I found some great MDF board shapes at Michael's on my shopping day this weekend! My favorite shape was this bird, but they also had a tall narrow crown, a heart, and a graphic person (like on a restroom door sign). I think that was all of the shapes... I can't recall. Maybe there was a guitar too. That sounds familiar. Anyway, I bought the birds, crowns, and hearts. But, the bird is my favorite! What a cute shape, eh? And they're a good price as well -- they come in packages of 12 pre-cut shapes for about $2. And it's not even chipboard! MDF board is much sturdier than chipboard, just as easy to work with (as far as adhesives, sanding, etc) and I was thrilled when my cropodile punched through it without any problems! It was a snap to create the holes I needed for the wire loop.
Cindy Lyles posted a beautiful project recently that reminded me that like Cindy, I also have a "secret" stash of this fantastic Daisy D paper. I bought a few sheets when it was released a few years ago, and afraid I'd never be able to find anything as wonderful to replace it with, I've used very little. (Why do this? ... I'll never be able to explain ... I just do.) I'm still not sure there's a paper I like as much as this series, but I mustered up the strength to use a small bit of it on this project. I think it was worth it!
I used white craft glue to adhere the paper to the bird. Once the glue was dry, I snipped around the shape with my scissors, and then used a sanding file to finish off the edges. I repeated this process to adhere paper to the backside, too. (I used a nice red printed paper from Daisy D that has faint script on it. It might have been from the same paper line, even.)
Once the paper was on both sides and the edges were all sanded smooth, I added ink to the edges using a sponge applicator. I also added some faux stitches around the edges, just for fun. I chose to use seam binding ribbon from Martha Stewart (also from Michael's), along with some vintage mother of pearl buttons and hemp twine. I added a tin heart, since the wood shape really didn't have a wing. I created one with the heart!
I added a twisted wire hanger, complete with jingle bell embellishment! I'm going to hang this cutie in my kitchen!
lol.. this is so cute! Great minds.. right? lol
Posted by: Vicki Chrisman | February 21, 2009 at 05:16 PM
This makes me wish I had kept all my crafting stuff - I gave all of it away when I realized that I was just into card making - but now paper crafting is swinging back to the stuff I use to use all the time. Oh well if I had kept it all - I would have had to bought a house just to keep my crafting stuff in - LOL! Beautiful project!
Posted by: Jennifer Bradley | February 20, 2009 at 07:48 PM
Oh my! This is fabulous Anna! What a sweet bird! I'll have to check Mike's for some of these cutouts! I'm the same way about paper! I'm afraid to use it...lol! This is a beautiful print and I love the wood grain in the background! Thanks a bunch for sharing with us! :D
Posted by: Kimberly Gajewski | February 19, 2009 at 06:00 AM
Oh, shoot. Meant to also say that this project is GAAAAAAW-JUS, girlie! And our Starlit inspires me, too!
Posted by: juliehrr | February 18, 2009 at 12:54 PM
*chuckle* I often think immediately of you, when I see purdee papers such as those by Daisy D! Then, I sigh, and feel all happy. And, I buy it. And I horde it. And sigh again. ROTFLMBO! *chinkle* Love-love you, Anna!
Posted by: juliehrr | February 18, 2009 at 12:53 PM
A fellow paper hoarder! hee!!!! I covet that Daisy D paper you introduced me to way back when - I absolutely LOVE it - design/weight/everything. LOVE YOUR BIRDIE!!! You have such amazing style and approach everything with such grace!!
Posted by: Cindy Lyles | February 18, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Great project, love it! I understand compleatly, I too hoard paper, I can not explain it either.
Posted by: Angela K | February 18, 2009 at 09:34 AM
This is incredible, Anna!! Beautiful paper and I love that wire!
Posted by: Amy Sheffer | February 18, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Oh MY!!! This is adorable....I always love the "other" projects you come up with...always so beautiful & creative!
Posted by: Michelle (MilwaukeeMommy on SCS) | February 18, 2009 at 06:50 AM
What a Fabulous and Super Cute project!! I love the paper you've used!!
Posted by: Ila | February 17, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Way cute, Anna! I love your projects! Great job creating a wing out of the tin heart.
