RUSTED BIRDIE AT REST

I like rusted stuff and pick it up from the ground and collect it in a basket. When I feel like it, I take out what I need to play around. This tiny hanging (25cm x30cm) was made entirely out of "rubbish" - except the base cotton pieces I hand painted.

Three layers of this painted fabric are sewn together, with a black piece on top. Shapes were cut out, to reveal the colors and textures underneath I wanted to show. Then the rusted findings were added and held down with bold stitches of black thread. I was able to cut out the birdie with old scissors, glued it on and gave it a bead crest.

The red torn scrap of jersey fabric that I had found at the beach, got even more craggy and frayed after washing it - which was just what I wanted. It was added ironing it on, using fusible web, and strengthened with tiny beads.

I embellished the whole thing with more embroidery and beads and added a fringe of rusted bottle caps. 

It is all padded with fleece and has a pretty backing of black and red painted fabric. I had finished it quite some time ago and it was just lying in a drawer, because I had not found a suitable method for hanging it. Last week I met for coffee in town with a friend  - and voila, what did she bring me? This perfect rusty rod she had found. I just had to sew on two tabs and that little creation was finally finished to my satisfaction!

Click on the pictures to enlarge.