Etsy Shop for Birdartist

2010 Weekly Calendar--Original Bird Art

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:05:45 -0500

$16.00
Back by popular demand, a new, 2010 calendar. This is a weekly appointment calendar, 4 1/4" wide x 5 1/2" tall, spiral bound at the top, with a nice thick back for support when writing. Nice, compact size fits in a purse or large pocket. Printed on a production quality, high resolution digital Press.

Artwork originally in acrylic, most of it published in field guides. Many of the birds are West Indian, others North American, plus a Panamanian parrot for good measure! I've made substitutions for 8 of the birds from last year to add a little excitement and novelty. Otherwise, it is the same as the 2009 calendar, simply updated for 2010. You may enjoy some of the cute and playful associations between the names of the birds and the holidays.

All major US holidays included, Canadian, plus others. A 2011 calendar can be found at the back, along with a couple of blank pages for notes.

2010 Weekly Calendar--Original Bird Art

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 11:29:57 -0500

2010 Weekly Calendar--Original Bird Art

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:24:14 -0500

HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER--Peppermint Candy Four O'Clock

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:24:03 -0500

$38.00
A variegated magenta and white polymer clay flower is delicately sculpted to resemble an actual Four O'Clock flower from my garden. This one reminds me of peppermint candy, but maybe just a bit more magenta. There is an opening in the center of the flower and hummingbirds sip sugar water "nectar" through the opening, just as they would in nature. A custom made green stopper at the base of the flower fits perfectly into a clear glass, 50mL recycled mini liquor bottle. There is raised writing on the shoulder of the bottle that says "1/10 PINT." A soft brass wire hanger is twisted around the bottle and there is a twisted loop at the top that can be bent to allow for hanging at different angles.

Entire length of this feeder is approximately 5 5/8". The flower itself is about 2" in diameter.

I have spent a lot of time field testing and perfecting my feeders before I decided to sell them. I'm quite proud of them. They look so natural that hummingbirds respond to them as if they were real flowers, and my local Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have eagerly accepted them.

All of my feeders come with the necessary instructions for mixing nectar, filling, hanging, and cleaning. If you have any questions about them, before or after purchase, please feel free to contact me.

HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER--Deep Purple and Magenta Fuchsia

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:59:33 -0500

$38.00
Richly colored, magenta and deep purple polymer clay fuchsia, is delicately sculpted to resemble an actual Fuchsia flower. The sepals are bright magenta, and the petals in the center are magenta in the center, gradually blending to bluish violet at the edges. The photo shows the center somewhat more reddish magenta than it actually is. There is some magenta in the center, but the petals appear more purple in the middle and bluish towards the edges. Film does tend to overemphasize red tones at the expense of blue. There is an opening in the center of the flower and hummingbirds sip sugar water "nectar" through the opening, just as they would in nature. A custom made green stopper at the base of the flower fits perfectly into a emerald green glass, 50 ml, recycled mini liquor bottle. A soft brass wire hanger is twisted decoratively around the bottle and is adjustable to allow for secure hanging at different angles.

Entire length of this feeder is approximately 5 1/2". The flower itself is about 2 1/8" in diameter from the outer margins of the curving magenta petals, and the purple center flares to about 1 1/4" in width.

I have spent a lot of time field testing and perfecting my feeders before I decided to sell them. I'm quite proud of them. They look so natural that my hummingbirds have eagerly accepted them, treating them like real flowers.

All of my feeders come with the necessary instructions for mixing nectar, filling, hanging, and cleaning. If you have any questions about them, before or after purchase, please feel free to contact me.

2010 Weekly Calendar--Original Bird Art

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:08:51 -0500

Bird House--Ceramic Stoneware--Acorn Design for Bluebirds

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:55:31 -0500

$125.00
This bird house is hand thrown in an acorn shape, with overall outer dimensions 11 3/4" tall x 5 1/2" wide. Cone 10, high fire stoneware, glazed on the exterior with a yellow salt glaze, with unglazed interior. The yellow salt glaze has a semi-matte finish, finely speckled in pale greenish yellow. The cap is richly glazed in various tones of brown and black. Cleverly designed, locking tabs allow the cap to twist off for cleaning and lock shut when in use. Safe for year round, freeze/thaw, outdoor use. There are 5 holes in the bottom for drainage, and a hole in the bottom center for a mounting screw (brass screw included). The house can be mounted on the top of a wooden post with a wood screw (included), or on the side of a wooden post or tree by means of a metal bracket. I have a store bought ornamental metal one that I can include with your order, if you plan to mount it that way.

