Day 4 - Twelve Days of Christmas Share-a-ton

Day 4 - Bird Ornament

Good evening everyone - Tonight, as part of my Twelve Days of Christmas Share-a-thon, I will be sharing instructions for a cute little bird ornament. 

This pattern is very versatile, and you can make your bird as Prim or as Fancy as you wish.  For my tutorial purposes, I chose to make a fancy bird...but it would look equally good stained with coffee with a twine or cheesecloth 'ribbon' around his neck.  This ornie is quick and easy...if you make one I'd love to see a picture!  For this little bird, who is about 6" long, you will need the following:

one fat quarter of fabric

fiberfill

2 - 4 mm black beads for eyes

2 small buttons to coordinate with your fabric

ribbon, garland or twine for the neck tie

Fold your fabric with right sides together.  On back of fabric, trace the bird and wing patterns.  Do NOT cut out, but sew the entire way around the tracing line.  Once all pieces are sewn, cut out pieces.  You will now need to make a small slit in one side of the bird, as indicated on the pattern.  Be careful not to slit both sides.  Turn bird right side out, being certain to use a small pointed object to completely turn the beak and tail areas.  Stuff the bird firmly and slip stitch the opening closed.  Take the sewn wing pieces and make a slit in one side of each, making certain to do opposite sides, so you wings will fit correctly.  Double check before you cut! Turn and press, do not stuff. 

Pin the wings to either side of the bird, with slits facing toward the bird, being sure to cover the slit in the side of the bird as well. When you are happy with the placement, take a doubled length of coordinating thread and a long needle and sew the buttons onto the sides of the wings, running the thread through the entire bird body a couple of times.  Knot the thread in between the bird body and one of the wings, so the threads don't show.  Sew on the beads for eyes and add a hanging cord or ribbon to the top of bird.  Decorate as you wish....it's that simple.  

You can hang these on your tree, from a garland, sit them in some greenery or tie them to a gift....the possibilities are endless!  They are so easy you can make an entire flock in no time!

As an added surprise, at the end of my Twelve Days of Christmas, I will be having a giveaway for those who read my  Share-a-thon posts and comment each day.  This giveaway is a special THANK YOU for those of you who are faithful followers...perhaps I will give some hints along the way...you never know!  Well, Santa's little helper is off to do some more crafting.  Have a lovely evening.  See you tomorrow!