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

rain and birds

Birds 1

Birds 2 

Birds 4 

Birds 3

It's raining a lot here today so I'm catching up with jobs at home. Thanks for your kind comments re. the Echino fabric and the concert in my last post. If you're looking to buy Echino in NZ, there are helpful links in the comment section here. The concert was amazing! It was great to see Wilco (and the opening act) 'in real life' and be in the big city again. And, their set included this song from Mermaid Avenue which is one of my favourites.

Today I've been looking through my old copy of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden. It began life as her collected writings and drawings organised under the title of Nature Notes for 1906. It's divided into months with beautiful illustrations of birds, plants, wildflowers, etc. I never realised before that she drowned in the Thames, collecting chestnut buds that were a little out of her reach.

The section of autumn months in her book inspired me to get out my watercolour paints, and i made these little bird notecards to send to friends. And a little embroidered robin pin too.

Have a happy weekend.

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28 responses to “rain and birds”

  1. Flying Squirrel Avatar
    Flying Squirrel

    Oh, hello! It looks like you just put this up! I’m enjoying your blog for the first time…just ran across it. Hello from another crafty mama, in Canada!

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  2. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    hello, and welcome, flying squirrel! 🙂

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  3. gardenmama Avatar
    gardenmama

    oh, melissa the concert must have been amazing i can imagine it fueled your creating today not that you ever need creative fuel! But I do love that feeling of creative energy inspiring more creative energy!
    What an amazing book, I have a few vintage bird books as well as prints on our walls. There is something about them I can’t get enough of. Your cards are great!

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  4. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    “California Stars” has always been one of my favorite Wilco songs- it never fails to put me in a good mood. Would love to see it live.
    Spring’s just starting where I live, and it’s good to see a lot of the birds back from their trip south for the winter. I especially love the big fat robins.
    As always, a lovely post, Melissa.

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  5. mon ami Avatar
    mon ami

    I love this book! I came across it at a garage sale last year and felt like I hit the jackpot. I just love her seasonal illustrations and notes mixed in.
    Your paintings and brooch are amazing and do her great justice.

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  6. annri Avatar
    annri

    I only started listening to Wilco a couple of months ago and really like their music; I would love to see them in concert! Thank you for linking to this song, because I’d not heard it yet and am enjoying as I type!
    Your birds are lovely! They grace your notes beautifully. The brooch is sweet; there was such a robin in our yard this morning, I watched her for a long time…

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  7. renee ~ heirloom seasons Avatar
    renee ~ heirloom seasons

    Everything is beautiful, I love your birds, I just made note of the book as it looks just too wonderful!

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  8. Francesca Avatar
    Francesca

    I also just added that book on my wish list. I love your watercolors, and the bird embroidery is amazing. Happy weekend Melissa!

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  9. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    My parents bought Edith Holden’s book when they visited England many years ago and about two years ago, I read each month and it was so wonderful. I love birds!

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  10. louana Avatar
    louana

    What a beautiful book to have. Your bird cards are so great, who wouldn’t want to get a note from you on a card like that. Everytime I see your embroidery I wish I could do some, beautiful work as always.

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  11. lotus Avatar
    lotus

    Yes I was so surprised and pleased to hear California Stars. One of my very favourites. I wished that they had played You and I- very good.
    Glad you enjoyed the show. Was lovely to see you.
    Love the birds- Blue Sky Blue cover design link here too maybe?
    xxx

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  12. Charis Avatar
    Charis

    Oh more gosh… what a beautiful book & a sa story x

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  13. Lovely World Avatar
    Lovely World

    The robin brooch is spectacular. And that bit about Edith Holden drowning in the Thames – I never knew! At least she was doing what she loved, as they say. Have a nice weekend.

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  14. Jacilyn Avatar
    Jacilyn

    What a very beautiful post! Your little bird paintings are just lovely! I’m going to have to look for that Edith Holden book, I want one!

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  15. Andrea Avatar
    Andrea

    I love your sweet little bird paintings.
    I got the pussywillow case I ordered in the mail the other day. I love it. Thank you!!!

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  16. Mary-- The Yellow Door Paperie Avatar
    Mary– The Yellow Door Paperie

    These are so beautiful.

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  17. Mousy Brown Avatar
    Mousy Brown

    I just found a copy of this book at a charity shop for 20p I felt like I had been gifted a real prize – I love how it has inspired you, especially the brooch – really beautiful!

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  18. elmtree Avatar
    elmtree

    I have that book as well, and bedlinen based on her poppies and daisies. I got it for my 21st, still nice from so long ago..
    I love the bird brooch.

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  19. Littleminx.wordpress.com Avatar
    Littleminx.wordpress.com

    You cards are just beautiful – and your handmade (?) stamp is gorgeous

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  20. Lyndy Avatar
    Lyndy

    Love the cards and thanks for the mention.

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  21. caireen Avatar
    caireen

    I have this book! I bought it for my grandma, and when she died I took it back again, to always remind me of her – this does too Xx c

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  22. louise Avatar
    louise

    I love your little bird paintings but I especially LOVE your bird brooches. The one you sent to Gracia has just arrived and it’s gorgeous. Cheers, lj

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  23. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar
    Denise | Chez Danisse

    Oh, you saw Wilco? What fun! I’ve been a fan for a long time. I love your bird cards. I’ve added the book you mentioned to my to-read list. The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady — fabulous title. I can’t believe the way the author died. It brings to mind the number of times I’ve pushed things just a little too far to get what I’ve wanted. I’m lucky to be here…

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  24. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thanks, denise- yes, wilco was great! wish you could have come along too 🙂

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  25. Eyecatchers Avatar
    Eyecatchers

    Just love the little bird paintings – 🙂 and great idea for writing/sending notes on !

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  26. Kristina Avatar
    Kristina

    Oh, I have that book too, delightful illustrations. I was unaware she drowned that way too. K

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  27. Molly Avatar
    Molly

    My mother had that book, and I remember leafing through it for hours, as a child. I also had no idea of her fate. I’m still gasping a little at the thought of it. What loveliness, she left behind. (And what loveliness, your sweet avian postcards!)

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  28. marit Avatar
    marit

    Ah! Lovely birds! Makes me want to take up painting again- haven’t been doing it for years and years and years. Your blog is so beautiful, I love your colourscheme. Hurra for deg.

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