This bird house is designed with the proper dimensions to attract Eastern Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds, or Mountain Bluebirds. The hole measures 1 9/16" wide, which will admit the slightly larger Mountain Bluebird in addition to the Eastern and Western Bluebirds. The hole is placed about 6 1/8" above the bottom. The interior height is about 9 1/2" tall, and the maximum interior diameter is about 5".

All species of Bluebirds like to nest in open areas, so the box should be situated appropriately. A fence post is a good location, at about 6 feet from the ground, with the hole facing away from prevailing winds. Bluebirds nest early, so it is best to have the house up and available by the end of February. Nesting may begin as early as March.

Most hand made ceramic bird houses do not have the correct dimensions for birds, and are more ornamental in nature. I take care to make mine functional, and practical. I calculate for kiln shrinkage, and throw mine larger, so that they will shrink to the correct size after firing.

NOTE ON SHIPPING: I may be able to give a $5-$10 refund on shipping to buyers in Pennsylvania or nearby states. Just ask, and I'll let you know. The $16 rate covers Parcel Post shipping to west coast destinations. Priority rates are quite expensive for the west coast, but we can discuss this if you need it quickly.

2010 Weekly Calendar--Original Bird Art

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:53:48 -0500

2010 Weekly Calendar--Original Bird Art

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:19:28 -0500

HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER--Red Four O'Clock with Lilac Pink Starburst

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:19:18 -0500

$38.00
A bright red polymer clay flower has a lilac pink contrasting starburst pattern in the center. It is delicately sculpted to resemble an actual Four O'Clock flower from my garden. There is an opening in the center of the flower and hummingbirds sip sugar water "nectar" through the opening, just as they would in nature. A custom made green stopper at the base of the flower fits perfectly into a clear glass, 50 ml, recycled mini liquor bottle. The gracefully formed neck of the bottle has a rounded bulge at the base. A soft brass wire hanger is twisted around the bottle and is adjustable to allow for secure hanging at different angles.

Entire length of this feeder is approximately 5 5/8". The flower itself is about 2 1/8" in diameter.

I have spent a lot of time field testing and perfecting my feeders before I decided to sell them. I'm quite proud of them. They look so natural that hummingbirds respond to them as if they were real flowers. My local Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have eagerly accepted them.

All of my feeders come with the necessary instructions for mixing nectar, filling, hanging, and cleaning. If you have any questions about them, before or after purchase, please feel free to contact me.

HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER--Kolkwitzia Flower

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:54:33 -0500

$38.00
A lovely, white to pale pink polymer clay flower with a shell pink reverse and interior. There is a network of lacy golden veins inside and on the bottom petals. This flower is delicately sculpted to resemble an actual Beauty Bush flower from my garden. The Beauty Bush is a shrub in the genus, Kolkwitzia, related to Honeysuckles and Weigela.

There is an opening in the center of the flower and hummingbirds sip sugar water "nectar" through the opening, just as they would in nature. A custom made green stopper at the base of the flower fits perfectly into a very pale green glass, 50 ml, recycled mini liquor bottle. The paleness of the green glass goes nicely with the lush, pink paleness of the flower. A soft brass wire hanger is twisted around the bottle and is adjustable to allow for secure hanging at different angles.

Entire length of this feeder is approximately 5 3/4". The flower itself is about 1 7/8" tall, and about 1 1/2" in diameter.

I have spent a lot of time field testing and perfecting my feeders before I decided to sell them. I'm quite proud of them. They look so natural that hummingbirds respond to them as if they were real flowers. My local Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have eagerly accepted them.

