Birdy Bookends

Its been a LONG time since I posted anything (so much for that New Years resolution) but I had to share there adorable (if I do say so myself) bookends. 

They are from Kaisercraft and are decorated and embellished with papers from Crate Paper.  These have been in my stash for a really long time, just waiting for the perfect project! 

I made these for my niece's birthday and when she opened them, she said to her Mum she didn't know what she had done to deserve such a present! Bless!

I spray painted the bases of these with a white acrylic gloss finish paint
but hand painted the birds and their wings in Folk Art acrylic paint.
I then gave them a couple of coats of a gloss finish varnish. 

To secure the backs and the bases together I first glued them and then hammered a couple of nails through each one to hold them fast.
When it came time to attach the birds to the bases I did the same thing.

I used a small flat head nail that is reasonably thin so that it doesn't split the wood, however you do need to ensure you hammer the nails in perfectly straight, especially when attaching the birds to the bases!
You don't want the nail coming out the side, TRUST ME!!By nailing them together they are really strong and secure and won't be breaking easily!

I love using buttons in the middle of flowers with a bow tied through the middle.
It gives them a nice 3 dimensional finish.

The wings are glued into place with an Epoxy Resin Glue.
 I don't normally use this in crafts but wanted something REALLY strong that I knew would hold fast.
I love how these wings are placed and the contrasting papers, they looks so cute!  

The beaks just had to be yellow.
The colour is a welcome contrast from all the pink and purple and I think it finishes them off nicely.

The eyes are black Kaisercraft adhesive pearls.
I drew on the lashes with a super fine black gel pen (from Kikki k).

How adorable are these two girls!
I'm glad my niece loves them as much as I do!

SUPPLIES USED:

Kaisercraft Bird Bookends

Uhu Glue

Epoxy Resin Glue

Mod Podge Glue

Nails

White Acrylic Spray Paint - Gloss Finish

Folk Art Acrylic Paint - Orchid

Spray Varnish - Gloss Finish

Crate Paper - Katlin Collection Papers and Embellishments

Little Yellow Bicycle - The Escape (yellow paper)

Kaisercraft Pearls - Black 

Black Gel Pen - Super Fine 

Buttons

Cream Cotton Thread - East of India

Hello Summer Drawers

Hi there

It's been FAR too long since I posted anything so it's on the New Years goals list (I'm not really one for resolutions) to become a more regular blogger!

I'm starting the new year with these adorable (if I don't say so myself) drawers that I made recently for a baby girl.

The drawers are from Kaisercraft (of course) and the papers I used to decorate them are Hello Summer by Echo Park. Somewhat appropriate as we suffer through a heat wave here in Australia!

These drawers measure around 12 inches wide by about 9 inches high and would be great for all those little bits and bobs you need in a baby's room. They are even big enough for socks, singlet's and beanies! None of which we need here at the moment!

I sanded and assembled the drawers before painting them with several coats of Jo Sonja Rose Pink paint.  The better the paint the easier the job, so don't go for the cheap and nasty stuff!

Once the paint is dry I sprayed them with a couple of coats of varnish. The papers are all measured and cut (the boring bit) and then glued on with Mod Podge (the fun bit). It dries clear and strong!

Chipboard embellishments add some height and texture to the drawers.

The family these drawers went to are passionate dog owners, so when I heard they were expecting I not only wanted to make drawers for the new baby but knew they had to have a dog on them ... somewhere! 

Thank goodness bubby was a girl as this range worked perfectly for her!

I LOVE this wee guy, he's seriously cute!

The Echo Park stickers are nice and heavy so make an easy embellishment for the ends of the box.

Each drawer is completely covered in paper, both inside and out.

Lining the inside of the drawers not only finishes them off nicely; it also makes them nice and strong.

I was really pleased with the finished result of these drawers!

I think they look absolutely gorgeous and the baby's parents agreed!!