Since we have been talking about bird decor I wanted to share with you my hanging birds.  It is easy to take a few branches and fill them with paper birds.  Choose a variety of decorative papers that coordinate with your home decor or with the season.  Then make a bunch of these little birds to hang.  This is a nice weekend craft that you can make for yourself or give away.  Take some time to make hanging birds today!

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How to Make Paper Birds to Hang

1. Choose the style that you want.  You can use decorative paper or you can paint the birds.  Painting them with chalkboard paint gives you the option to write on the birds.
2. Print out the bird template to help you make your birds in different styles.  You can get access to my bird template at the bottom of this post.
3. Trace the bird onto your paper or thin cardboard, then cut it out.  Cardstock makes the best weight for these birds.  If you use double-sided decorative paper then both sides will be displayable.
4. Add decorative trims such as ribbons, pins, buttons or charms.  I used two sparkly lapel pins that I found at the craft store.  I also used a black sharpie to add a border to the edge of some of the birds and to add eyes.
5. To paint the birds with chalkboard paint use light cardboard such as a cereal box.  Paint 2-3 coats of craft chalkboard paint, allowing it to dry after each coat.  Season your birds before writing on them.  To season use the side of a piece of chalk and completely cover with a coating of chalk.  Wipe it off and your bird should be ready to go.
6. To make the bird with wings use a sharp blade to cut the line across the bird body.  Be careful to not cut to the edges.  Fold the wing piece in half and slide the wing into the cut.  The wing should be facing backward.
7. Poke a small hole in the top or use a small hole punch.  Tie a string, twine or ribbon to your birds and hang from a vase of branches.

Other Ways to Use These Birds

• Attach your paper birds to twine to make a garland.  You can attach them with hot glue or with decorative clothespins.
• Use your birds for a gift label.  Tie it on the package with twine for a spring, Easter or Mother’s Day gift.
• Decorate both sides of the birds and use to make a mobile or just hang from the ceiling to have a flock of flying birds.
• Use them to decorate a wreath for your front door.
• Glue to a long wooden pick to add into your bouquets.
• Paint with chalkboard paint, write names on them and use as place settings

These paper birds are simple to make but they will remind you that spring is on its way!  I keep branches in my front hallway and always have some kind of birds hanging around to enjoy.  I hope that you will make a few of these featherless friends to hang in your home as well. 

To get the free hanging bird template, just click the link for the download: Hanging Bird Template.