Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Nature Girl

Hello and Happy New Year, my friends! There is something right in my backyard that brings me great joy, and I'm hoping to share a little bit of it with you. I am a total nature girl at heart, so I was thrilled when we bought a house with a backyard full of trees. If you've been following my blog for a while, you have probably seen some of the things I did to draw animals to my balcony when I lived in an apartment. Now that I've got all these trees, the possibilities have really expanded. We hadn't lived here for very long at all before I started hanging feeders from the limbs. I am happy to say that our yard has quickly become a major hot spot for all kinds of wild critters. I often joke that a Disney movie lies just beyond my kitchen window, and now I've got some proof to back up that statement.

Here's a short video to show what kind of action goes down in our trees. If
you look closely, you will see doves, sparrows, cardinals, and a very creative squirrel.



The squirrels eat the food spilled by the birds, but they also like to run up the pole of the shepherd's hook to shake down more when the supply on the ground runs low. Clever little things, aren't they? I know a lot of people consider squirrels a nuisance, but I always want animals to feel safe and welcomed here. I make sure they have plenty to eat and drink, and they have started to rely on my yard as a food source. They visit our place all year round, rain or shine.



Anytime I'm near a window facing this area, I like to stay for a moment and watch all the creatures eat, flitter around, bathe, and perch in the trees. I find a lot of my inspiration from this little piece of nature..



This Blue Jay Bookmark was completely inspired by the actual blue jays which eat right out of a cup of seed I have on the deck. Doesn't this guy have the cutest little beak?



My space reminds me of a tiny, contained forest. It's only 1/4 acre of land, nestled firmly into a suburban neighborhood. But we've got a wall of trees surrounding our backyard, and everything seems quite perfect in this one little spot of the world.



When I applied this concept to my work, this was the result:
The Enchanted Forest In A Jar Pendant.



And then of course there are these guys...



Since all of these things I make are so close to my heart, it is not unusual for me to make extras so that I can keep some for myself and list some in my shop. This was definitely the case with the Glitter Acorn Necklace I recently listed.



In fact, I ended up making one of each color to keep.



My backyard really comes in handy when it's time to photograph my items too.



The tree limbs worked out perfectly for photographing the acorn necklaces, and I actually used the birdbath as a backdrop too. I read that birds are more likely to use a birdbath when there are stones inside to draw them to the water and to provide many different depths for birds of all sizes. I was trying to achieve the look of a crystal-clear stream, but now you know the truth- it's my birdbath!



I truely love the inside of our house and the various nooks and crannies where I make myself comfortable, but I think this little outdoor world is my absolute favorite part of our home. Which part of your dwelling are you particularly fond of?

P.S. I recently participated in my very first swap with a blogger I completely adore. She perfectly grasped my personality overall, including my love of nature. Watch for my next post to see the magical things I received in my package from down under!

17 comments:

devonrose said...

OMG! I totally want the Enchanted Forest in a Jar and a squirrel for Devon! So cute!!! Also, just wanted to let you know that the puppy is a Shiba Inu:)

JUST ME said...

Whenever I move into my "adult" house or apartment that I don't share with numerous other people...I want to have an enchanted forest surrounding me too. :)

Anonymous said...

I love those acorn necklaces! I really want to get one. Hopefully this weekend when I get paid :D

apparentlyjessy said...

You definitely are a nature girl! I really enjoyed the video you posted, so many different birds, and the squirrel is too cute (I am so glad I went with the squirrel for your bag!)

I already told you I LOVE the mini terrarium necklaces, but I haven't told you how much I really adore your acorn necklaces, they are just so sweet, I would be making myself one of every colour if I were you too!

Pili said...

I love your lil forest and all its creatures! I for one do love squirrels too!

It's great that you have a source of inspiration just by your house! And I have to say, I do love your photos!

And I'm in love with the Enchanted Forest in a Jar, I HAVE to get one!

And the glitter acorns are so cute too!

With your talent and that enchanted forest in your background, I foresee great new items for your shop for a while! ;)

Robin Thomas said...

So glad you are enjoying the birds. I had a 'squirrel proof' feeder once where the squirrel wold take the lid off. he knew he wasn't supposed to be there. He was duck completely into the feeder when he saw me. I figure a cleaver squirrel like that needs to keep on keepin' on so i left him alone, kept filling up the feeder. Its for anybody that wants it.

Ink Obsession Designs said...

OMG. I heart your backyard!!

Anonymous said...

Holly, your vintage holiday decor was fantastic, and you never stop amazing me with your crafty creations! Happy new year to you girl... someday I wish to have a backyard as peaceful as yours...

nothing wrong with living in a regular old neighborhood, it really is the trees that make it, don't you think? :)

Heather said...

sigh, Im so jealous of trees! we have two pretty much 'twigs' trying to grow in our front yard. I love your nature inspired goodies! those terrariums?! they are adorable!!!! love!!

Rheea said...

Buddy, I'm back!! I know I know, I miss you so much too! I miss reading your blog and seeing all your cute little creations.

I hope it's still not too late to wish you a happy new year. May you have all the most wonderful things in the world because a sweet person like you deserve nothing less than the best.

Thank you again for being such a darling to me and all your thoughtful ANGELs gifts. I thought about you at times when I was feeling down during my two months trip and all the things you've done for someone you've never meet in person before and I know I'm not alone. You're truly a gift from my Angel. :)

Anonymous said...

Your backyard does look like a Disney movie! I love the acorn necklaces. So Pretty! Your friend, Jenny in BA

babalisme said...

I always love welcoming little critters to our house too, well, as long as they don't fall into "pest" category. I once had a caterpillar issue in one of my trees, and it didn't look as pretty as your blue jay.

Anonymous said...

I'll take one mushroom vial and one acorn necklace, please. So cute!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Love those darling acorn necklaces and the inspiration behind them!

OliveStreetStudio said...

I remember the feeders you had at the apartment. Glad you're able to gather a new group of woodland friends! That picture of the Bluejay is fantastic. I was going to suggest a birdbath, but then at the ADORABLE acorn necklaces, you mention one - those birds are all set!

Rose said...

How beautiful! Must be so relaxing watching all those creatures in your yard. That squirrel is so cute, reminds me of my silly little cat.
I still adore your little terrerium necklaces!

Rose

Mandy said...

Hey Holly! I just got an acorn necklace for Christmas. It's actually my favorite necklace I have now! Thanks. :)