All of my feeders come with the necessary instructions for mixing nectar, filling, hanging, and cleaning. If you have any questions about them, before or after purchase, please feel free to contact me.

HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER--Hearts and Honey Vine

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:56:44 -0500

$38.00
A bright, rich orange, polymer clay flower with protruding stamens and golden center, is delicately sculpted to resemble an actual Hearts and Honey Vine flower from my garden. The reverse has a lovely light orange contrasting pattern. This vine is a close relative of Morning Glories, but the flowers are much smaller. Hummingbirds love them for their sweet nectar. There is an opening in the center of the flower and hummingbirds sip sugar water "nectar" through the opening, just as they would in nature. A custom made green stopper at the base of the flower fits perfectly into a very pale green glass, 50 ml, recycled mini liquor bottle. A soft brass wire hanger is twisted around the bottle and is adjustable to allow for secure hanging at different angles.

Entire length of this feeder is approximately 5 5/8". The flower itself is about 1 11/16" in diameter.

I have spent a lot of time field testing and perfecting my feeders before I decided to sell them. I'm quite proud of them. They look so natural, that my hummingbirds have eagerly accepted them, as though they were real flowers.

All of my feeders come with the necessary instructions for mixing nectar, filling, hanging, and cleaning. If you have any questions about them, before or after purchase, please feel free to contact me.

Tea Cup with Bird Handle--3 of 5

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:56:24 -0500

$37.00
(Note: cups 1 and 4 were sold on 2/18, and cup 2 on 11/22). This is one of two remaining.

This graceful teacup features the head of a curlew, a type of shorebird known for its long, down curving bill which it uses to probe in the mud and sand. The face, neck, and bill are delicately carved and rest atop a large, rounded, very comfortable handle. Each cup is light weight and feels great in the hand.

Cone 10, high fire stoneware, glazed with lead free, food safe, Shino and Gold Gloss glazes.

Capacity is just a bit over 1 cup. Height is about 3 1/2", width is just under 4" (not including the rather wide handle).

They really are special, whether bought singly or as a set. Each one has its own unique charm, differing slightly in color, shape, and proportion, but still matching nicely with the others.

Hand washing recommended.

Tea Cup with Bird Handle--number 5 of 5

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:44:17 -0500

$37.00
(Note: This was originally a set of 5 cups. 1 and 4 were sold on 2/18, number 2 on 11/22). This is one of two remaining.

This graceful teacup features the head of a curlew, a type of shorebird known for its long, down curving bill which it uses to probe in the mud and sand. The face, neck, and bill are delicately carved and rest atop a large, rounded, very comfortable handle. Each cup is light weight and feels great in the hand.

Cone 10, high fire stoneware, glazed with lead free, food safe, Shino and Gold Gloss glazes.

Capacity is just a bit over 1 cup. Height is about 3 1/2", width is just under 4" (not including the rather wide handle).

They really are special, whether bought singly or as a set. Each one has its own unique charm, differing slightly in color, shape, and proportion, but still matching nicely with the others.

Hand washing recommended.

2010 Weekly Calendar--Original Bird Art

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:03:22 -0500

Bird House--Ceramic Stoneware--Clapboard design for Chickadees

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:49:09 -0500

$135.00
NOTE: This house has been on my site for a long time, and noticed and commented on by many Etsians. Everyone who has seen it in person just loves it. If it does not sell over the holidays, I will most likely take it off my site and put it out in my own yard in time for spring nesting season. I have the perfect spot for it, but until then, I'd be happy to sell it to someone else for their own perfect spot. It's a pretty house, and necessarily expensive due to the time involved and expense of materials and firing. I know that many people have commented on how nice it is, and it has appeared in at least one treasury. I think it must be the poor economy hindering me in the sale of this bird house.

DESCRIPTION: A charming little bird house, hand built in stoneware clay, carved to resemble a clapboard house with a "slate" roof. Overall outer dimensions 10" tall x 4 3/4" wide. Roof is about 6" wide from side to side. Interior dimensions: The hole is circular, and 1 1/4" in diameter. This is large enough for chickadees, and small enough to exclude House Sparrows. The interior diameter is about 4 ", height of hole above floor about 6 1/4", and total interior height is about 9".

