My Designs are for the Birds

      For years one of our favorite family outings has been Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary in Mendon Ponds, New York.  In fact, when our daughter was younger, we went almost daily! We love the birds there.  My daughter is particularly enamored with the owls, especially an Eastern Screech Owl whom she named "The Inside Owl."  My husband and I both enjoyed seeing Corbin the Crow, who unfortunately has  passed away. 

    Because we love the sanctuary so much, I thought it appropriate to make some bird inspired pieces for their annual "Shopping is For The Birds Sale, " which takes place at their Mendon Ponds facility November 29th, 30th and December 1st, from 9am-3pm.   This sale is vital to helping raise funds to feed and care for the birds, all of whom are permanently injured.

     For this collection, I created a number of patterns inspired by the feathers and markings found on local birds of prey.  While I do include an obvious "feather" in the collection, most of the patterns in the collection use the feather as a starting point.  I like to transform things so with these patterns I began with wing designs and feathers and then flipped and inverted them to create new patterns.  I have donated a number of pieces from the collection to be sold at the Wild Wings, "Shopping is for The Birds" sale.  

    The Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary is a great outing for the Thanksgiving weekend.  It is a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle, and puts you in a more "naturally" based mood for the season.  It is a great way to entertain out-of-town visitors, especially those with small children.