As promised I told you I would tell you how I made my happy birds that I hung on some forsythia branches. I hope the branches bloom, but it may be a little soon to have cut them from outside. I try to bring some forsythia branches in each year and force the flowers. It is such a welcome to spring and it reminds me of my mother.
Here is the book I got the project from. I had seen it on some blogs and when I was setting up my list of books from our book of the month club I saw it and immediately put in in my queue. When it came it was like getting a gift. I was so excited and loved the all the projects.
(You can find this book here)
I have recently been an admirer of the Scandinavian style. I think it is how clean everything looks. All the white and the minimal look of things really resonates with me these days. Having four kids in different activities makes for alot of "stuff". I am constantly decluttering, organizing, weeding, to keep a handle on all the "stuff." Anyhoo...
I started by copying the pattern on freezer paper. I teach a sewing class at my kids elementary school and decided to make the pattern out of plastic. The pattern is easier for the kids to use if it is made out of plastic. I took a plastic container from the recycle and made the 2nd pattern.
Here it is placed on the fabric. I would actually recommend turning the fabric right sides together even before tracing. Just makes it a little easier when it comes time to sew. Trace and cut out.
Next I cut a length of ribbon - or rick-rack in my case to use as a hanger once the bird is done. I have tons of pieces of ribbon, trim, rick-rack and such and a project like this is perfect for the pieces. I adds to the charm using all the different colors.
Remeber to place the ribbon before sewing - yes I had to undo a couple of them to put the ribbon in and restich.
Next stich around using a small seam allowance and leave the tail area open. 
Turn the bird right sides out - I used a chop stick for this. The tail opening is small so a bit of patience is needed for this step and for the stuffing step which is done once the bird is turned right sides out (no picture for that part but it is pretty self explainatory)
Finally, add some tail feathers and topstich the tail together pulling the sides out. This gives the bird a little dimension. Anything can be used for the tail feathers. Here we cut pieces of fabric with rick-rack. On another bird we used bits of ribbon. It would be fun with some feathers as well. 
So, make a bunch of birdies, hang them up and enjoy! We are supposed to get weather in the 60's this weekend - woo-hoo! The bulbs are starting to push us and it feels a little like spring.Have a great day! K
