Kitschy is a traditional Jewish word used to describe something that is garish but in a knowing, endearing way. That’s the perfect way to describe these Kitschy Bird Oraments. But what I like best about these cuties is that they were created out of recycled tuna cans. Using tiny birds and greenery from the floral department at your favorite craft outlet, patterned paper, and glitter, you can put these ornaments together in a flash. We also like that we were able to use recycled chipboard which is one our favorite materials to craft with. I’ve been using birds in my holiday decor for longer than I can remember! Plus you can never have enough glitter around the holidays.
Supplies For Kitschy Bird Ornaments
- Recycled tuna cans
- Recycled or purchased chipboard (Note: Designer used chipboard cut from a cereal box)
- Artificial glittered birds with clips, 3” long
- Tulip Fashion Glitter (iLoveToCreate): Red Fine Jewel; Silver Fine Hologram; Emerald Fine Jewel
- Americana Acrylic Paints (DecoArt): Country Red; Snow White; Light Hauser Green
- Patterned papers of choice
- Icy Silver Fun Wire (Toner Crafts), 24 gauge
- Assorted Christmas greenery and silk flowers
- Jeweled brads
- Circle cutter
- Scallop-edge scissors
- Foam paintbrush
- Wire cutters
- Drill and 1/16” bit
- Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue (iLoveToCreate)
Instructions For Kitschy Bird Ornaments
1. Cut a 3″ circle and 4″ circle from chipboard. Center inside larger circle and trace with a pencil. Cut out inner circle. Use scallop-edge scissors to trim the outer circle. Paint circles Country Red, Light Hauser Green and Snow White.
2. Dilute glue with equal parts water. Use a foam paintbrush to apply to one side of the circle. Sprinkle white circle with Silver Fine Hologram glitter, a green circle with Emerald Fine Jewel glitter and a red circle with Red Fine Jewel glitter. Let dry.
3. Cut patterned papers to fit around sides of tuna cans; glue. Cut one 3″ circle from patterned paper and glue to inside of a can, matching papers as desired. Drill hole at top of each can. Cut greenery to approximately 7″ long. Bend floral stem and place inside front of the can, inserting one end through the drilled hole. Clip bird on bent stem and position as desired inside can. (Note: If the bird does not contain a clip, glue bird to greenery stem.)
4. Cut 8″ wire length. Bend into a loop and wrap around greenery stem sticking out through the hole at top of the can. Secure ends and cut off excess for the hanger. Attach layered silk flowers and leaves as desired to the wire hanger. Insert jeweled brads into flower holes.
5. Glue back of chipboard circle and adhere to can opening.
Tips and Tricks
- Although I originally used a drill and drill bit for this project, I have since invested in a heavy-duty paper punch that allows me to quickly punch through materials such as metal, fabric and lightweight wood. Now I don’t have to bring out the drill every time.
- Using a light coat of spray sealer over the glitter will allow your ornaments to last season after season.
- Make your own little birds out of polymer or air dry clay. You can customize them to your heart’s content.
[…] DIY Bird Ornament by 365 Days of […]