Trendy Tuesday – Birds

Trendy Tuesday – Birds
By Colleen Harshaw

Birds are a trend that have been around in the paper crafting world for a very long time.  It is one of those trends that has kept its popularity and as a result, has been able to stand the test of time.  There are a few different ways that I like to categorize the different types of birds that are a part of this enduring trend.  First there are the owls.  Owls have been so popular that they kind of deserve a category of their very own.  They have also been the subject of a trend article here at the Paper Crafters Library in the past.  Next we have what I refer to as the ‘elegant’ birds.  You know the ones…they are the bird images that actually look like real birds.  They are used in Victorian era themed projects and on wedding layouts.  Lastly, there are what I refer to as the ‘cutsie’ birds.  They are the birds that have a cartoon-ish look about them and they are often found coupled with captions such as ‘Happy Bird-day’.  You will see examples of both the ‘elegant’ birds and the ‘cutsie’ birds on the projects and products below.  I have decided to leave the owls to themselves because, as I mentioned, they have already had an entire article written all about them!

This first sample product is a digital scrapbooking kit.  I cannot emphasize enough the ENDLESS number of choices of bird themed digital products that are available.  Those of you who are fans of digital scrapbooking will have no shortage of bird themed choices for your projects.  All it takes is a google search of ‘scrapbooking birds’ and then click on images.  There are hundreds of them!  The sample that I have chosen to share caught my eye because of the colour palette and the title.  It is a 33 piece kit called Love Birds.

Love Birds Digital Kit
www.pixelbooking.com

Next I have some 12 x 12 double sided paper to share with you from Echo Park.  These little birdies definitely fall into the ‘cutsie’ category!  Aren’t they sweet?  That is coming from a person who has completely resisted this whole bird trend since its infancy.  I just couldn’t get on board with it, but I do admit to liking this adorable paper.

Echo Park – Hello Summer Collection – 12 x 12 double sided paper
www.scrapbook.com

This next item is a 12 x 12 double sided paper by 7 Gypsies called Off the Wall.  There are many, many bird themed papers available, this is just one example which is slightly less ‘cutsie’ than the Echo Park sample above.

7 Gypsies Off the Wall double sided paper – 12 x 12 – birds
www.bluemoonscrapbooking.com

This next product is a template by Crafters Workshop.  It measures 6 x 6 inches and can be used with many different mediums such as: mist, ink, paint, chalk, charcoal or coloured pencil.

Crafters Workshop Template – Birds – 6 x 6
www.bluemoonscrapbooking.com

The next item in the line up is a bird punch by McGill.  The punch is a lever punch which is designed to allow you to layer the wings and even punch them in a different colour of paper.

Bird punch by McGill
www.allwomenstalk.com

This next punch is an edge punch by Martha Stewart.  Edge punches are also very popular right now…so combine an edge punch and birds, and you have a winner!

Birds on a Wire Edge Punch – Martha Stewart
www.scrapbook.com

Next I have a die cutting template to share with you.  I have to preface this once again by saying that there are a TON of different die cutting templates available in bird themes.  Almost every company that manufactures dies has one.  I saw several options from both Sissix and Spellbinders.  There are also numerous embossing folders available too.  I found at least four different embossing folder options from Sissix Textured Impressions alone!  This particular template is a bit unique because it is a caged bird.

Sissix Bigz Die – Tim Holtz Alterations Collection – Caged Bird
www.scrapbook.com

Now lets move on to some inspiration!

This first 12 x 12 layout is entitled ‘Early Bird’.  I have an early bird in my house too.  This would be an appropriate page to make for my eleven year old son, Noah!  The page features the artist’s early bird daughter in a cute and whimsical way.

Early Bird Layout by Adriana Puckett
www.debbiehodge.com

This next 12 x 12 layout is a digital layout.  All the products used are from Designer Digitals.  I love the cool colour palette, the layering and the subtle use of the birds on the right hand side.  Super sweet.

Everyday Memories layout by mamabean379
www.twopeasinabucket.com

Another big trend that we have talked about here at PCL are Project Life inspired albums.  This next layout is a great example of a Project Life page which includes memories of a pregnancy.  See those tiny birds the artist used in the middle…over by the title?  Subtle but also super sweet.

Project Life layout – Week 24 by tracermajig
www.twopeasinabucket.com

Now I have a couple of cards to share with you.  This first sample falls into my ‘cutsie’ category.  With its ‘Happy Bird-day’ sentiment, it could be appropriate for almost anyone.

Card by kimbermcgray
www.twopeasinabucket.com

Next is a more ‘elegant’ card sample.  The subtle colours combined with the roses and pearls give the card less of a ‘cutsie’ vibe.  Although, this card still shares the ‘Happy Bird-day’ sentiment with the sample above.

Card by Barbara Anders for mftstamps.com
www.twopeasinabucket.com

Next we have this super creative three dimensional project.  It is a bird box created using a Silhouette die cutting machine.  The colour reminds me of the Angry Birds video game that my kids love to play.  This little red bird could go a long way if you were planning an Angry Birds themed birthday party, don’t you think?

Bird box by Michele Kovack
www.chelemom.blogspot.com

The last project that I have to share is another three dimensional project.  This one is a fall wreath, topped with a bird.  In this case the bird was die cut using the Picturesque cartridge from Close to My Heart.

Fall Wreath by dennycakes
www.scrapbook.com

I hope all of these lovely project samples have given you some inspiration!  I cannot stress how many options there are available to you on the market if you are a fan of this bird trend.  The possibilities really are endless!

Until next time, happy crafting!