Gearing Up for Birdsong IV

I'll be heading to Lawrence, Kansas later this week to shop and attend Birdsong IV in the amazing studio of Karla Nathan. If you've been reading my blog for at least a year you may remember all the fun of Birdsong III. You can see photos here, here and here.

Birdsong IV includes two classes with Karla, one with Lori Oles, and one with Andrea Singarella. Karla and Lori taught wonderful projects last year and will again this year. I've always admired Andrea's work and look forward to making a beautiful bracelet as her project.

I'm in two swaps this year. The first is a one-on-one banner swap so I'll be showing photos of my creation and the banner I receive after I return. The other is a altered bottle swap. We aren't partnered for this one, so I can show you what I created.

When I found two small metal trays (probably ashtrays) earlier this year I knew I wanted to use them as frames. My altered bottle design began with this vintage postage stamp and one of the trays. I used Glossy Accents to set the stamp and the rhinestones.

I added a knob backing plate at the top, backed it with lace, velvet ribbon and feathers from my neighbor's guinea hens. I added a silvered knob at the top and tied seam binding, lace and ribbon around that. An embellished key and a bird charm were the final elements.

The back has a lace applique. If the recipient doesn't like the over-the-top look of the front, they can display the back.

This was my first altered bottle and I rather like how it turned out. I hope whoever receives it feels the same!

I'll have more on Birdsong next week. Hope you'll check back then!