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DIY: Handsewn Bird Mobile

CasaSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:00:51 -0700

If you've never sewn before, this is a great project to start you on your way. No machine is needed, as everything is hand sewn. Hand sewing is a great skill, as you can use it to complete simple repairs on clothing, from patching jeans to sewing on buttons to hemming skirts. And what better way to get you on your way than with an easy, adorable home decor project? This bird mobile, from Spool Sewing, will look lovely in a nursery, craft room, or primary-color saturated kitchen. Since many of you admit that you're still in love with the bird trend, why don't you take some time this weekend to get started on this project?

What You'll Need

2 different fabrics
Scissors
Thread
Sewing needle
Stuffing
Sticks
Filament wire

To find out how to make it, read more
Here are the steps:

Cut the pieces out using this pattern.
Put the right sides (the sides that will be on the outside of the finished bird) together, and pin one edge of the belly fabric to the body fabric.
Sew the two pieces together, using a straight seam, from dot to dot on the pattern.
Pin the other edge together and sew it the same way.
Sew the head seam together.
Turn the bird inside out, so the right side is on the outside, and stuff.
Sew the tail closed.
Repeat this process until you have the number of birds needed for your mobile.
Sew the birds to a branch, or hang them from branches with filament, to approximate the mobile in picture.
Hang and enjoy!

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The Gifted Child: Gifts For a Newborn Baby Girl

babysugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:30:27 -0800

While many of the gifts we recommend for baby boy are also suited for baby girls, there are a specific few that we know some wee lasses and their moms will adore. Girly girls will look oh-so-cute in a tiny tutu while a Zooni topper is sure to keep her wee noggin warm and fashionable. While they may not be ready to mount it right away, tiny tots will keep moving on up on a plush rocking horse that is sure to grow on them. Babes ready to tug something along will delight in a wooden pull toy while brand new birds will be mesmerized by a modern mobile hanging over their sleepy heads. For those that have a good sense of humor, the Heelarious cowgirl crib boots will have Santa's jolly old belly rolling with laughter. Be careful lil doggies - hearts will be spurring all over town.

Check out the rest of the widget to see what else we have in mind.

I Don't Need a Bird to Love the Music Cage

GeekSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:33:33 -0700

Let me start off by saying that this is not a birdcage. Although I wouldn't mind the sound of a little bird tweeting to wake me up in the morning (instead of my annoying alarm clock), this is something way geekier.

Called the Music Cage, this speaker plays your tunes wirelessly over a computer or a Bluetooth connection via your mobile phone. You can prop it up on a nice side table, or let it hang from your ceiling like you would a real, very classy birdcage. Although Nendo, the Japanese company that brings this unique piece of gadget artistry doesn't say what the little switches are for on the front (I assume one of them is the power switch. Just guessing here.), I wouldn't mind getting my hands on one to find out.

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E Is For Enhancing With Earthly Accents

babysugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:25 -0700

Elephants may trump all other "E"-themed nurseries, but they walk on the ground and that's why we'll celebrate with this decor. Earth, in all of its glory, is full of creatures big and small, brown and white, chirpy and snappy. Adorn walls with a natural wooden mobile, squirrel bookends, and a deco tree stand. Light up the room with a muted bird lamp, a glowing globe, or an illuminating egg. Treat the babe to the wonders of nature by tucking him into tree-lined sheets and plush matching pillows. A touch of wilderness will have the tot thanking the heavens above for such a serene environment.

Come back to see if you can guess what "F" is all about - food, fish, frogs, or farm?

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:00:00 -0700

The Swedes wow me with the dreamiest bathroom.- Desire to Inspire
Learn a clever, albeit dishonest, trick for keeping your street finds secured.- AT:LA
Look how the light shines through this lattice-covered library.- AT:SF
I'm charmed by this fabric scraps bird mobile.- Craftzine
Flower arranging can be easy and stunning.- Decor8
I'm loving these charming animal prints.- Shelterrific
Anthropologie's new catalog is all about the music.- Poppytalk
An art-filled Atlanta home fills me with envy.- Automatism

Pimp Your Crib: Build Your Own Deco*Mobile

babysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Finding the perfect gift for a newborn is never simple, but the Deco*Mobile Build Your Own Mobile kit ($72) is a light and fun option if mommy and daddy are artsy types. The customized box comes with four little felt pets and one centerpiece. You pick from yellow, chocolate, baby blue or baby pink mobile bases, which are made to order.

If you don't want to play color coordinator, check out the equally beautiful Bird Parade Mobile ($68).

View 4 Photos ›

Front Page: Birdflu Outbreaks, Zimbabwe, Flying Cell Phones

CitizenSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:00:40 -0700

India and South Korea are both struggling with fresh outbreaks of bird flu. In India, officials have ordered the elimination of about 20,000 birds. The outbreak is based around Bangladesh and has spread to more than half the country. Earlier this year, more than a million birds were slaughtered in the eastern state of West Bengal after an outbreak of bird flu there. In South Korea the second outbreak of the year, at a duck farm, requires the elimination of hundreds of thousands of birds. The H5N1 bird flu virus has killed more than 230 people in South East Asia since late 2003.

