Saturday 20 February 2016

La Cage?.... oh; FAUX!

HELLO EVERYONE! 
It was Very Encouraging to have so many people interested in my last post as to how I made the Shabby Faux Birdcages.  I was going to save THE TUTORIAL for later, but since I have a tendency towards laziness, I thought it best to present the whole thing now and just get it off the books.  As you can see from the photo above, I made way more than I'll ever need because once I began making them, it was hard to stop. 

I made some with bottoms as well as some without.  There are a couple with fancy tops which I shall show you later as well.  The basic method applied to each, but as you can see- the varieties are achieved through using your own imagination .

 
STEP 1
I began with some #30 gage florist wire.
I used paper coated wire but I don't think that you have to.
I would think that a glossy wire would probably require a different type of paint,( an enamel), so that it would stick.  I haven't tried an enamel so I can't say for certain,
well anyhoosie,
 

I used paper covered wire. 
I found this package at the Thrift store!  SCORE!!!
and so this is why I used it.  If you have a slightly bigger gage then try it out and see if it works for you. 

STEP 2

I cut
TEN
14-inch lengths
.
however
  I SHOULD HAVE USED
TEN-
10-INCH LENGTHS

But I decided to err on the side of caution to make sure that I had enough wire for this particular cage.  



I based this on the size of the form that I'd chosen to use for the mold.  Again, this measurement is flexible.  You will see why in a moment.

STEP 3

I bent the TEN wires in half so that I could find the mid-point.

I took another short length of wire and I went through the middle and twisted it tight to anchor the centre.

STEP 4

Because I am going to be building this cage from the bottom UP- 
I am clipping the centre wire.
BUT
if you are building it from the TOP DOWN, then leave the wire intact!  
                          are you confused yet?  
It gets worse .....  
                   but Stay tuned and hopefully you'll see what I mean.
Here I am trying to space the wires evenly because they are going to go over my form.
And for THAT, -
I have chosen a soft plastic bottle as seen below.


I got mine from the dollar store.  It came in a package of 3 

STEP 5

I cut off the nozzle end with a craft knife.   I left as much of the lower portion intact because it will allow me to make cages of different lengths. 
The bottom of the bottle is going to be where I place the wires and work down.
But first I have to add the bands that will hold them.
I used quilling paper that I already had on hand.  You will need a long length to wrap around the circumference of the bottle at least 3x's.   

STEP 6
APPLY a SINGLE dab of glue, I used QUICK GRIP, as an anchor for the paper strip.

STEP 7

Wrap a length of quilling paper 3X's around the entire bottle 

You don't need any more glue until you come to the end of the third cycle.
Secure the end of the paper strip with another dab of Quick Grip
DONE!
STEP 8
now chose the spacing for the next paper band, and repeat
Steps Six and Seven
the distance that you put between the bands is what determines the length of the body of your cage.  

DONE!
Now this is where the wires come in..
For 
STEP 9
you centre you wires at the bottom of the plastic bottle and try to space them as evenly as you can.  You can use a bit of GLUE to hold it in place or just use your thumb.
Because these cages are destined to be aged, I got them close to  being evenly spaced .


STEP 10
holding the wires at centre, run the spokes down and around the bottle over top of the 2 paper bands.  Adjust them as necessary.



Hook-Anchor the ends of each wire over the edge of the bottle.  

STEP11
my wires were way too long so I had to trim off the excess, but leave enough to still hook over the edge



It should look like this inside the bottle.

STEP 12
use your glue and cover the
ENTIRE SURFACE OF
ONE
of the paper bands THEN add

3
 MORE layered bands
 of quilling paper over the top of the wires. 


The top layer of paper sandwiches the wires so that they won't shift or move so make sure that they are as straight as can be.


And of course, mine is now OFF CENTRE ><
oh well :/
Repeat the same process for the second band


This is what it now looks like with both bands of quilling paper.


The closed end could easily be the TOP of the cage if you so desired.
However I'm planning to flip this baby around and use the open end as the TOP
Below you can see what you can do with a different shaped mold.
For the small one I used an old makeup lid.
Leave your cage to set up and dry.   
And now for the top of the cage-
enter

 CHANEL

I happened to have some old Chanel sample containers that I was getting ready to throw away.
Chanel distributed these with sample moisturizers and foundations in them.  I don't know if they still sample their products this way, but I had 4 of these so this is what I used.
and it just so happened that the screw portion fit nice and snug within the interior circumference of the birdcage which became the domed copper roof of La CAGE. 