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | February 17, 2009 at 08:49 PM
Ahhhh! This little bird is the cutest! I hope she flies my way someday! Thanks so much for sharing her with us!
Posted by: Susan | February 17, 2009 at 08:20 PM
This is just super cute! Again with the buttons! Love the simple touches you add to your projects that really make them "you"!
Posted by: Danielle | February 17, 2009 at 07:42 PM
ooo' I saw these at Michael's yesterday and picked them up, put them back, picked them up, and then put them back because my alterable supplies (ModPodge, etc) are packed away. Silly me for not just buying them anyway. dang, but this is CUTE!
Posted by: Carol (HB) | February 17, 2009 at 06:28 PM
I just love your little "ornaments". Each one is just so special!! And this guy is awesome!!
~Lacey
Posted by: Lacey Stephens | February 17, 2009 at 05:44 PM
How sweet! I love that paper too and have some in my stash.
Posted by: Debbie Fisher | February 17, 2009 at 04:58 PM
I love your bird decoration! Gorgeous work again! You amaze me!
Posted by: Crissy | February 17, 2009 at 04:16 PM
I adore this project! I have this paper and am hoarding it as well. Is it true that Daisy D's is no more? I keep hearing that and I just can't wrap my mind around how such a thing could happen!!
Posted by: Carla Mayfield | February 17, 2009 at 04:02 PM
Anna, this is wonderful. You continue to amaze me with your visions. You have such a knack for stacking various bits together and creating masterpieces. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Sandy Hulsart | February 17, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Really love this bird - I actually thought that you stamped those faint images on the paper when I first looked at it! You are such an enabler because now I'm going to have to go to Michaels and try some on my own.
Posted by: Erika M | February 17, 2009 at 01:24 PM
ANNA! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your bird!!! How cute...it's just perfect! The paper is fantastic, and the way you decorated it is awesome...what great colors! You found some great things in town! Can't wait to see more! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | February 17, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Love the Birds--birds are just one of the hottest things going right now. Very, very cute. Thanks for sharing where you got these. It's off to Michaels to give a look see.
Posted by: Darlene L | February 17, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Great find w/great results! I have that paper also & love it!
Posted by: Linda C. | February 17, 2009 at 12:17 PM
That is the cutest bird! I have that very same paper hidden away somewhere, so I think it's something that all papercrafters do from time to time. I just do it too much of the time! LOL
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | February 17, 2009 at 11:58 AM
This is totally adorable!!! I must make a trip to Michael's soon!! I always enjoy my visits to your blog!!
Posted by: Karen Lee | February 17, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Love that bird! I will have to go back to Michaels now and check them out. Thanks for the idea!
Posted by: Katie W | February 17, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Hi Anna!! I love these birds too. I bought the birds and the hearts while I was at Michael's.. I posted the heart a bit ago as a magnet... I love this paper as well... I will have to see what paper I have to make my birdie look half as good as yours.
Janine
Posted by: Janine | February 17, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Hi, my name is Kerry and I'm a paper hoarder. I think we need a 12 step program. One thing I have started doing with paper that I'm afraid I'll never be able to replace is to scan it. Printing it out doesn't always produce and exact replica though but it's better than not having it at all. Now if I could just force myself to use the originals!
Posted by: Kerry from PA | February 17, 2009 at 10:44 AM
I ahve been following your blog for about 6 months now...you are such an inspiration!! I have seen sooo many wonderful ideas, you are a crafter after my own heart. I also love it when you post pic's of life on the farm ( chicken's ,cows, etc.). I don't usually post a comment, but I felt like I needed to let you know how wonderful it is to read your blog each day. Thanks again, Leslie in North Carolina
Posted by: Leslie | February 17, 2009 at 10:33 AM
MMMMM... that is so cute... I bet it will look awesome in your kitchen. Maybe you should make one though to gussy up Tiny Tim's abode. Might remind him of his momma (well besides you!)...
Diane
Posted by: Diane Cooper | February 17, 2009 at 09:20 AM
This is so pretty! I love Daisy D's, too, and tend to hoard it. You can bet I'll be looking for wooden shapes next time I go to Michaels!
Posted by: Jessica Canham | February 17, 2009 at 09:00 AM
This is adorable! I can see why you were hoarding that paper. Love it!
