Monday, March 10, 2014

HOW TO FEATHER A STORE BOUGHT NEST



Nest are a beautiful part of Spring... and Spring decorating.

What if I could show you how to take a plain and ordinary nest and make it over-the-top fabulous?

I have a formula that will work with almost any nest and a few extra elements!

Here's my secret for feathering a store bought nest...








I am so happy to be a part of...



There is so much Spring inspiration and creativity. And such pretty pictures! Please check out all the posts by my very good blogging friends.....links to each are at the bottom of this post.





Today I'm making a  Forsythia embellished nest. Forsythia are early bloomers around here and are so bright and brambly! 
And faux forsythia are so easy to find at any craft store!


Start with a store bought nest. One that is is the size just a little bigger than your cupped hand  works best.

This nest came with a little moss and a few leaves on it.  But totally plain works just as well.









Add a few thin twigs.  Stick them into the nest and wind them around the outside. Let the ends stick out.

Add a few small sprigs of forsythia. Stick the end of the sprig into the nest to secure it.









Work your way around the nest. Don't add to much. Restraint is important!











I added just a couple of tiny branches of pussy willow to the nest. Keep adding sticks and twigs as you work around the nest.









This picture show the nest with all the sticks, twigs. forsythia and pussy willow in place.










Add a soft bed of moss to the inside of the nest.










Add eggs and fluff the moss.

Aren't these eggs unusual. I got them at one of my favorite local shops. I'm trying to figure out what they are made of, I'l love to do an egg DIY!









That's it! So easy and what a difference!



Now it's your turn! Grab a nest and make it a fabulous spring decoration!


Before...






After...






I decorated this Cherry Blossom nest using the same formula.











Please visit my blogging fiends and their great SIMPLY SPRING posts...


Displaying BOG DOZEN SIMPLY SPRING.png



33 comments:

  1. Very cute, Yvonne! :D I love the pussy willow branches you added, and I have some, so I could probably do this.

    xo,
    RJ

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  2. I used to have pussy willow growing when I lived on the farm. I loved it for floral work. Your nest is delightful.

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  3. How beautiful Yvonne, you always put together such nice things. I admire your ability to create wonderful items.

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  4. Love how you feather your nests Yvonne! Restraint is something I struggle with :)

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  5. You always "feather your nests" so beautifully, whether they are for "birds" or your beautiful home for your family!
    I love how you also add the moss at the bottom of the nest...another great texture and color!...Have a wonderful day and great "partying" with you today!

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  6. Yvonne, those are so pretty and I think I may need to embellish my nests.

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  7. Very pretty Yvonne. I love both the forsythia and the cherry blossom nests. Thanks for the easy tutorial. I actually have a couple real nests that I could spruce up!

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  8. I am a total nest fan and I adore the cherry blossoms!

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  9. You sure DO know how to take it to over the top fabulous! Love it, Yvonne and thanks for the great idea!

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  10. ~Yvonne~

    The nests truly say Spring, very sweet !

    Paula
    IN

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  11. Beautiful! This makes me want to put classical music on the radio, clean my house, and feather a nest!! So pretty!

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  12. I can see some nest embellishment happening soon. They are just beautiful Yvonne.

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  13. Your nests are so beautiful, I covet them in every posting! The personal touches you add makes everything special; thanks for the instructions. Do you have an idea of other locations to purchase lovely small eggs similar to yours?

    Happy Spring!

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    1. I have never seen any eggs like this before. I purchased mine at The Olde Millhouse Shoppes. Here is the link: http://www.oldemillhouse.com/

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  14. I love nests! The next best thing to finding an abandoned one is this! Love the forsythia added - still waiting for the snow to melt so I can clip some of my own!
    Kelly

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  15. Years ago my aunt and I used to save clean, broken eggshells. We broke them into small pieces and glued them to styroform eggs, picture frames, etc. My aunt even covered a wood pocketbook with them. Then gesso (optional) and paint.
    Jo

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  16. I love how you feather your nests my friend. I will have to feather a few of mine too! Such a big difference it makes. Can't WAIT to see you tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXO

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  17. Such beautiful nests!! Love your creative personal touches, Yvonne!

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  18. I love all the personal little touches you add to your home.......especially the nests. This one is just adorable.

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  19. These are gorgeous Yvonne! I'm slightly obsessed with bird nests...such great ideas, I'll be trying this for sure!

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  20. Oh my friend, I ADORE this idea and may have to borrow your cherry blossom nest idea for my mantel. I think forsythia and cherry blossoms are the two silk flowers that look the most realistic. Both nests are fabulous. Thanks for sharing. xxoo, Barb

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  21. Soo soo pretty! I love your nests and how you have styled them perfectly for Spring!

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  22. I am hooked, I'm going to have to belong to Nests Anonymous!

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  23. Love how you added to a plain nest. i have a few of them. Thanks for the ideas.

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  24. Yvonne, your nests are beautiful! You always have the best ideas!

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  25. Yvonne, Nothings says Spring more to me than a cute birds nest. Both of your nest are beautiful.
    xx,
    Sherry

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  26. Where did you purchase the original nests please? These are so lovely.

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    1. Judy, I can't remember. I have so many nest. Probably in a local shop. Sorry, I can't tell you any better!

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  27. Love the way you dressed those sweet nests up Yvonne! My youngest is home sick today and was looking at your post with me and wanted me to tell you the nest with the pink flowers is her favorite...(gorgeous in her words!) :)

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    1. Oh, That made me giggle! How sweet. Hope your little one feels better soon. xo

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  28. Those are the prettiest little nests. So sweet to have here and there for spring! Thanks for sharing!
    Miss Bloomers

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  29. So sweet. Love the pretty bird nests, they make such a pretty display with florals or on their own.
    Vickie @ http://www.blancheandkatedesign.com

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