I pierced the centre with an awl, making the hole big enough for the doubled paper wire to pass through




I selected a filigree bead cap to tread the paper wire through. 


I doubled over a length of wire to form a loop and fed it through the hole in the bead cap leaving a length of about ONE inch.
Then I treaded the 2 tails of the wire into the loops of the bead cap and secured it. 




Clip off the excess wire tails and then guide the top of the wire in and through the hole in the tub.


Add additional beads to the stem of the twisted wire gluing in between each set of beads

The filigree anchor will keep the beads in place


NOW IT'S BACK TO THE CAGE
and onto -


STEP 13
unhook the ends


 and using a hard flat tool, gently loosen the paper strips from the plastic form, running the tool just under the paper bands both top and bottom 


Use your tool to gently guide the form out, it should come away clean from the mold and leave you with the cage shape intact.

The empty cage

STEP 14
trim away the wire tails and test fit the roof of the cage to  
as pictured below
BUT DON'T GLUE IT IN PLACE YET

Add some filigree metal or paper for the bottom of the cage.
I used a large scalloped paper punch to make an insert for inside the cage and a metal piece for the outside of my cage.




Now for the paint
I used a copper acrylic paint and I painted the entire cage inside and out.
I painted the cage roof inside and out too
 and Left both of them to dry




When the copper paint was dry I went over the entire cage again with BLUE BAHAMA acrylic paint, which I purchased at Michael's.

When that was dry I added a bit of
Transparent Black Gel paint.  This product is really thin and dries transparent.  An alternate may be to dilute some black acrylic with some artist's gel medium and water to get a slurry.

Brush the black wash  lightly over the blue and let dry,
glue on the roof
and
YOU'RE DONE! 

La Cage! #1
and below is
La Cage #2

For #2, I made and added a Faux Cage door, as well as a perch. I'd also embellished the 2 paper bands with metal chains prior to   painting them.

Below is the entire lot!
For the Shabby white cages I used white chalk paint as a base color and then aged them with the CINNAMON RUST!
see my rusting tutorial 
"Meeting Rusty at the Game"

http://studioeminiatures.blogspot.ca/2015/09/meeting-rusty-at-game.html




Voila! 
 and that's the end

elizabeth :D


126 comments:

  1. Thank you for the great tutorial, Elizabeth, I am going to use this tut for sure somewhere in the future. Thanks again!!
    Hugs,
    Gee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm So glad that you have enjoyed the tutorial Gee! I too have a file for "someday/ one day" projects. :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  2. Un gran tutorial,perfectamente explicado y con un resultado magnífico!!! me encantan las jaulas,muchas gracias por compartirlo!!
    Besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pilar and Thank You! It makes me happy to hear that the instructions were well explained. Speaking for myself I know how frustrating it can be when one is having to guess at the next step when following a tutorial, and I didn't want anyone to have to resort to guessing. :)

      elizabeth

      Delete
  3. Wow, thanks Elizabeth. This cage construction thing looks like great fun :-) I did have plans for this Saturday, but they just changed!
    I always enjoy your blog post and you are alway an inspiration to me.

    MIniature hugs
    Annie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Annie! Thank You for your vote of confidence! I have tried out your MINI SUCCULENTS TUTORIAL on Youtube and I had a whole lot of fun making them, in fact I couldn't stop!

      so You've inspired me too! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  4. Neat title haha and very interesting tutorial! They came out great, but when you said you were "about to throw away...." NO-- my motto is junk is your friend :) as evidenced by the Chanel container's new-found usefulness. Wonderful aging techniques--

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linda! Yes, I had a good chuckle when composing the title! :D I'm Glad that you like the end results. Regarding the Chanel 'junk', I was on a makeup cleaning spree at the time and had a second look at the jars right as I gave them a toss. I retrieved them right away with no real plan in mind, and Boy am I now glad that I did!
      However if you were to have a peek at the current crammed and chaotic state of my Studio then you might well suggest that I don't Need quite as many "Friends" as I think I do. :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  5. Les commentaires sont précis, les photos sont très explicites.
    Excellent tutoriel Elizabeth, merci !
    Bon week-end ! Joce

