Whimsical Birds Made from Recycled Cardboard
I’m absolutely in love with these whimsical birds I created from an Amazon box! This project was a highlight during my "Recycle and Reuse It" week on Facebook, where I focused on transforming everyday items into cheerful creations. These birds are so bright, colorful, and full of personality—they just make me smile!
Supplies Needed:
- 22-gauge wire
- Cardboard box
- Bird pattern (available here)
- Paint (your choice of colors)
- Feather (optional, for added flair)
- Hot glue or craft glue
How to Make Your Whimsical Birds
1. Cutting Out the Birds:
Using the pattern (which you can download here), cut out two bird shapes and two wings for each bird from the cardboard. You can use either hot glue or craft glue to attach the two bird body pieces together. Hold off on attaching the wings for now—you’ll want to paint everything first!
2. Painting Your Bird:
This is where the fun really begins! Let your imagination run wild as you paint your birds. I went for a vibrant, whimsical look by adding circles, dashes, stripes, and other playful patterns. Choose colors that make you happy—there’s no right or wrong here!
3. Creating the Legs:
For each leg, cut a 10” - 12” length of 22-gauge wire. Fold the wire in half and pinch the fold almost together. Now, create an oval shape on both the left and right sides to form the bird's toes. You should end up with three toes per foot! Once you’re happy with the shape, bend the foot so your bird will be able to stand.
I twisted the wire together to give each leg more stability, but feel free to experiment with what works best for you.
4. Attaching the Legs:
To attach the legs, gently insert each one into the cardboard body and secure with hot glue. Make sure both legs are almost the same length so your bird can stand properly. Spread the legs apart and adjust until your bird stands on its own. This might take a little finagling, but it’s worth the effort!
5.Final Touches:
Once you're satisfied with your painting, attach the wings using hot glue. If you want to add an extra touch of whimsy, glue a feather to the tail for a bit of flair. And just like that, your whimsical bird is ready to brighten up your space!
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These whimsical birds are a great way to recycle and reuse materials while creating something that brings a smile to your face. I hope this project inspires you to look at everyday items in a new light and turn them into something magical!
