DIY: Owl Chalkboard Created with Sunflower Seeds

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

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.)

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".

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!

John Robshaw

The new range of handpainted decorative pillows by John Robshaw feature colorful prints of owl, tiger, birds and more. Each pillow is painted on cotton linen fabric, and takes about a day and a half detailing each individual pillow in beautiful designs.

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Owl Softie Inspired by Art

I simply adore this owl softie inspired by a 7 year's old drawing found at 5 Orange Potatoes. The "singing bird" drawing was turned into a soft toy using easy materials like an old yellow sweater, felt and a needle. I sure can learn a thing or two from this little genius!

Kleenex + Cori Dantini

I am already a huge fan of Cori Dantini's artwork, and I was so excited to see her adorable owl designs on these Kleenex boxes. I have not see the box yet at my local store but I'll be on the lookout. If you spot this good-looking box anywhere, do tell.

Freebie by Johanna Parker

After Martha Stewart's owl and cat masks I have another owl and cat freebie for you. Isn't it fun?

Johanna Parker, whose pieces I blogged previously here, has been featured in several magazines including  Phyllis Hoffman's Celebrate Halloween Magazine which featured her latest spooktacular Halloween creations. The magazine also has 2 of Johanna's illustrated Halloween characters - owl and cat that are suitable to be used as cupcake picks for Fall and Halloween themed parties. Click here to begin the download.