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

dress-up wings

Wings

Wings 1 

(first photo by steve visneau)

I designed these dress-up wings for the 'small project' section of small magazine, summer 2010 edition. This free magazine went live today- you can read it here. I was pretty excited to be asked to submit a project, as i've loved this magazine for a long time. There are always many pages of lovely photographs, ideas, artwork and general eye-candy.

These wings were first made for Keira as part of a dress-up costume. She wanted to 'be an insect' one day, so I made these and she fluttered around the house in her leotard and tights (her 'insect-body', of course.) I used an old, worn linen table cloth to make hers, but you could experiment with different fabrics for different looks. (Arlo asked for black bat-wings.) You can make your own pair of wings by following the directions and downloading the pattern here. 

Have a happy weekend- see you again on Monday…

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31 responses to “dress-up wings”

  1. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    congratulations. what a wonderful project and in such a lovely publication!

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  2. Denise | Chez Danisse Avatar
    Denise | Chez Danisse

    Just took a quick flip through the magazine and I’m kind of wishing I was small : )

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  3. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    What a terrific project!!
    Does the ‘figure-eight elastic’ slip onto each arm like bra straps or fasten some other way in the back?

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  4. tinyhappy Avatar
    tinyhappy

    thanks, heather!
    yes, the figure-eight elastic just slips on like a backpack.. sort of.. 😉

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  5. Margaret Oomen Avatar
    Margaret Oomen

    such a beautiful project
    my children used to love to flutter about with their wings

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  6. Holly C. Avatar
    Holly C.

    What a clever project. Wish I would have had those when I was little:)

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  7. FaerySarah Avatar
    FaerySarah

    oh my goodness!!!!! I LOVE THESE!

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  8. Desiree Fawn Avatar
    Desiree Fawn

    Wow!! I will definitely be making a pair of these for my daughter — just fabulous!

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  9. Shalet Avatar
    Shalet

    What a fun project! My girls would love these. And congratulations on the publication!

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  10. Jodz Avatar
    Jodz

    Very, very cool.My little girls would have a ball in them. I might have to get sewing.

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  11. Funky Mommy Avatar
    Funky Mommy

    So…cute…congrats and thanks for sharing!

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  12. Ravenhill Avatar
    Ravenhill

    They are so pretty Melissa! What a good idea and pattern. Congratulations!!
    hugs from emily xo

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  13. k Avatar
    k

    those are so neat! congrats on the magazine spot.

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  14. Francesca Avatar
    Francesca

    So beautiful! Keira must have been the prettiest insect! Congratulations on the publication Melissa!

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  15. caireen Avatar
    caireen

    that’s such a lovely photograph! I hope these kids continue to wear their wings into adulthood, that would be a hoot to see… Cxx

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  16. louana Avatar
    louana

    So beautiful, I have a little “insect” that would love a pair. I picked up a pretty vintage tablecloth this week – perfect!
    Hope the sun is out in Nelson for the long weekend. xx

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  17. ~Heather Avatar
    ~Heather

    Now the question is: can I put a pair of these together in time for a 4 year old’s birthday present tomorrow?!
    These are really lovely and thanks for the idea of a ‘boy’ version as well, this pattern has SO much potential!

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  18. Amy Avatar
    Amy

    Perfect! My daughter has been talking about being a bat for halloween and now I have a place to start.

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  19. J. Marie Avatar
    J. Marie

    I love this! It’s definitely going on my list of projects…
    I might even make some for myself. 🙂 I could stand to do a bit of fluttering about, I think…

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  20. Aerussell.wordpress.com Avatar
    Aerussell.wordpress.com

    Oh how lovely! I would have adored these as a kid!
    Actually… I think I’d still adore them now. 🙂

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  21. Littleminx.wordpress.com Avatar
    Littleminx.wordpress.com

    what a lovely idea – thanks for sharing the pattern. Happy long weekend to you x

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  22. natalie Avatar
    natalie

    beautiful wings! I love your lovely photos. Do you know Elsa Beskow’s books… I think of her work when I see your photos… both so inspiring:)
    Cheers.

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  23. Heart Felt Avatar
    Heart Felt

    Oh Melissa, I love theses…..Miss Sadie would love them even more…great idea. xx

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  24. kristina reynders Avatar
    kristina reynders

    Hi Melissa,
    Those wings are just lovely, it makes one to want to fly :-).
    I like your webblog very much!
    Bye, Kristina

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  25. povertyjane Avatar
    povertyjane

    oh Melissa, what a ingenious idea! You never cease to rock my world!

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  26. Jannette Avatar
    Jannette

    They’re great! (my attempt involved coathangers and netcurtains…; try imagining that!)

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  27. forestblue factory Avatar
    forestblue factory

    Dear Melissa, this is the sweetest little thing ever, I love the photo, I can imagine how special it feels to wear these wings when you’re a child 🙂

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  28. Cinnamon Avatar
    Cinnamon

    Wow! Those are so lovely, better than the netting stretched over wire version. I think my little one would love a pair, and I’ll just have to make a matching pair for myself 🙂

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  29. itto Avatar
    itto

    I love the pattern. thanks for the inspiration Melissa. I recently posted about our bird-wings-doing and learning, but we did them out of cardboard…
    blessings to you!

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  30. Regina Avatar
    Regina

    I love these wings – the photo is beautiful!

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  31. Cassi Avatar
    Cassi

    So sweet – I’ll be featuring this on The Crafty Crow soon!

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