Cone 9/10, high fire stoneware, glazed on the exterior, unglazed interior. The roof tiles are glazed with 5 different glazes, and look very much like natural slate. This house is safe for year round, freeze/thaw, outdoor use. There are 4 holes in the bottom for drainage, and a hole in the bottom center for a mounting screw (brass screw included). Cleverly designed roof slides off for cleaning.

NORTH AMERICA: This bird house is designed with the proper dimensions for Chickadees--either Black-capped or Carolina. Chickadees are common backyard birds throughout much of the United States and Canada. They are easy to attract, and will readily nest in bird houses. I believe this house should also be suitable for the Mountain Chickadee of the western US and Canada, Chestnut-backed of the Pacific Northwest, and the Mexican Chickadee--but I have no personal experience with these species.
EUROPE: There are also small birds of Europe like the Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, and Pied Flycatcher that might find a perfect nesting place here.

Most hand made ceramic bird houses do not have the correct dimensions for birds, and are more ornamental in nature. I take care to make mine functional, and practical. I calculate for kiln shrinkage, and throw mine larger, and cut the entrance holes larger so that they will shrink to the correct size after firing. The hole is placed high enough to allow room for the nest below.

It is best to mount this house outside in winter, or very early spring, before the breeding season begins. This will give the birds a chance to get accustomed to it before the breeding season begins. Pairs may begin looking for nesting places as early as late February, so it's best to have the house out and available before then. You can place this house as low as 6 feet, but higher is better. Partially filling it with sawdust may also be helpful in attracting chickadees--especially Black-capped.

NOTE ON SHIPPING: I may be able to give give a $5-$10 refund on shipping to buyers in Pennsylvania or nearby states. Just ask, and I'll let you know. The $20 rate covers shipping to west coast destinations.

2010 Weekly Calendar--Original Bird Art

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:49:08 -0500

Owl Pitcher--Sculpted White Porcelain

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:49:08 -0500

$150.00
Lovely porcelain owl pitcher, with shiny white, food safe glaze. Fired at cone 9/10. Liquid pours through the bill. Very textured face with horns, eyes with eyelids, great facial disk detail, and scalloped throat feathers. I find myself thinking of Greek sculpture and the goddess Athena, whose companion was an owl! This owl has wings, too, and the entire surface of the piece is subtly textured with applied slip. The right wing is blushed with pink from a neighboring piece in the kiln, and there are a few small dark spots--just enough to add a little handmade charm and character.

Holds about 4 cups = 1 quart. Perhaps best enjoyed as a decorative piece, but has a well balanced, graceful handle, and the piece pours well enough for use. About 8" tall and 4 1/4" wide at the widest point.

I've calculated shipping prices, but it's hard to give exact amounts for everyone because it depends so much on distance. If you are in a state that neighbors Pennsylvania, or is fairly close, I may be able to save you some money on shipping. Just contact me and ask, and I'll see what I can do.

HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER--Red Salvia coccinea on square green bottle

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:57:42 -0500

$38.00
Bright red Salvia coccinea polymer clay flower is delicately sculpted to resemble an actual Salvia flower from my garden. These flowers are a type of Sage. There is an opening in the center of the flower and hummingbirds sip sugar water "nectar" through the opening, just as they would in nature. A custom made green stopper at the base of the flower fits perfectly into a recycled, square shaped, green glass, 50 ml mini liquor bottle. A soft brass wire hanger is twisted around the bottle and is adjustable to allow for secure hanging at different angles.

Entire length of this feeder is approximately 5 1/2". The flower itself is about 1 7/16" tall and wide.

I have spent a lot of time field testing and perfecting my feeders before I decided to sell them. I'm quite proud of them. They look so natural that hummingbirds treat them as though they were real flowers. My local Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have eagerly accepted them.

All of my feeders come with the necessary instructions for mixing nectar, filling, hanging, and cleaning. If you have any questions about them, before or after purchase, please feel free to contact me.