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Joce! I want you to know that I had YOU at the back of my mind when I was writing the text for this tutorial. I kept it brief on purpose and tried to make the steps as succinct as I could. So THANK YOU again Joce, for your positive feedback that this tutorial was ON POINT! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  6. Thank you for this great tutorial. I'd love to try and make one cage and hope it will look as nice as yours do.
    Hugs, Drora

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Drora! :D Thank YOu and I hope that you Will give this tutorial a try!
      Each cage will be different from each other because it will depend on the creator's own imagination as to what they use to build their cages. However, that is what makes the entire process FUN!
      and each piece Unique! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  7. Thank you for the tutorial, you explain very well the two kinds of cages, top-down or bottom-up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Joc! Thank You for your comment regarding the explanation of this Bottom's Up tutorial! :D The Top down cages are Even Easier to do, but I hope that you will give BOTH of them a try!

      elizabeth

      Delete
  8. definitely will have a go at this, thank you for the tutorial

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Debbie! So glad that you enjoyed it and are thinking of giving this tutorial a tryout!
      WARNING- it CAN become Addictive! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  9. Thank you for the tutorial, I like the results.
    Greetings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings and Thank You Kleine! I am Delighted that you have liked the results! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  10. thank you for the explanations, elizabeth
    these birdcages are beautiful
    hugs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Claude and Thank You! It was a long tutorial to be sure but I had hoped to make each step as clear and as understandable as possible. Good to know that I succeeded! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  11. Qué gran trabajo, felicidades!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOu Zulueta, and I am Really Glad that you have enjoyed it! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  12. that's so great Elizabeth, thanks for sharing this tutorial with us! Very clever use of thrifty items, I always love that and your cages look great! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Monique! Thanks for Enjoying this tutorial! I had been wanting to make birdcages for a while and then I needed to find a method that I could easily do, and this is the result! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  13. Wow! So easy yet looks like it would be complicated to make. Now you have to make an antique shop to put them in! Save a few to sell too!
    Thanks :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there Grandmommy! These cages only appear to be complicated; which is why I tried to break each step down so that you could see just how easy and DO-ABLE they in fact are.
      I will probably use a few of these in a future project of mine, but I have no immediate plans for a shop. Although given the volume of STUFF that I have around here, that may not be such a bad idea after all! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  14. Replies
    1. Hi Monica! Thank You and I'm Glad that you like them! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  15. Such a fantastic tutorial, thanks a lot! The birdcages look lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're Most Welcomed Tessa and Thank You for your compliments! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
    2. Just thinking - not many of us will have the Chanel lids but we all have access to Kinder Eggs (my grandson loves them. The little toy inside comes in its own plastic container, the top of which I'm thinking might be a good substitute for the Chanel lid? It measures an inch and a quarter across. I guess it depends on the size of cage you're making. - Marilyn D., Oromocto,NB

      Delete
  16. Oh Elizabeth, you Enchant me with your Creations from Nothings!!! These cages are SO charming, and So Romantic and So Beautiful!!! I will run right out and get some florist wire to try my hand..... well, someday soon, I will!!! I will also need the paint in the bahama and invisible black... I don't have those colors! And Chanel lids??? Hmmm.... what could I substitute? I'll just have to Find something!!! Your works are always so inspiring, and your Tutorial is perfect in all the instructions and clear to follow! Thank you for taking the Time to share your skills and "Nohow"! You are Amazing!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Betsy! Thank you for saying that the cages look "Romantic" because I was hoping that they would! :D Yet it was not until they were painted that they began to actually look like what I had originally hoped. And I swear this to be true -that PAINT CHANGES EVERYTHING! It can turn a Sow's ear into a mini Silk purse!

      or a bird cage :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
    2. Oops - I meant to post my reply in the above comment to this comment. Oh well - you get the idea. :-) - Marilyn D., Oromocto, NB

