:: recycled newspaper birds

Here it is as promised,

my newest little holiday craft.

RECYCLED NEWSPAPER BIRDS

I thought these would be cute either on the tree....

or used as gift tags for presents...

 

they are really super easy & fun to make.

SUPPLIES:

pen or pencil

newspaper

scissors

embroidery floss

embroidery needle

hole punch

jute twine

cereal box 

bird silhouettes

DIRECTIONS:

1. Find  or draw a bird silhouette that you can use as a template & determine the size you want

TIP:  my birds are 6" & 8" wide 2 up on and 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper

2. Cut out paper silhouette & trace onto cereal box & cut out {this will be your template}

3. Take a sheet of newspaper fold it in half and trace your bird template then cut out your bird

4.  Thread your embroidery needle with 3 strands of floss about 22" long tie a good size knot in the end

5. Begin sewing the two pieces of newspaper together using a simple running stitch

TIP: begin stitches on the bottom of the bird leaving a 2" opening for stuffing 

6.  Shred up some more newspaper & scrunch up to make stuffing

7. Stuff your bird using the shredded newspaper & pen or scissors to push into smaller openings 

8. Once stuffed to desired puffiness, finish sewing closed & finish with a knot

9. Take your hole punch...find a good center point for hanging and punch a hole for your twine hanger.

EASY PEASY....

Now that you've got your first one done,

you can go into production mode as my mother calls it.

You can make more folds in your newspaper to cut out more silhouettes at a time.

If you really want to get speedy, you could sew your birds on a sewing machine...

but I much prefer the hand sewing, I think it lends to a simple rustic look.

So what do you think?

Do you like my little birdies?

Sorry my pictures are a little lackluster, 

it was another rainy gloomy day here...not great for photos.

{peace, love & hugs}

Carrie

Joining the Party @

At the Picket Fence

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