Bird Box and Big Watch

Over the last week or so my birds have been frantic at the feeders, I'm filling up each day and keeping my eye on the birdbaths, defrosting and topping up.

I've also put up a bird nest box.  This one is open at the front, a favourite with species incuding Robins, Wrens, Blackbird, Spotted Flycather and Song Thrush.  Birds generally breed from February through to August, but by putting up my box a bit earlier increases the chance of it being used.

I love that this one is just a Birch log hollowed out, and looks very natural - I got it from from C J Wildlife.  They also have a section about how to build your own box.

I've put it on the old Sycamore tree, about nine feet up.  The best height for nest boxes is widely accepted as being between five and eighteen feet respectively. (I was tempted to place it a bit lower, so I could see the brood easily if it is taken up!).  I have also placed the box on the North East side of the trunk, avoiding prevailing winds and strong sunlight.  Open boxes require more cover and protection, so it is near a small branch, where, when the tree is in leaf, the box will be partly obscured and feel safe.  It also aids young birds taking their first flights, as they have something to launch out to and plenty of cover.

I'm really hoping that this Robin will take up the box.  His favourite spot is the knobbly handle on the wheel of my forklift, where he sits and watches my hammer wielding antics (he went camera shy!).

In part, this is all in preparation for the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch, for the weekend 28th and 29th January.  You can download from the site a counting sheet to record what you see.  Hope you'll join in.

Chill Factor

Ooh it has been cold, beautiful, but cold.  These still days of dry, deep frost, blue skies and sunshine are some of my very favourite, but it does make work slow going. 

When I arrived at the sheds yesterday it was some time before I could make a start as the chisels I left the night before, were stuck to the stone (should have put them away properly!).  Actually frozen stone is strange to work with, as it doesn't behave in its usual way, and it is best to leave well alone until thawed. 

Stone outside was sparkling with frosty diamonds and coated with icy fur - sticks to your hands if you pick it up - so it stays looking beautiful until the sun has had time to melt and make manageable.

The Birds and the Bees

I'm working on some sketches at the moment for Bird sculptures for an exhibition I have been invited to exhibit at The Birds and the Bees at the Craft Centre and Design Gallery, City Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds. 

I thought if I could, I would include a Bee Eater, and my idea is to carve this in Serpentine or Soapstone.  They are such colourful, sleek birds that a stone with a bit of variation and shine would suit the piece well.

A Bee Eater will be quite a challenge to carve, with its thin, streamlined body and very sharp elongated bill.  There may have to be a few compromises.

Exhibition Dates:  Saturday 24th March - Saturday 30th June

The Craft Centre and Design Gallery
City Art Gallery
The Headrow
Leeds
LS1 3AB

0113 247 8241    craftcentre-leeds@btconnect.com   www.craftcentreleeds.co.uk

Pebble Cushions

I'm so taken with these -  just had to show you some more.

Pebble cushions by Ronel Jordaan.

Soft Stones

It's those pebble shapes again - these are heavenly, muted natural colours - stone colours - and I just want to go over and touch them,  and wrap my arms around them.  Don't you find the shapes and colours soothing and calming?

These ones are large enough to sit on - and you don't need to worry about them being uncomfortable either, they're actually made of wool - 100% natural wool, felted and fashioned into pebble seats and rock cushions by Ronel Jordaan.

The wool is hand dyed and hand felted into these free forming oversized pebbles.

Ronél Jordaan is inspired by nature. Her designs eloquently and playfully infuse contemporary interiors with the beauty, simplicity and serenity of the outdoors. Using natural fibres, mostly Merino wool, Ronél lets her imagination run wild in the creation of rock cushions, pebble ‘riverbed’ carpets, intricately accented ‘falling leaves’ wall hangings, floral-patterned throws and more.

The rocks come in a range of sizes from small 16" x 12" x 8" to large boulder at 6' x 3' x 2', actually large enough to recline on.

 Don't they look real?