      Delete
  17. Thanks for this great tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Faby and Thank You Very Much for enjoying this tutorial! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  18. Un estupendo tutorial y unas preciosas jaulas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Isabel! Thank You Very much for enjoying this tutorial on making these cages! They were fast, fun, cheap and easy, and who could ask for anything more! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  19. Hi Elizabeth! Your bird cages are lovely, and what a clever way to make them. You're are such an inventive and clever miniaturist, but I think I've said that before ;D!! Thanks for sharing this excellent tutorial!
    Have a nice weekend. Hugs, Ilona

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings Ilona and Thank You! :D
      When power tools are scary and glue is my best friend, then that's what eventually decides my mini course of action. :))
      I am quite Delighted that you have enjoyed this bird cage tutorial and I wish You a wonderful weekend too! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  20. Gran trabajo Elizabeth, me encantan todas.
    Muchas gracias por las explicaciones.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello and Thank You Very Much Eloisa! I had fun putting this birdcage tutorial together and it Really Pleases me that you have Enjoyed it! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  21. Wow thanks for this tutorial! Your cages are adorable!
    Hugs
    Kikka

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kika! You are Most Welcomed for this tutorial and I am Delighted that you also like the results! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  22. Fantastic! Just the thing I need for my granddaughter's Wizard Emporium. You are fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing so generously with all of us. - Marilyn D., Oromocto, NB

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so Glad that you are thinking of doing this tutorial for your grand daughter Marilyn. My suggestion is that if she lives close by that you try them out together. Other than the glue, the process is very Child Friendly and requires a minimal amount of precision yet packs a whole lot of Fun! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  23. Amazing as always! This is added to my to do list! They look fantastic. And I know the dollar store near me that sells the brand that little bottle is.....I foresee a shopping trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahahhah! Thank You and I'm Glad that you like them Kat! And like you, The Dollar Stores are quickly becoming my new favorite hang-out joints, because the stuff that you can find in there for mini is Amazing! And if it is not amazing then at least it is cheap! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  24. Huh! So simple and yet so great! Thanks Elizabeth, I am saving this for future reference. And also, thanks for the painting tips, I will definitely be trying that out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Shannon and you are right on both counts! Making these cages are very simple and because they are meant to look Shabby, the final effect is perfect for a whole lot of different settings.
      I hope that you Will try it out because I know that the method could be easily scaled down to half-size too! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  25. More amazing from your talented hands madam! I love the look of the cages, the antiquing you do it down to a perfect science! Something about aged metal and older wares in a space that brings such a wonderful feeling to a room.

    a sunny window a little bird and you have a spot for dreams!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi There Ms Jane Fanaticus! I am Very Happy that you have enjoyed this tutorial Jane! I enjoy aging stuff and making it look like old metal whenever that is required.
      I saw a garden in a book once where the gardener filled it with reclaimed metal container of all different sorts and and almost all of it was rusty and weather-worn. The garden was enclosed on 3 sides with aged brick walls courtesy of the high rises that surround it. But rather than it looking like an old junk yard, it looked- ENCHANTING and it was all because of the mix and match of old metal bits which were all packed with romantically draped and beautifully delicate plants. Yes there is something magical about old metal "and a little bird and a spot for dreams" :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  26. Hi Elizabeth,
    Tripping through Reno heading back to the coast after visiting Yosemite, Death Valley, Zion and Bryce National Parks.
    Love the blue skies and warmer weather. Glad I have bought you and Fatima extra Quick Grip!!!
    Love the tutorial and especially the carefully noted type of paints to help age the cages!
    As always Janine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My dear friend Janine....glad you are on your way back. Thank you for the extra Quick Grip! Just bought a huge tube from Ross and I know it will go fast. Most of it just pouring out of the tube as I try to work with it. Elizabeth has the know how on that glue!

      Delete
  27. Hello to Janine the Gypsie! :D Your timing is perfect! The weather here has been wet, cold and miserable, except for today! It's Blue skies and just enough sunshine to keep us all feeling hopeful for the advent Spring! :))
    I am GLAD YOU'VE bought us more Quick Grip, Janine THANK YOU! :D But do keep and eye open for Floral Bond as well since that glue is about as elusive as a fugitive on America's Most Wanted.

