Friday, January 30, 2009

A Different Kind of T-Bird

First of all, thanks to everyone who has visited my blog since I entered the One World, One Heart madness. I am overwhelmed by the response, and am thrilled by all I've seen and the wonderful artists I have met. Remember, to take part in my giveaway, you must comment on my OWOH post, which is just below this one....but don't let that stop you from commenting here too. Love to hear from people!

A month or so ago, while I was following along with Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas, I discovered a yahoo group devoted to Tim's products and techniques. Called, appropriately enough, All Things Tim. I joined, and have since become a fairly active member.

Someone in the group who was lucky enough to do a class with Tim, posted some pictures of the altered bird project they did, and there was an immediate frenzy on the boards. "Where can I get a bird?" "I need one of those birds." "I must have one of those birds." Tim's assistant Mario stepped in, and ONE DAY after I placed my order, my wooden bird was at my door. Hmm..wonder if he flew?

It is your garden variety, sit on a shelf and collect dust tacky painted bird. That's the fun. Take this thing of less than beauty and alter it.

Here is a photo of some of Tim's altered birds. Notice they are all perched on unlikely objects.

Some of the students used things like vintage telephones, which is very cool. I don't have such a phone, or a globe or an old camera. What to use????

Then I was in a discount store and spied a tea pot. That got me thinking. A bird on a tea pot. Huh! A tea bird...A T-bird....and there was born my idea for my T(ea)-Bird. I had a blast doing this project. Don't turn your nose up at those tacky decorative items you see at flea markets. They can be altered and become something quite unique. And here he is:








16 comments:

Dragonlady said...

chicWOman, You do amaze me, T-bird is awesome, very creative idea...
Hugs
Brenda

2 Junkie Girls said...

I love him Eileen!!!! Very cool!

bloubell said...

I love your bird, my decorating scheme in my family room is birds and nests, this is really special. Really unique.

Melissa said...

LOVE IT! You know Pat just gave a great teapot, maybe I should attach a bird to the top too!

AngieHallHaviland said...

OHHHHH Eileen!! These are FABULOUS girl!!! WOW!!

Angie
http://angiehallhaviland.typepad.com/angiesartfulllife/

Rosie said...

Eileen- I love your Tea Bird. You're so freaking talented lady!

Sara Carns said...

Ok, My mom and I want to know, WHERE DO YOU GET THE BIRDS?!?! hahahaha!!! She went to a class with Tim that was AFTER the bird class and was so bummed!!! Thanks a bunch! Oh, and I just found your blog but that hilarious comment you made at weblogs.com, I think, about Paris Hilton's scrapbook line!!!

carrieininwood said...

Congratulations on a great blog site. The bird is delightful and all of your work is creative, aesthetic and unique. What a pleasure that you share it with the world. Can't wait to learn to make ATC's with you tomorrow I believe.

Heidi Bound said...

Eileen,
Once again...another fabulous creation! I love the little bird! I am ADDICTED to anything with wings...

Elena said...

Hey honey!! You did it again! LOVE your bird!!! Isn't Mario the best??????

Ivy said...

Hey Eileen, love your Tea-Bird!!!

Unknown said...

Ooooh I LOVE this!! So cool :)

teri said...

As ever, Eileen, your ideas are amazing and inspiring. This makes me think of the decorated tin horses I've seen outside stores all around New Hope, Pa -- each with it's own theme to match the stores. I guess the bird decorations could each reflect the owner's interests and hobbies. Off to find a bird. (I already dont have enough to do?)

Ann said...

Very cool! You've got me thinking...

Kerin said...

This is very sweet. You recently signed up for our OWOH give away for the mechanical bird house but perhaps you missed a recent post i did that is a mini art show of birds.

http://remnantsofolde.com/2009/01/31/a-love-story/

If you make it by to see it please leave a comment with a link back here! We are continuing to find beautiful artful birds and I'd love you to share yours for everyone to enjoy!!! : )

There are so many bird lovers out here in Blog Land!!!

Kerin
RemnantsOfOlde.com

jayne said...

This is so beautiful! Thank you so much for the great giveaway