Red Bellied Woodpecker


Ta da!  Bird Number Ten!

This one's a red-bellied woodpecker and is what started the whole bird series in the first place.  The reference photo (which I don't have permission to post, here) is what inspired it all. 

But he came last, because I couldn't figure out how to make the snow.  Turns out - it was french knots!




Hey, speaking of french knots, check out those puppies. :)

If you compare this bird with the Fairy Wren - which was also done with a lot of french knots, you'll note the difference between them, being - the fairy wren looks flat in comparison to the knots. In this case, I built up the bird by putting him on a base of red mouflon.

Doing this series has been really instructive - and I understand so much better now, why working in a series is important. I've only been doing this one for 4.5 months and I have learned so much!

Observe:


The first bird in the series, the Green Headed Tanager. Can you believe it?




Phew! That's better. :)

In fact, I think I may have to make an 11th bird - and re-visit the green headed tanager.

Have a great weekend and see you on Monday!
Kit 120

Linking up with Nina-Marie at Off The Wall Fridays.  Check it out and see what other fiber artists are up to!

Kit Lang

34 comments:

  1. I just adore your birds. They are incredible.

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  2. Anonymous5.4.13

    Lovely birds!

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  3. You know Kit - you truly are a great example why people should work in series. Your birds have been great - but I can see how working in series has really paid off! I think I like this one the best so far! The composition and the use of the embellishment (which is hard to do!) is lovely!

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  4. They are indeed incredible. All those little pieces! The woodpecker is so realistic.

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  5. Wow! I love your woodpecker Kit - stunning!

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  6. Really beautiful, Kit! Your birds are incredible.

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  7. did you ever do him justice! and the snow laden branch is magnificent with the hand work!

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  8. You're right about working in a series. I've done 14 mini-landscapes now -- no, 15 -- and each one is stronger than the last. Love your woodpecker -- we get those fellas 'round here, and I've seen 1 or 2 of his cousins lately. :-)

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  9. Your birds are lovely!

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  10. Incredible realistic!

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  11. wow!! He makes me SMILE! :D Absolutely gorgeous, Kit. Brava!

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  12. Fantastic! I knew that was about a bazillion French knots before I scrolled down and read, and I really like the addition of the tiny white beads.

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  13. Oh my! Your woodpecker is just amazing. Beyond amazing! What an awesome work of art! Love all the knots. Perfect snow!

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  14. I have never tried working in a "series". Your birds are fabulous and incredibly inspiring!

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  15. I'm glad you posted the first and last bird, what a difference. Love the hand work.

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  16. Anonymous5.4.13

    Lovin' the birds! Keep it going.

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  17. Amazing! Love the texture of all those french knots!

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  18. Lovely work. I was also hesitant to try working in a series, and I couldn't agree with you more. It really is going deep as opposed to wide.

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    1. I highly recommend it having done it now!

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  19. Wow Kit! This is my absolute favourite of the whole flock! Incredible. I see what you mean about working in a series. I may have to try that.

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  20. I love making birds, too, and I think yours are gorgeous! French knots are always fun, too! I took pictures of two pileated woodpeckers in my yard this week, so they might be inspiration for my next bird textile collage.

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    1. thanks Martha - looking forward to seeing your new work!

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  21. Anonymous6.4.13

    This is very impressive!
    Esther

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  22. Anonymous6.4.13

    So beautiful! He really is stunning. Interesting point about working in series- I can see that your work has changed and the woodpecker shows it. Still, I love the Green Headed Tanager too- I don't think you need to re-do him!

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    1. Well thanks for that, BSP loves him too - but still I want to make another one. :)

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  23. Fabulous series ... congrats !

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  24. I still like the Fairy Wren. The leaves are lovely - of course cannot be compared to the super generous french knotted lilac and snow - but lovely in it's own right!!
    I DO know what you mean about a series...

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  25. Anonymous6.4.13

    Fantastic !! What a difference. But (dummie here) what is red Moufflon? Probly spelled wrong but the effect you got is amazing between the 2 birds. I think I need to by some of this "red M_____" whatever you used. Can you tell me where I can buy some please? Ruth

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    1. Mouflon is a kind of wool and you can probably buy it at most fabric stores - but probably not your local quilt shop. Cheers,

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  26. Utterly wonderful! The birds, the foliage, it's fantastic!

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  27. I agree with your definition of success. One of the most amazing things about you is your tenacity. I believe you have achieved amazing work with your bark, french knot clusters (truly amazing!!) and your attention to detail with the feathers. You are an artist!

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