    Safe journeys to you and your grand Mr. B!

    elizabeth :D

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hallo Elizabeth!
    Deine Vogelhäuschen sehen klasse aus. Danke für die
    Anleitung.Das ist eine wunderbare Alternative zum löten.
    Mache weiter so .
    Liebe Grüße
    Skiddi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Skiddi! :D Yes you are right, this is a very good alternative for those who don't wish to solder. The Quick Grip glue does just what it says and dries really fast and doesn't buckle the paper, which is why I used it.
      Thank You Very Much for enjoying this tutorial! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  29. I'm late! I'm late..... for a very important date.......with a very clever and generous blog friend! Lovely cages Elizabeth and a super tutorial, love the painted finish, thanks for so many pics and detailed info.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOu but FYI, you're Never too late Susan! :D
      I am Very Glad that you have enjoyed this bird cage tutorial and like my paint finishes. I included Lots of pic to make it as easy to understand as possible.

      Better too many/ than too little ( as I recall... ;P)

      elizabeth:D

      Delete
  30. Hi Elizabeth
    Fabulous tutorial. Your cages are great - as all your creations are. I forgot to buy Quick Grip while I was in Vancouver so will have to wait until the end of June. Must talk soon.
    Hugs, Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good-day LInda!!!! :D Thank You for enjoying these bird cages! Regarding the Quick Grip, it doesn't HAVE to be this glue that is used but I found that it dried QUICKLY and DIDN'T BUCKLE the paper. This is a very troublesome glue and half of it is wasted if the cap is left off so make certain that you replace the cap as soon as you have done using the tube, because it truly is- UNTAMABLE. :((

      elizabeth:D

      Delete
  31. Fabulous! Amazing! Love love love! Love the process, love the way you did the patina finish, love the aging. Les cages sont merveilleux....ok..don't get me started! Elizabeth, you know I'm trying so hard to work on the Victoria aka Garfield, and now I really really want to make cages! :-(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello FATS!!! Thanks for your email my friend and your advise was acted upon as you can now see! :D
      I am so Glad that you are working again on you Garfield aka "VICTORIA", Priorities Fats - just remember The Show Must Go IN! ;P

      elizabeth

      Delete
  32. Thank you very much for all the effort you've put in this fantastic tutorial - you've made not only an excellent job with the cages but also with the explanation of the "how to" both in words and pictures. Fascinating was also your coloring process - bahama blue... who would have guessed... ;O)

    Greetings
    Birgit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greeting Birgit! You are Most Welcomed for this tutorial and I am glad that the amount of photos helped! :))
      I was a bit concerned because there are so many of them, but I found that it was better to have too many rather than not enough. ( because I Hate it when I have to guess if what I am trying to follow is correct, don't you? )
      Blue Bahama was a very close match to an old paint color by DELTA called "Renaissance Foil Patina Green", which was paint patina applied over copper foil.
      The Blue Bahama is so close it could be its Twin, and was cheaper! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  33. Hi Elizabeth! Amazing tutorial and very well explained! Thank you for taking the time to do this for your followers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lucille! :D
      Thank You Very Much, I'm Happy that you enjoyed this tutorial, and I hope that you didn't have the same trouble posting your comment this time, as you had mentioned having on my last post????
      All's well? :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  34. Hello Lady Elizabeth,
    This tutorial was so clear and the pictures perfect to explain each step. Thank you for taking the time to make such a great post...You really explained it beautifully! Good job teach! ;)
    Big hug
    Giac

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Sir Giac!:D My aim was to make each step as clear as possible so I am Delighted to hear that you think that I have achieved my goal! :))
      Shabby chic is not your style I know, but I Always value your opinion! :D
      Big Hugs back! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  35. Wait a min. I was expecting a drag show along with the tutorial hehehe. Love the cages.