Nine days after the Zimbabwe presidential election, a court in Harare is due to rule on the opposition’s demand for an immediate release of the final tally. The governing party has insisted on a recount leading to further delays. A spokesman for the opposition says, “You can’t ask for the remarking of an exam whose result is not known by the student. It shows their mischief and shenanigans in trying to manipulate the poll.” The opposition has declared victory, though independent election monitors question whether he won the majority required to win outright. President Mugabe's party’s decision to push for a runoff and efforts to delay publication of the election outcome, however, makes voters fear that it is playing for time to mount a campaign of violent intimidation.
The European Commission said today they will allow cell phones to be used on planes. Under the new rules, travelers will be able to receive and make calls safely using their own mobile phones while flying all over Europe, according to the EU. The luxury will be to a very few travelers at first over fears of interfering with the aircraft's functioning. The service might cost travelers however, as the airplanes plan to carry the calls on their own network - at higher rates.

Is This Trend Over?

CasaSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:00:07 -0700

I've reported extensively on bird motifs in home decor, and I'm wondering if you think that this trend is over, or still alive and well. Regardless, I'm not taking down my favorite bird mobile.

Thomaspaul - Kelly II Floor Lamp - $570.00	Artecnica Icarus Light - $84.00
Decorative Bird Box - $35.50	Pulcino (Bird) Iron Doorstop - $22.00
Roost Glass Bird Vases - $16.50	Thomaspaul - Love Birds Wool Pile Rug - $270.00
K Studio - Real Bird Pillow - $110.00	Vitra eames house bird - $210.00
Russell + Hazel Bird Magnet - $17.00

The Scoop: Come Quick . . . The Bird Is Ringing!

PetSugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:00:58 -0800

Now sometimes I jump when my own phone rings, but imagine jumping when you hear your phone ring, only to realize that it never rang at all! This bird, Billy, is the culprit behind that very scenario with his owner, Stuart McNae, both seen here. The Blue-fronted Amazon Parrot is able to perfectly learn and mimic ringtones . . . so perfectly, in fact, that his owner has had to change the mobile phone's sound five times already! To make matters worse, Billy also likes to wait until Stuart leaves the room to copy the sound, and even imitates laughter when he dashes back to answer. The bird has already learned the Nokia theme, Lou Bega’s Mambo Number 5, the BBC Match of the Day tune, Soul Limbo by Booker T and the MGs and Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry . . . I can't think of trickier tones to test such a qualified creature with, can you?

Source

How-To: Rearranging a Room

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:15:53 -0700

If, like me, you were inspired by the Real Simple article on rearranging rooms, then read ahead for some advice on how to get the most from your rearrangement!

Some Things to Think About When Rearranging

Don't be afraid to switch things up. Steal a bedside lamp and use it for a side table in your living room. Put beloved photos hidden away in a spare bedroom on display in the foyer.
Take a look at your space as if you were a guest coming in for the first time. What seems out of place? What doesn't flow? What makes you feel uncomfortable? With that in mind, brainstorm ways to fix it.

For more ideas, read more.

Show off your best assets. Do you have a gorgeous hardwood floor? Then get rid of the room-size rug that's obscuring it! Do you have a beautiful view? Then make sure there's seating available to drink it in.
Keep it simple, smartie! If you're trying too hard with your décor, you may be missing the main idea - creating an accessible and comfortable space for people to gather and enjoy each other's company. Keep your own and your family's and guests' comfort in mind when you rearrange.
Try to erase preconceived ideas about where everything "belongs." You may be surprised by the results!

Welcome happy accidents. When I rearranged my office, I broke the frame on a screenprint. Instead of tossing out the print or reframing it, I created a new "art piece" by covering the print with a piece of stenciled wood (which was magically the same size as the print) left over from a laser-cut bird mobile I'd bought months ago.

Have fun! Rearranging a room can open it - and you - up to new possibilities. It's funny how small changes can make a huge difference.

Source

Squirrel Book Ends - $89.00	Floating Fish Mobile - $115.00
Boodalee - Trees Bedding - $80.00	Enchanted Forest Tree - $490.00
Early Bird Bean Bag Cover in Choice of Color - $130.00	Dorset Floral Rug - $129.00
Ecotots Surfin Kids Project Table - Leaf - $259.99	Cloud B - Sleep Sheep - $28.00
Tweet Hardware - $40.00	Happy Whaley Nightlight - $25.00
Early Bird Book Ends - $89.00	Bird Pink Nest - $75.00
Doodlefish Green Dot Curtain Panel - $190.00	Tree with Bird - $154.00
Raffi Songs of Our World CD - $12.99	The Best Artwork In The Whole Wide World - $99.00
Cloud b red "twilight ladybug" nightlight - $30.00	Boodalee Throw Pillow - World in Teal - $42.00
Sheep Mobile - $32.00	I've Got The Whole Illuminated World In My Hands - $99.00