tiny happy

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‘tiny happy’ was a journal of my handmade life from 2006-2025.

bird miniatures

Birds 2

Birds 3

Birds 1

Birds 5

Birds 4 

I've made a few avian-inspired things this week: brooches with embroidered birds and a feather locket. The brooches/pins were made by working tiny applique stitches onto layers of wool felt. The embroidered linen was kindly sent to me by Beryl, and was originally used as table linen, but the fabric was very worn and discoloured so I felt okay about cutting into it and rescuing the sweet embroideries.

The children found the discarded bird's nest on a walk the other day
and we've placed it in our garden. I love the way that moss and leaf
matter as well as random bits of litter are woven tightly together. The
base of the nest has feathers and what looks like lint from a dryer. Those birds are amazing textile artists.

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26 responses to “bird miniatures”

  1. renee ~ heirloom seasons Avatar
    renee ~ heirloom seasons

    Everything is sweet and beautiful, there is just so much to love about birds!

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  2. Margaret Oomen Avatar
    Margaret Oomen

    birds are architects, fiber and ephemeral artists and insulation experts all in one.
    I just adore those bird pins.

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  3. Lovely World Avatar
    Lovely World

    Birds are so important to me. I love much about them – feathers, flight, colors, song, amazing architecture. They are all around during my walks in the woods, as well as when I simply look out my window. Thanks for a lovely post.

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  4. annri Avatar
    annri

    the bird brooches are lovely!
    sometimes if i’m doing needlework outdoors, i’ll leave a few bits of thread/yarn just in case a bird might like some extra insulation.

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  5. elmtree Avatar
    elmtree

    Gorgeous brooches, I hope you keep one for yourself.
    Very nice to get such lovely embroideries, even though the fabric was damaged.
    I see nothing wrong with cutting it up. And also with whole pieces, if it will only lie in a drawer as a doilie, why not re-purpose it and let it see daylight and be admired.
    There are millions of doilies out there.

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  6. Jenny Lee Fowler Avatar
    Jenny Lee Fowler

    Do you know the book “And So They Build?” about 12 natural architects. It’s a favorite in this house. In such awe of your tiny lovely stitches…

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  7. Sally Avatar
    Sally

    Wow. Such pretty pretty things. Yes, I am a fan of birds too. I tend to draw them a lot! I went to a friends birthday dinner the other day – she has a fear of birds – I decided not to give her one of my artworks 😉
    Love your brooches and the nest, and the book. All lovely!

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  8. Anna Emilia Avatar
    Anna Emilia

    Very pretty. Hopefully one day another bird finds to that nest in your garden.

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  9. julie Avatar
    julie

    Beautiful, Melissa. Birds are extraordinary creatures.

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  10. louana Avatar
    louana

    I love the brooches! I’m so jealous you found a nest, Eloise and I have been searching for a very long time to find one. Her nana has one and she really wants one of her own, so the search is on. Love the locket too!

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  11. Karina Avatar
    Karina

    I like the brooches love the embroidery; lucky you being sent such a nice piece of linen :-).
    (it seems to be the time to find nests).

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  12. caireen Avatar
    caireen

    lovely post & nest – I read somewhere recently about a bird (was it a wren?) where the male has to make several nests for the female to chose the one she likes! very pretty embroideries… Cx

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  13. Mammafelice Avatar
    Mammafelice

    One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m serious!

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  14. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    wow- thank you!

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  15. victoria Avatar
    victoria

    Oh I am so into those bird badges – absolutely lovely wonderful way to use those old embroideries. Beautiful.

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  16. allison Avatar
    allison

    hi-i’ve been reading your blog for quite a while but don’t know if i’ve commented before. i thought it was high time that i let you know just how much i enjoy stopping by. i love seeing what you’ve been seeing–the flowers or birds’ nests. and i love to see how that has inspired you to craft. your posts always make me happy. thank you!
    beautiful brooches!

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  17. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    I love the bird brooches, very nice. You have the greatest ideas.

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  18. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    oh, my, you have really outdone yourself! and that is really saying something!

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  19. Santa Avatar
    Santa

    Beautiful, beautiful brooches. Couldn’t resist and bought one :))

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  20. katylou Avatar
    katylou

    i love the linen bird brooches! the shapes you chose are just so appealing. really delightful.

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  21. beryl Avatar
    beryl

    Great to see what good use you have put to my finds Melissa. I haven’t stopped looking for you but seeing such lovely creations inspires me to look even harder! Thank you for wonderful re-incarnations of old pieces – I love how you have used them.

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  22. andrea gutierrez Avatar
    andrea gutierrez

    that little locket has stolen my heart…

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  23. Clare Avatar
    Clare

    Those little badges are incredibly intricate. I love that you managed to make something great out of a something which couldn’t be used anymore.

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  24. jokemijn Avatar
    jokemijn

    the brooches are wonderful!

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  25. wybrow1966 Avatar
    wybrow1966

    I have just come across your web page through these beautiful brooches – look forward to reading more.

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  26. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    hi there, thanks for this message! all the best,
    melissa

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