    Hugs
    Marisa

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a drag. No show Marisa- however I Am Delighted that you like La Cages! ;P

    elizabeth :D

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Elizabeth, thank you for sharing this great tutorial. Love the cages.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Lara! It makes me Very Happy that you have enjoyed both my Tutorial and the Birdcages themselves! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  38. Who would have believed such simple items that might end up in the garbage could create such a thing...wonderful tutorial and the photos are a tremendous help in illustrating the process. Thank you very much for sharing. I especially like the fact that you have included two colour ways for the bird cages...do you think one could be gilded to create a posh bird cage?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello "Butterfly" Thank You for your Lovely comment and to answer your question I believe that you Could make it look "posh". However, I would use a thin Un-coated or plastic coated wire rather than the paper. The texture of the paper is rough to begin with and when painted leave the spokes of the cage irregular and thus easy to age.
      Whereas Un-coated or plastic coated wires would lend themselves to a smoother final finish. For that I would consider using an enamel SPRAY PAINT over that of a brush, keeping in mind that shiny surfaces also expose EVERY SINGLE MISTAKE.
      So go slow and keep your paint layers thin, and give yourself a long lead wire at the top of your cage so that you can hold it or hang it without having to handle the wet cage itself.
      Thank you for your inquiry and All the Best! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  39. Hello Elizabeth,

    Wow! At first it was hard for me to believe you made these using mostly wire, paper and some plastic, as the paint job you gave them makes them look so real. :) Awesome work. :)

    Kind regards,
    Nina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You, I'm Happy that you enjoyed this tutorial Nina! The materials are pretty easy to find around the house -or perhaps,
      even in your make-up bag! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  40. Great tutorial! It is very clear. Apparently I am going to be stopping by Chanel for some samples in case they still provide those types of sample containers - I am sure my skin will improve as well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Penelope! Thank You for enjoying this tutorial and for saying that this tutorial was "very clear" since I was hoping that it would be! :D Chanel is periodically changes their product samples and I don't remember how old these ones actually are, nevertheless I wish you not only HAPPY HUNTING but also Improved Skin! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  41. That, Elizabeth, is very clever. I can see why it would be difficult to stop at one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Irene!!! :D Thank you and You are so right. After you've make the first one and see how quick and easy they are to do, you can't help yourself in wanting to make More and then ( just as Grandmommy has suggested ) you'll soon have enough to open a store! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  42. Hi, Elizabeth - I just finished reading (and enjoying) your tutorial post on creating bird cages. I love every one of the cages that you made. Your instructions are just as they should be - clear and concise and oh so helpful! You make me feel as though I can do this - and I hope I'll have a chance to try soon. Thank you for taking the time to share your creative expertise!
    Marjorie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Marjorie what a Great Comment and Thank You! :D
      When I construct these tutorials it is because I hope that people WILL one day decide that they Can do them. Personally, I have made a commitment to myself to begin tackling some of the multitude of tutorials that I have been collecting via Pinterest. I often feel too timid to try and so this year I am determined to get over that and just do them!
      Whether they prove successful or not,..... well that is for another posting. :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  43. Fabulous tutorial! The excellent photos make it look so easy. I will be sure to try this one out. Thank you. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOu Susan!!! :D IT IS EASY and once you get started you will see just HOW easy it Really IS!
      so have Fun :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  44. Genial Elizabeth. Muchas gracias por el tutorial. Es fantástico.
    Besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am So Glad that you have enjoyed this birdcage Tutorial Victoria and I Thank You for Saying so!
      And I hope that you also, will one day give them a Try!:D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  45. Great tutorial! The explanations are really clear and the result fantastic.
    Geneviève

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOU Very Much Genevieve! :D I am Delighted that you have enjoyed not only the explanation, but the final results as well! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  46. Удивительно, что может сделать художник! Самый прекрасный момент находится в конце сообщения! Неповторимая магия красок начинается. Обыкновенная проволока, картон и пластмасса превращаются в старинное ржавое железо. Так реально смотрится! Я чувствую вкус металла на языке. Я хочу повторить это чудо! Спасибо за такой подробный урок. Я представляю, сколько сил и времени вы затратили. Я снимаю шляпу! :) :) :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi Tatiana! Thank YOu my friend for your WONDERFUL comment regarding these cages! :D
    I suppose that there IS a type of alchemy that takes place between the artist and their work whenever the paint finishes are finally applied, because it DOES indeed transform them from one element and into another. And when that kind of magic happens, I want to take my hat off too! :D

