Arty little birds take flight

Crescentwood

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/03/2023 (1150 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s nothing odd about the birds of Little Wing Odd Birds — they are a unique, creative expression of one person’s love of nature.

“The birds are small bird sculptures made of wool, wire and hockey tape that celebrate both the beauty of yarn and the charm of birds,” said Jodie Jane, artist, and owner off Little Wing Odd Birds. “Many birds are purely imaginary species, and some are interpretations of actual birds found in nature. All are whimsical, playful, and odd.”

Jodie, a fine arts graduate, began making the birds in 2016 after seeing a blog post about ideas for using leftover yarn.

“The post linked to a tutorial showing the basic technique for cutting the wool and tying it into the shape of a bird. I thought it was so clever and very cute, so I made some as gifts for family and friends. After that I just didn’t stop making them,” Jodie. said “It’s been an important creative outlet and source of income for my household all these years.”

While the birds themselves are a simple format, the inspiration comes from the beautiful fibres Jodie has collected over the years.

“There is such endless possibility for combining and re-combining colours and textures in these little fibre art sculptures,” Jodie said. “Needle felting markings on the face, chest, or back has been really helpful to add realistic markings and shapes to some of my creations.”

Jodie said people buy the birds for a variety of reasons. Some feel a special connection towards a particular bird or sometimes they want to send a special message to friend or loved one.

“My optional messenger-bird service works like this,” she explained. “I type your short, personalized note on my vintage typewriter. I then cut it into a paper strip and wrap the note around the bird’s leg. The receiver must find and unwrap the leg band to reveal the message. So, it’s kind of a novel and interactive way to send a greeting or well wishes or whatever other sentiment might want delivered by bird.”

To view the birds or for more information visit @littlewing on Instagram or on Facebook at Little Wing by Jodie Jane.