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BRING THE WILD INSIDE: Birds and Feathers

SAVE IT ALL

Birds are beautiful creatures.  Their meat and plumage has been enjoyed in a variety of ways over the years.   Gamebirds and their feathers offer limitless decor and entertaining opportunities; not only are they appetising on the dinner plate, but look just as pretty surrounding the plate, on the table, on the mantle, bookcase or wreath.  I wish to inspire you or your hunting partner to bring ALL the birds and feathers home from the field and into the house.  DON’T THROW ANYTHING AWAY!

AND BRING THE WILD INSIDE!

 

photo: biancasnow.com

I save all the feathers, wings, bird bands and tail feathers.  This year I am trying my hand at saving the whole pheasant for a hanging still life. Eldena Stearns at Santa Anna Hunting Preserve beautifully skinned 5 of my pheasants.  I brought them home and prepared them for drying.

 

This is the look I am hoping for when my pheasants are ready.
photo: scotslarder.blogspot.co.uk

MAKE A DISPLAY- BOOKCASE, MANTLE OR TABLE

I like to make theme related vignettes like on my mantle below.  I have the perfect base for a bird theme, my Audubon print Mississippi Kites and my clock featuring huntress Diana with her gamebirds.  Then I just started adding from there with color, texture and feathers, eggs, skulls and even a nest that recently blew down in a storm.

Add a little of the absurd in your vignette  – the leaves, twigs and nest from outside with some sparkling crystal or shiny silver – worn leather books.

a nice contrast in texture & tone, yet keeping with the avian theme.
How about feathers instead of candles? Pop in a little Oasis to steady pheasant feathers, moss, acorns & leaves. A found Blue Jay feather for accent.

TAXIDERMY TO THE TABLE

Bring your taxidermy to the table.
photo: hydrangeahillcottage.blogspot.com

 

Blue & Brown, prints and pattern.
photo: ladolfina.blogspot.com
A shock of lime green with a nest and egg.
photo: www.teawithbetty.wordpress.com
Add a pop of unexpected color like hot pink!

 

photo: thisivyhouse.tumblr.com
An inspiration for sure, add bird taxidermy to your bookcases……
…Over the bookcase or ….
..over a clock…
Add feathers to your favorite hat.

 

Would look nice on a ladies jacket too.
photo: theknot.com
photo: craftsncoffee.com
Feathers in fall wreaths

 REPURPOSE THE HUNT – EAT THE MEAT & SAVE THE REST

Gold leaf antlers, dried pheasant, pine cones, feathers, oak leaves and acorns.
…and arrangements – super feather, moss and mushrooms.
photo: craftsncoffee.com

 

Vintage duck call hung over lamp finial and a great place to string those duck bands.

 

Easy & pretty on invitations & personal note cards.

 

Feathers, eggs, nests & bird taxidermy- be inspired – Save them and reuse them.

 

LET BIRDS INSPIRE YOU

BRING THE WILD INSIDE!

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