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  48. Dear Elizabeth, I found your blog two weeks ago and spent an entire weekend pouring through your posts. Your lighthearted approach and use of unconventional products, hair goop and auto body putty, is inspiring.
    The Dolphin Street garden is phenomenal!! I stopped re-reading this weekend long enough to build the bathroom shelf, a coat rack kit I've had forever and an electric stove from Jane Harrop's book.
    Thank you for taking the time to blog.
    Break through moment for me last week, I can use a quilting cutting mat, ruler and rotary cutter to cut straight lines and right angles into mat board.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Cynthia! Thank you VERY MUCH for all of your Lovely words of Encouragement! :D
    I needed to hear them, because I have been in a bit of a slump in trying to get started on a Big new project that just won't move forward, and as a result my attention towards blogging has suffered as a result. Your comments however, have given me a needed kick in the pants to keep moving forward! :D
    It Really Pleases me that you have enjoyed my posts enough to read through the back issues and I Thank you for telling me so. The truth is that blogging about the process is for my benefit too, as it reminds me of how I did things since it is so easy to forget how I arrived from A to B, and frustrating to me if I wish to repeat a process and have to wonder how I did it in the first place!?!?
    I had such fun with the garden of #43 and I encourage everyone to make one (if the room allows) because of the great satisfaction that it can bring.
    One of my Best friends Janine, has a quite a wide French doll's house and her husband built her a detachable garden which I think is simply Brilliant, so pop over to MINWORKS, if you haven't already done so, and have a "look see" there at her Beautiful French Garden, which has an entirely different atmosphere and style. :))
    Meanwhile, your bathroom shelf, coat rack and electric stove sound really Neat, especially since you built them from Jane Harrop's book. I love "how-to" miniature books, and can never have enough of them.
    There are so many different approaches to this hobby aren't there, and for me, that is what makes it both Incredibly Interesting AND incredibly Fun! :D

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OH and Thanks for the tip about using the Rotary Cutter! I am going to try that out FOR SURE! :D

      Delete
  50. You are truly dedicated to your craft! This is so much work and so beautiful! Awesome!!!
    hugs♥,
    Caroline

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Caroline! Thank YOu but although it may APEAR to be a lot of work, it was actually one of the Easiest things that I have ever made! And that was probably because it didn't need to be perfect- only Pretty! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  51. Hello Elizabeth,
    thank you very much for this great tutorial!! I will try it
    and I will let you know the result.
    Greetings and a big hug
    Melanie

    ReplyDelete
  52. Greetings Melanie! Thank You and I am DELIGHTED that you not only like this tutorial but are willing to TRY IT, Yipeee!!!! :D
    I will wait to hear how it goes for you. Let me know if you find the instructions adequate or if there was anything that you discover that may be a better short-cut. :D

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  53. Breathtaking Elizabeth, I love your bird houses. equally impressive is it that you have spent a lot of time making this great tutorial. thank you.
    Hugs
    Wyrna

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Wyrna! Thank You so much for your Very Encouraging Comments! :D It makes me Happy that you like the results of this tutorial. Although it may look like a lot of time was spent, it actually didn't take that long to construct the cages at all. Waiting for paint to dry, took the longest, but even that wasn't so bad. :D
    Thanks again for your comment Wyrna and Have a VERY Happy Birthday!!!:D

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  55. I found your blog through a link from Jane's....and he first post I saw was this fantabulous tutorial! Love it!!!!! Can't wait to read more!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOU for visiting Laura and Welcome!!!! :D I LOVE Jane's work too and so we share a common denominator there!
      I have quite a few tutorials some on their own and others intermixed within some of the postings, but let me know if you need any further clarification on anything you might run across. I am always available to answer.

      elizabeth

      Delete
  56. I love this tutorial! I'll have to give it a try for my dollhouses. Love the way you have with rust. You're terrific!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Theresa! Thank You Very Much for your Lovely compliment!
      I thoroughly enjoyed watching the progress of your Lea Frissoni French dollhouse build, but I didn't know that you had others? I am Delighted that my birdcage tutorial will prove useful to you and you'll find the Rusting process easy as pie. :))
      I have visited two other blogs where they made these cages and they couldn't stop at just ONE either, so be prepared- because IT IS ADDICTIVE! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  57. OMG your creativity is just amazing!!!! Thank you for sharing this lovely tutorial!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nielcia! Thank YOU Very Much!!!:D This was a Fun project to do from beginning to end and very easy, as well. It has been a Blast seeing how others have translated this tutorial and made their own Beautiful and Unique shabby Cages, and I hope that you will give it a try too! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  58. Happy Easter Elizabeth!

