be out listening to the birds, as you say,and appreciating the signs of life.

Many thanks for your comments. My trouble is I am always changing things. My sister's say it is like coming to a shop, because every time they come things are different.I do love seeing how things look in a different room, or in a different colour, but sometimes it feels as if my home is always a work in progress, and it would be good to stand still for 5 minutes, but then I probably wouldn't like it! Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day, and a lovely weekend in general, love Linda xx; 8 March 2013 at 23:10
My Little Home and Garden said...: How lovely. I'm pleased to be hearing more and more birdsong here and wonder if a robin will nest in the arbour again this year.; 9 March 2013 at 02:56
koralee said...: Thank you for your sweet comments on my book...I am soooo happy you are enjoying it my friend...you are such an encourager and such a wonderful friend. Thank you.; 9 March 2013 at 03:47
Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...: I love those birdies and how you've strung them together. We are able to find similar ones here in the Indian antique shops -- sometimes with elephants, too. I have one hanging in my doorway. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Tammy; 9 March 2013 at 09:56
Swallow Barn said...: oh how much do I love your string of birds. just beautiful. I'm off to find your book on amazon!

Nikki x; 10 March 2013 at 11:13
Natalia Glazacheva said...: Gorgeous these birds Helen :0) They look so fresh and adorable :0) I'm absolutely understand your daughter, she is not alone who will be happy to get them :0)
Have a happy week
lot of love
Natasha; 10 March 2013 at 12:25
Mia said...: Hello dear Helen,

What a lovely post again! I love the idea of a long-birdie string, I might steal your idea ;)

Wishing you a sunny new March-week soon!

Yours,
Mia; 10 March 2013 at 18:20
Madelief said...: Dear Helen,

It sounds like you had the same beautiful weather in England as we had in Holland. It must have been a joy working in the garden!

Your little string of birds looks lovely! You have a way with colours & materials.

Have a lovely new week!

Madelief x; 10 March 2013 at 20:37
Solange Honorato said...: I liked the colors!! your works are wonderful!!; 10 March 2013 at 22:20
Gracie Saylor said...: Birds and beads...a beautiful combination from you, Helen!

Guess what. I typed to you that I had ordered your new book several week ago, then Friday I stopped at Craft Warehouse and standing on a table was a copy of your lovely new book in Gresham, OR, USA! [ I did not buy it but was sorely tempted to since my copy has not arrived yet :-)]

xx,
Gracie; 11 March 2013 at 00:01
Sewmancer said...: Its a wonderful bird pattern (and beautifully presented as always!); 11 March 2013 at 18:07
sweetpeaandivy said...: Love the string of birds & beads.. i too had purchased as a gift for a friend years ago the hippy version of this and i must say i much, much prefer your version :) so colourful and spring inspired. Clarissa xo; 11 March 2013 at 22:02
...Nina Nixon... said...: Hi Helen,

I love these little string of birdies. I think when I first set up home eighteen'ish' years ago I had something very similar hanging in our kitchen. Though the fabric wasn't half as pretty.

Nina x; 13 March 2013 at 11:40
Unknown said...: Hello Helen,
I love YOUR version of the birds and beads. I've seen them before but the colors are much darker.

Here's to spring and lighter colors......
Happy creating,

Anne
PlumCreek22 Studio; 24 March 2013 at 14:37
Jeane M. said...: This is such cute easter decor ideas! Love the pastel wreath so pretty. Got my eye on your next posts.; 27 March 2013 at 07:40
~Lavender Dreamer~ said...: I love everything you make! I'm going to put your blog in my list of favs! Sweet hugs!; 28 March 2013 at 01:12
Unknown said...: So beautiful I had to share your blog to pintrest ... I'm currently in the process of making similar to these myself . Simply gorgeous !; 21 May 2013 at 10:32
lynnep said...: Hi, I love the birds, and think I'll have to buy your book, but I wondered if you could tell me how you did the rope tieback on the curtains. I'm trying to do a beachy room for my grandchildren, but am no good at knots!!; 9 February 2014 at 12:20