Sunday, February 12, 2017

Lovebirds




With Valentine's Day just two days away, I couldn't resist putting together this lovebird birdcage design which is from the recently released Love Birds kit from Bird's SVGs.


As you can see, this kit is filled with amazing projects. Isn't that heart-shaped bag just gorgeous? Paired with the swan card, I could see this as a unique an beautiful way to give a wedding gift to a special couple. 

Not only is the birdcage so pretty all by itself, the part that hooked me was the fact that it's also a lantern if you want it be.  By day, it's a pretty home decor piece. By night - SURPRISE! - there are a pair lovebirds in there!!



First I built the project as designed, but then decided to add some flowers for a pop of color since I went with some rather neutral paper to start with. 





These flowers can all be found as a completely free download from Bird's SVGs as well. The freebie bundle is called Flower and Leaf SVGs.  I used the first of the three rolled flowers shown below to add the yellow roses to my project.



I was pleasantly surprised at how easy this project is to put together. It looks very intricate and difficult, but really, it couldn't be easier and goes together rather quickly. 

I love this project so much, I decided to make a second one as a gift for a flower and bird loving family member. Her favorite color is red, so I had fun picking out some poppy paper from the DCWV Garden Charm stack and adding some poppies to the project, also free from the Flower and Leaf bundle.


The patterned paper was too creamy to be a white, but too white to be a true cream color, so I spent some time inking the edges with some Tim Holtz shabby shutters Distress Ink and used a cream colored cardstock for the base pieces. It might not stand out initially, but if you look at the pieces side-by-side below, I think you can see what a difference the inking makes. I love how much depth it can add to projects too.


Last but not least, I added a secret detail to my bird cages because it makes me giggle a little every time I think of it. What do most folks used to line the bottom of their bird cages? If you guessed newspaper, you'd be right!  So I created an extra panel of my own that was cut from some newsprint looking cardstock and added it to the inside. I'd like to think the recipient will like my little joke when they see it too!



Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit Bird's SVGs for some wonderful projects to fit your every need or creative whim. While you're there, you should check out Bird's newsletter too. It's a brand new feature and if you read Bird's latest blog post here you can learn how to receive future coupons and deals just by receiving the newsletter.

Have a happy Valentine's Day! 

20 comments:

  1. You did an outstanding job on your 2nd luminary birdcage! I love your bright papers and flowers and the inking is a perfect touch. Great idea using newsprint cardstock for the inside top base. Your so clever! Super job!

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  2. Why are so many paper packs that funny half way point between white and cream? This idea of inking the edges to make it work is definitely one I'm going to borrow!

    You made me chuckle with your newspaper liner at the bottom of the cage, it's genius and something all bird owners would get a kick from.

    Thank you so much for creating 2 gorgeous bird cages Lee, I love them both. One is soft and pretty and the other is bold and striking :)

    - Bird

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  3. Stunningly love, creative 'additions'! I love Bird's files, too! ;-}

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  4. Very pretty bird cages. I just love bird's files, too! I think I've collected all of them.

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  5. Thank you all for the sweet comments!

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  6. Wow - this is stunning - those flowers really pull the themes off and further show how generous Bird is. I also.love the hidden lovebirds that become apparent when you light up the cage as a lumiere - what a fab touch and one that makes it worthwhile doing the cage for. Love the newspaper reference although at first I did think.of some think that ended in 'it' that one would find at the bottom of a birdcage (four letter word - and don't mean 'grit') lol lol

    Well done - best looking poppies I've seen, and love your paper too.

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  7. GORGEOUS! Not yelling, just really love this! Your colors and papers are perfect and stunning. Can't wait until I can make one or 2 ;-)
    xo Nana

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  8. Is it possible that I used paper that was too thick for the flowers. I like them very much but I'm not succeeded in making them

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    1. Hi Marianne! I used American Craft cardstock for mine, which is actually rather thick compared to some card I've used. I took a large stylus like some use for paper embossing and really 'distressed' the paper pretty well. It added the nice texture and shaping you see. If you zoom in on the picture, you can see where the edges almost seem to be fraying or coming apart a little bit because I kept breaking down the fibers with the stylus. Ultimately, it gave me the look I was going for. I think you can just keep working at it and don't be afraid to distress them too much.

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    2. Thank you so much for you quick reply. I will try it!

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  9. I bought this set but haven't had the confidence to try anything yet. You made these look SO easy yet so elegant, I just may have to break out that Love Bird cage and actually make it! Beautiful project! Christi

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    1. I would definitely give it a shot. Bird has some great tips in her video and this really did go together very easily. That's why I did two and have ideas for more of them. :)

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  10. Beautiful works of art. Thank you for sharing!

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  11. So beautiful!! I love them both but the "nightlight" with the love birds inside is breathtaking and amazing. Thank you so much for sharing these gorgeous creations.

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