Tuesday, September 27, 2011

DIY: Owl Chalkboard Created with Sunflower Seeds

owlcraft8

My name is Vanessa, and I write about children's books and book-inspired crafts on my blog Silly Eagle Books. After seeing a vintage owl necklace a few weeks ago, I was inspired to try out the technique to make an owl for my youngest daughter's nursery. (Since we are big owl fans, there are quite a few owls in it already!) 

Here's what you need:
  • small chalkboard (I found this one at the dollar store.)
  • 10 sunflower seeds
  • assorted paint colors
  • felt
  • two large buttons and two smaller buttons (for the eyes)
  • hot glue gun
  • scissors
owlcraft2

Begin by painting your sunflower seeds. I chose 5 different colors, but you could use as few or as many as you like. Instead of using a brush, I just dipped them into the paint. While you wait for them to dry, assemble your eyes by gluing one small button on top of a larger one. (You'll need them for the next step.)

owlcraft3

owlcraft5

owlcraft4

To cut out the face piece, place your button eyes on the felt. Using a permanent marker, sketch your shape onto the felt. Don't worry too much about the marks showing--just flip it over after it is cut out and use the
backside. To make the feet, cut triangles from the felt and then cut smaller triangles out to from three "toes".

owlcraft6

owlcraft7

Once your seeds are dry, you can begin hot gluing them onto your chalkboard. Line them up like this: 4 seeds, 3 seeds, 2 seeds, 1 seed. Glue on the eyes and felt pieces, and you are done!

Set it up in your child's room and you've got a perfect spot to leave special messages. (The phrase, "Who wants to play?" is from a favorite owl picture book of ours Sam and the Firefly by P.D. Eastman.) Thanks again, Shivani for letting my guest post on your beautiful blog!

Thank you, Vanessa!

5 comments :

Mamasita said...

I LOOOOVE this!!! So darling!

Kayleigh said...

How cute is this! I think I need to try this!

Robyn Stewardson -- Focus on Art said...

This is GREAT!! Love owls, love kids' books, love craft. Vanessa's blog looks like just the thing for me. ;o) Thanks for introducing her!!

http://tiriri-riri-i-inne-fikusy.blogspot.com/ said...

great idea ! :)

silly eagle books said...

Thanks again for letting me guest post! ;)

vanessa