    Your bird cages are so lovely!
    Warm hugs
    Magda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOU and a Very Happy Easter to YOU too Magda!!! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  59. Счастливой Пасхи, Элизабет!
    Наилучшие пожелания вам и вашей семье!
    Татьяна

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A VERY Happy Easter to You Too, Tatiana! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  60. Hi Elizabeth!
    What a lovely tutorial. I will give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Niele! That is JUST what I wanted to hear!!!! :D I know that you will like the results, especially when you see how easy to do, it is!
      Thank you for your comment Niele, and have Fun! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  61. Amazing, awesome and absolutely incredible!! I really want to try some of these as soon as I get to my stash of crafty stuff which presently is stored in Linda's garage as I'm just back from New Zealand and house-sitting on the South Coast of New South Wales. I'd better put in an order of some Quick Grip with Linda for when she's over your way again in a while.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good'ay Norma!:D It makes me Very Happy that you have enjoyed this tutorial so much! I had Great Fun making them and since publishing this, I have seen the work of others who have taught my cages as a club project and/or made their own Clever variations which I in turn might have to try out myself ( what goes around comes back around) hahhahaha
      Meanwhile, about the QUICK GRIP, I used it because it dries super fast, but do not feel restricted to using only that. Almost everybody within our miniature community has their own favorite "Go To Glue" or at least several that they personally prefer to use. I am a glutton for punishment when it comes to Quick Grip because I waste more than I use, but it IS perfect if, ( like me) you are into Immediate ADHESION GRATIFICATION! :D
      Thanks for your Compliments and Welcome back from NSW and NZ- the land from WAY Down Under! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
    2. If it's anything like Super Glue I'm destined to get more of it on myself than whatever I'm supposed to be gluing! ;)

      Delete
    3. No it's not like Super Glue because it is more rubbery, and you can get it off of your fingers without losing skin, but it oozes terribly if the cap is left off, even momentarily.
      However, there is always a positive and a negative with everything isn't there? :)

      Delete
  62. Wow! These bird cages are amazing and perfectly shabby chic. :) Thanks for such a detailed tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your More than Welcome Lindsey and Thank YOU for your complements! :D

      elizabeth

      Delete
  63. These cages are wonderful! I will keep these instructions at hand in pinterest - and will give it a try at a later stage :-)

    ReplyDelete
  64. I'm Glad that you like the idea Marion! I'm not a Shabby Chic person myself, but every once in a while I like to step outside the box, and test the waters, by trying something a little different. Nice to know that you do too!
    Enjoy :D

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete

  65. Hello Elizabeth,
    I am the editor for Dollhouse Miniatures and American Miniaturist Magazines and am looking for miniature tutorials to feature in upcoming issues.
    Would you be interested in sharing your birdcage tutorial with American Miniaturist Magazine?
    I could use the text you already have on your blog I would just need high resolution photos.
    I can offer you payment (when there is room in the budget for a particular issue) or I can offer trade for issues or credit towards a subscription.

    If there are other tutorials you would be interested in sharing please let me know. Have a wonderful day. I hope to hear from you. You can email me at auralea@ashdown.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hi Auralea, Thank you for your inquiry. :D
    I'll contact you via email

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  67. WOW the birdcages look awesome and the tutorial is easy to follow am going to save this as a project to do thank you for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  68. Thank You for your comment Jude! :) This was an enjoyable project for me and very easy to customize and make your own!

    elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  69. That is very cool..thanku so much for a thorough and easy to follow tutorial. Happy New Year from Oz 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Kaz! It's feels very satisfying to receive such positive feedback from so many around the world, AND from downunder! :D
      A HAPPY NEW YEAR to you, too!

      elizabeth

      Delete

DO OVERS! a Glencroft Living room redecoration

    Back in April of 2022, I made up a storyline for my Glencroft renovations, which went something like this...   "After due considera...