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.
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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
- 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.
Shop Supplies
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™.