I’ve resisted the lure of making an owl cushion up to now.
Not because I dislike them. But just because every Tom, Dick and Harry on the high street seems to sell them these days, which means that people can look at a handmade version and think “oh, I’ll pick one of those up for half that in Primark”.
But I received a special request for one. Especially for a girl requiring a special owl in blues and turquoises to suit her room.
So, as today was a day set aside for working on commissions (and I really needed to kick myself into gear after yesterday’s malaise) I thought I’d better get cracking.
The thing about making a new and untried design is that it always takes longer than you expect.
First of all, there’s the design itself. I had an idea of how I wanted my owl to look. So I sketched out the outline on greaseproof paper and messed about with it until I was happy.
Then there are fabric choices to make. What do I have enough of in the right colour? What fabric will work – not too thin, too thick, too bright, too dark? What will go with that?
My biggest owl dilemma was the eyes.
I have lots of fabrics with big flowers on. I use a variety of them for tweetie eyes.
But everything I tried looked wrong, until I found those orange beauties. Then it all fell into place.
Luckily, I had just one pair of matching black buttons in my button jar.
It took a while to do the applique, but it was worth it to get it right.
I would’ve hated to mess up those eyes.
And here he is, stuffed and finished…
I like his perky and sort of hopeful expression. Perhaps he’s hoping his new owner will like him.
Well, if she doesn’t, he’s welcome to find a home sitting on my bed. ♥
Great owl. I am sure it will be well loved in it’s new home. 🙂
It’s like he has his own personality!
It’s funny, I find that every tweetie cushion does too! It just seems to emerge at the point the button eyes go on!
He’s a hoot! The eyes have it indeed!
He is adorable! And, yes, that expression on his face is priceless!
He’s lovely. I know, at my cost, what you mean about folks saying they can pick them up cheaply at the supermarket. And there’s so much more work that goes into an owl than people realise. See my owls here http://lovelucie1.wordpress.com/2013/05/02/a-parliament-of-owls/
Ooh, thanks for sharing! I can look at other people’s owls now – I wouldn’t let myself before I made mine, as I didn’t want to copy anyone!
Love your use of ric rac on yours, and I had no idea that a group of owls was called a “parliament”!
I think you did an excellent job! The eyes are perfect and I agree with above about his expression. Adorable!
Oh my gosh!
He’s gorgeous … I love his lovely big eyes … Bee xx
Love it!!!
Oh I just adore him! I’m back from my trip and now in the land of proper internet 🙂 I’d love to request an owl commission, if you have time. I love this fabric combo – would you have something similar in an aqua/pink or purple colour way? (I’m thinking he would look super amazing on my aqua owl shelf http://www.flickr.com/photos/zedbee/9322134878/ ). Shall I send you an Etsy request or just email you? Thanks so much! Z x
Hi Zoe, I’ll drop you an email x
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