My home is going to the birds...

One lady who inspired me in 2011 was a woman who lives downtown in an old (1850's) home that became the McMansion of it's day.  It is filled to the brim (though decorated nicely) with gorgeous antiques and comfortable seating that makes you just want to curl up and get lost in a book.  Her home is furnished with a variety of collections of things from all over the world and despite the many collections, it is simply picture-perfect.  It's one of those homes that just makes you oooohhh and ahhh about repeatedly.  Her personality is just as sweet and warm as her fabulous home too!  However with her abundant collections that include original Julia Childs cookbooks, original framed Audubon prints and antiques the common person isn't used to seeing, I was in awe of her bird-related collection. Nests of all shapes and sizes, blown out eggs, and feathers were all surprisingly displayed in an organic fashion.  To add additional charm, everything had a story and she was happy to tell them.

I soon set out to locate and decorate with my own collection of bird nests, eggs, wings, anything I could find to replicate the warmth and freedom her home exudes.  My collection is still a work in progress, but I'm enjoying my home that I've allowed to let go to the birds!

Pretty as a peacock! Originally from
Z Gallerie, but bought at a model
home auction a few months ago

Wooden eggs painted to look
like Robin's eggs & bird nests
bought at Hobby Lobby with
added mosses.  All placed under
a glass dome from an estate sale 

I got so much flack from my husband when
we were the winning bidder on these two
lots of items at auction.  The swan and wings
just about sent him over the edge but I
think he's just about over it now.

These are a few of my favorite things!

A butterfly I tried to rescue from my car
grill, a ceramic egg and pine cones from
our trip to Pennsylvania in October.

Inspired by sweet Beverly's home, I
wasn't sure I could take the organic
items just sitting out and I'm always
looking for inspiration in filling glass.
These are more of my attempt at painting
little wooden eggs to look realistic.

Having these in the window reminds me
of spending time in my garden and
brings the outdoors in, even in January.