Today, I’m sharing how to make a DIY foraged bird nest. As the birds in our backyard were chirping away yesterday, I was imagining they were discussing their plans for building spring nests. I can’t think of a better way to anticipate spring, than gathering some natural elements from the backyard to use indoors.
DIY Foraged Bird Nest
While enjoying the outdoors, I decided to forage for interesting materials to use for a faux nest. Our yard is littered with short pecan stems, and I’m figuring a hand full will work for structure. A few honeysuckle clippings, and a couple of blueberry branches will work as camouflage. Do birds think that way? Probably not LOL!
The rest of my building supplies consist of excelsior, raffia and jute string. That sounds like more than enough with the backyard foraging materials to make one little bird nest.
Alright, I have to admit it may seem a little early for spring projects, but our warm weather outlook makes me feel like I need to start now. Besides, I never quite get around to all the little things I want to experiment with, or make before the seasons change again.
This is my first time to make a bird nest, and it’s just as much fun I as thought it would be.
Supplies
- excelsior
- raffia
- jute string
- foraged stems, twigs and vines
- scissors
- garden shears (optional)
For the base, I’m starting with a handful of raffia creating a round donut shape.
Next, I’m inserting thin stems through the raffia from three different angles to intersect in the center.
To add just a little more structure, a long piece of jute sting winds around the outside of the raffia over and under the stems.
For a soft bed I’m using excelsior to fill in any gaps, which looks a lot like natural Spanish moss. A few more pecan stems crisscross to hold it all in place.
The last step is adding the honeysuckle and blueberry cuttings, for what I think of as camouflage.
Note: I did not use any glue, because this first attempt at building a bird nest is somewhat experimental. I can go back and add some hot glue in a few places, but for now the little stems seem to be holding everything in tact.
How To Display A Foraged Bird Nest
Spring decorating is not in full swing around here yet, so I’m trying the bird nest in a couple of places. The first setting is resting on a book, which is so simple to do. I’m using an extra honeysuckle clipping under the nest for a little more pop of greenery.
Now the second display on an ironstone dish might be my favorite. This sweet vignette is arranged on the secretary desk along with a large illustrated birds of Texas book. A pair of vintage field binoculars are sitting on top just for fun.
Of course I had to include some eggs in the nest, just to see how they look. I don’t have any faux eggs this small, but Cadbury eggs are just the right size.
Over the next few weeks I’ll be adding more spring like touches to freshen up the house. I’m thinking of a few more ways to display the bird nest so you’ll have to check back to see.
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with inspiration that you can use right now!
For more spring ideas see my posts Spring Decorating Ideas For An Ottoman. and Early Spring Entry Table.
Thanks for stopping by today for my DIY foraged bird nest. It’s time to go outdoors to see what you can gather to make one too. In 10 minutes or less you can create a faux bird nest, and have fun displaying it with your spring decor.
Cheers!
©2022 DIY Foraged Bird Nest post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane.
Omgoodness, Michelle this is just the cutest!! Pinned😊 Thanks for linking up on Tuesday Turn About this week!
Thank you Cindy! My inner voice is saying it’s ready for spring LOL!
I love this idea. It’s adorable! I would love it if you would share this on The Fabulous Friday Link Party this Friday. https://www.peacockridgefarm.com/category/fabulous-friday-link-party/
Hugs to you.
Thanks so much Renae! I’ll be sure to link up tomorrow. Hugs!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this so much Michelle! You are so creative and talented. The birds having been chirping more and more in our yard too which is always such a sweet sign spring is on the way and I’m here for it. Pinning and loving as always, CoCo
Thank you CoCo! It’s a full time job keeping the bird feeders full but we sure love having them around! Thanks for pinning sweet friend!
This is so cute. Thank you so much for sharing on Fabulous Friday Link Party. We sure appreciate you. Hugs and blessings to you.
Thank you Renae! Hugs!
Michelle, you are always SO creative with natural elements in your home, and this DIY spring bird nest is no exception! So lovely! Pinned, and I’m excited to feature you at Tuesday Turn About this week! Hugs!
Yay! I’m so excited to be featured Julie! Thank you for pinning too!
I love the simplicity of this project, Michelle. It’s so pretty. I have all the ingredients, so I may be making a bird’s nest too. Pinned.
Thank you Carol! This is my first bird nest and I had so much fun making it!
This is ADORABLE!!! I love it…it’s the perfect piece of decor to usher in early Spring. You did a fabulous job of using natural materials to create it. It looks SO real!! Pinned. Thanks so much for sharing at Home Imagined this week!
Thank you so much for stopping by and pinning Rachel!
This is so cute! Now I need to make one, too. 🙂
Thanks for sharing on Sundays on Silverado!
Thank you Niky for popping in today!
Hi Michelle – This is just the post I needed to read. As I write this, it is snowing outside and we have gotten over 6 inches of snow thus far in the last 12 hours. More is on the way! So, imagine my delight when finding your post on making a foraged bird nest. Totally made my day. Thank you. Also thank you for sharing this post on the Home Imagined Link Party.
I feel for you my friend. I’m not sure how I would cope with so much snow this time of year! Thank so much for stopping by!
Hi Michelle – I am happy to say that your post will be featured in our Home Imagined Link party tomorrow! Thank you for contributing to our link party!
Thank you so much for the feature today!