The other day I did a post about Specimen Art and decided that I really needed to try my hand at it. I had been wanting to do one for awhile but never got to it (as many of you can understand with mile long “to-do” lists). Since my Spring decor is really lacking, now seemed like the perfect time!
To make my Nest and Egg Specimen Art I used these items:
Craft plaque (or you could use a picture frame)
Paint: base coat, weathered wood, and a top coat
Oval paper punch
Scrapbook paper
12 small nests
I started by painting the craft plaque a light blue. I just used the cheap Michael’s craft paint because I knew most of it would be covered up. I picked up this paint 3/$1.
Then I took a foam brush and applied DecoArt’s weather wood sporadically on the plaque. I only wanted the crackle to show up in certain spots and I wanted it to vary with larger and smaller crackling.
I used DecoArt Snow White as the top coat. I didn’t worry about getting a good even coverage because I wanted it to look worn and aged. See that great crackle in the corner? Love it!
Next it was time to work on the eggs and nests. I used a paper punch to punch out oval shapes. The paper I choose for the eggs was from a pack that reminded me of robin’s eggs, lots of light blues, browns, and creams. Perfect for sitting in a nest! I used some adhesive foam squares for the back of the eggs, stacking 3 of them on top of one another. I stuck the eggs into the nests with the foam squares propping them up (I ended up having to use some hot glue because the adhesive wasn’t strong enough to stick in the nests).
I used hot glue to attach the nests to the painted plaque. Add a plate easel to prop it up, or you could hang it on the wall.
I love how the crackle came out!!!
Here you can see a close up of all the papers, they’re so pretty.
So what do you think of my first crack at specimen art???
Linking up to these great link parties!
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Head over and link up your latest projects over at Time to Shine. It closes tonight at 12am PST and features will be up tomorrow!
That is really cute. I might try it myself
WOW Courtney you have so much talent! I love it. I bought a whole bag of the little nest last year at a YS and had no idea what to do with them. I am so excited going to give this a try tomorrow. Thanks so much for sharing. Blessings, Vicky
Really cute! I like all of the patterns that you can display!
Love this! It looks great! I am inspired! Where did you find those nests? I’ve been looking for small nests for some of my spring projects.
Very cute! I love your creativity!
Have a great day.
Pam
Such a cute and creaive idea…love it!!!
-emily
nestnestingnested.blogspot
You know the crackle obsession makes me giggle, but I love the finished product – a totally cute spring/Easter decoration!!!
@ Jenny: I found them all at Michaels. It took a couple trips to gather all that I needed, bird’s nests are busy this time of year!
GAH!! This is SO cute!! What a creative “specimen” project : ) LOVE it!
craft-interrupted.blogspot.com
That is very creative! I have done and seen my share of specimen art but this is devine! I love the mini nests, very Spring-y!!!!
Visiting from Craft-O-Maniac’s blog party! Stop by and visit me @ cookscleansplayswithpaper.blogspot.com !!!
Love your nest and egg art. I’m getting ready to try something like this with an old muffin tin.
That is just too cute! I love how you implemented the little nests into your specimen art.
Thanks for the easy to understand tutorial!
cheers,
Tracy http://allthumbscrafts.blogspot.com/
Very cute! Have always wondered how to do crackle…
Thanks for linking up to Making It With Allie! I can’t wait to see what you have for next week!
AllieMakes.Blogspot.com
So, so cute!!
Ruth
Adorable
SO cute!!! What a great idea! Visiting from Tatertots and Jello and I am a new follower!
Have a great weekend!
Michelle
http://www.delicateconstruction.blogspot.com
I like this A LOT! Great job! I’m your newest follower, I hope you come check me out at http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com
Very cute and so creative!
This turned out great!
Wow! I love this. The crackle turned out great 🙂 I would love for you to take part in some of my craft challenges at http://www.rustic-crafts.com
Check out my new blog too at
http://www.reneeschirpings.blogspot.com
Super cute! What a fun Easter decoration. Thanks for linking it up to I’d love for you to link it up at Sundae Scoop! Make sure to grab a button.
Great idea!!! I love this! I’d love if you linked this up to my very fist link party! http://runwithglitter.blogspot.com/2011/03/glitters-first-linky-party_22.html
You’re one crafty woman! Those nests look so beautiful now.
Buy WoW Account
This is really adorable…you are one creative bird!
I LOVE this! Super adorable. I featured this on my blog today! You can check out the post here:
http://justbeckause.blogspot.com/2011/03/blog-head-monday-5.html
Have a great Monday!
<3Becky
justbeckause.blogspot.com
What a fun idea! And where has that crackle treatment been all my life? Love it!