Posted by: Beth M | February 17, 2009 at 08:49 AM
Cute Chickie, Chickie! I gawk over at Starlit Studio, too, and Cindy does a great job of adding "Anna Flavor" to some of her projects. Must say that I do like those silhouette stamps. First saw them at Tosha's place and thought ~ hot dang! can that cowboy be far behind?
Posted by: nise | February 17, 2009 at 08:33 AM
I love all of your chickies!! This is a really cute fun one. TFS!
Posted by: Becki B (queenoe) | February 17, 2009 at 08:30 AM
You always do such an amazing job with these! I can totally see why you were hoarding this paper. I'm sure I would do the same. Hope it looks great in your kitchen.
Chris
Posted by: Chris Hauck | February 17, 2009 at 07:43 AM
Very Cute1 Love the way you used the heart for a wing!
Posted by: Peggy S from Ohio | February 17, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Oh is this ever darling, I totally Love it!!
Posted by: Conniecrafter | February 17, 2009 at 07:07 AM
I've already been to Michael's the past two days in a row. Looks like I need to make a 3rd trip! Too stinkin' cute . . . as always :0)
Posted by: Randee | February 17, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Anna, I wish I could go shopping with you or at least just your eye (for possibilities)! I would have walked right by this bird and you've turned it into a great piece of art. I absolutely love it. I'm going to have to slow down and pay more attention when I'm out in the craft shops.
Posted by: Jean C. (naturecoastcrafter) | February 17, 2009 at 06:49 AM
This chick is adorable and I am just like you - I have this same Daisy D line of paper and love it. I have used it and don't have much left. I made an adorable chipboard book of some of my daughter's college years with it and gave it to her for her birthday last year. (by the way, she has the same birthday as you Anna). I guess I was able to use it because I knew I could see the paper again if I want to! Wish they'd put that line back out.
Posted by: Ann C. | February 17, 2009 at 06:22 AM
Wow, that came out gorgeous!! Love the heart and red bow - a perfect finishing touch.
Posted by: Cindy H. | February 17, 2009 at 06:07 AM
What a cute little bird! And beautiful paper, it was worth the wait to use it. I understand what you mean, because I also buy the paper and then don't want to use it and run out of it. :)
Posted by: Carmen | February 17, 2009 at 05:43 AM
Very sweet little bird - I just might have to go see if my Michael's has them!!! :)
Posted by: Marie | February 17, 2009 at 04:54 AM
Very cute. Love the dp too. Your ideas always interest me.
Posted by: Linda Palmer | February 17, 2009 at 04:51 AM
This is soooo cute! I love your country creations!
Posted by: Julie Campbell | February 17, 2009 at 04:32 AM
Hang on. Need to get myself off the floor and back into my chair..... okay, next time you decide to knock me off my chair with your artwork like that, uh, a little warning, please?
Posted by: Gabriela Divine | February 17, 2009 at 03:49 AM
This is adorable, Anna!
Posted by: Kittie | February 17, 2009 at 03:23 AM
Anna,I think I need to run to Michaels and pick up a few of these. The bird is oh so sweet.
I love the rustic look and seem to believe even I can do this.
Posted by: Sherry Eckblad | February 17, 2009 at 03:02 AM
Anna what a cool project! I love to make one....just curious where do you buy your tin hearts?? I have not seen those in Michaels.
Posted by: Nancy Panko | February 17, 2009 at 02:16 AM
I was just at Michaels today. Darn. Looks like I'm going back tomorrow! This is just wonderful. And, may I ask, where do you get the rusty/rustic wire?
Posted by: Lisa | February 17, 2009 at 12:29 AM
Hey Anna .... These wooden shapes are so sweet :) They certainly don't look like wood and paper ~ they look like they are fluffy and stuffed with something soft :)
And I'm really REALLY loving all this wire work you are doing lately ~ makes the project rustic and unique ~ just like you, my little Cluck Cluck :)) heheheheee
Posted by: Robb_eeie | February 16, 2009 at 11:23 PM
This bird is just adorable and just love the paper you used. I just love yourcreative style.
Posted by: StampinCathy | February 16, 2009 at 10:48 PM