Make a lovely wreath using birds nests!
I have a serious fascination with all things avian. Everything about them is beautiful to me: feathers, eggs, and nests. I have also been a lifelong lover of nature and have always collected natural items like rocks, feathers, pinecones, robins egg shells, bugs, and nests. So, if you’re like me, what do you do with your abundance of beautiful and natural treasures? In this case, I made a wreath to display my collection of birds nests!
Finished wreath
Before we get started, I want to acknowledge that some species of birds do in fact reuse their nests from year to year, and though a nest seems like a simply crafted object to us, it represents a great deal of toil for a bird. When selecting nests for this project, please ensure your nests are truly abandoned before removing them. You can also use man-made nests found at your local craft shop. It has taken me a few years and help of family and friends to collect enough nests for this project. My finished wreath is about 20 inches in diameter and uses 12 nests of various sizes. One of these nests is very special to me; a bird made it out of the mane and tail hair from my horse Doc, who we lost in 2008.
Also, if you are at all concerned about any creepy crawlies that may be lurking on your nests, simply put your collection in a plastic bag, tie it up, and pop it in the freezer for about a week.
This is a simple project that you can in 30 minutes or less!
You will need a few tools:
• A wire or grapevine wreath base
• Enough nests to go around your base
• Florists’ wire
• Wire cutters
• Hot glue (optional)
• Spray shellac or sealer of your choice
• Plastic to cover your work area in if you are making this project indoors, since you will lose little pieces of nest here and there
Grapevine wreath base
I chose a grapevine wreath base that I purchased at my local craft store; it is about 20 inches in diameter.
Thread wire through nests & secure.
Start by cutting your florists wire long enough to go around your base, with enough extra to twist the wire together in the back to secure it. Then, push the wire through the nest and secure it to the wreath base. If you would like, you can use hot glue to place the nest on the base and then secure it with wire. Continue attaching each nest individually until you complete the wreath.
Trim the excess wire
Trim the excess wire on the back of the wreath with wire cutters.
Finish by spraying the wreath with 3-4 coats of shellac or your choice of clear sealer.
Your wreath is ready to hang and enjoy! You can display this wreath indoors or outdoors, though I recommend keeping it indoors or hung in a covered place such as a porch to prevent the weather from damaging it.
Have fun creating!
Rachel is a gardener, beekeeper, wife & mother of three wild and crazy boys, and lover of all things homesteading. Visit greenpromisegrows.com to see more!
