by Susan | Feb 5, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
If you live anywhere in the northeast, you should probably be home, safe and sound out of the weather today. So what to do with an unexpected snow day? This evening grosbeak is the perfect project. They are year-round residents in Maine, but you’re lucky if you...
by Susan | Jan 30, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Tree Clinging Bird Patterns
When readers suggested that I create a northern flicker, I didn’t know where to begin. Although they’re native to this neck of the woods, I’ve never seen one. With this pattern, you can make a yellow-shafted flicker, found in the east, or a...
by Susan | Jan 19, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Ground and Game Bird Patterns
One of the most requested birds at Downeast Thunder Farm is, surprisingly not a feeder bird, but a pheasant. After spying one strutting about the edge of our drive the other day, I decided to take a stab at designing it. Their color pattern is quite intricate –...
by Susan | Jan 12, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
Not long ago a visitor pointed out that what I thought was a house finch was really a purple finch. So, of course I had to make a felt purple finch. This is the only one I’ve seen on the farm lately! Right click on this link and select “Save target...
by Susan | Jan 5, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
I’ve so enjoyed the tree sparrows who are wintering in our yard. Sprightly with an endearing musical twitter, they have been frequent visitors to the feeders and provide much entertainment. Right click here and select “Save target as” (on a PC) to...
by Susan | Jan 1, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns
I ventured into this work of creating bird patterns three years ago with my Downeast Thunder Farm owl family of ornaments. So, it seems appropriate that my first pattern of 2014 be another owl. Although no self respecting pygmy owl would be found in Maine – especially...
by Susan | Dec 29, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
The house sparrow seems to be everywhere. Lately he’s been a frequent visitor to my feeders. In his honor, I’ve created him out of felt. Right click on this link and select “Save Target As” to save this house sparrow pattern to your computer...
by Susan | Dec 19, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
My latest bird was inspired by Julie who wrote: My grandfather used to feed the scrub jays peanuts. They would fly in and land all over him-from his head to arms to be fed peanuts in the shells. If he was late feeding them they would peck at his screen and doors. They...
by Susan | Dec 14, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Waterfowl and Seabird Patterns
The King Eider is a sea duck prized among hunters. A sighting in this neck of the woods is rare. The male is spectacular with his bright, bold coloring. Our hike last weekend where we spotted a variety of ducks reminded me that this guy was on my “to do”...
by Susan | Dec 7, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Waterfowl and Seabird Patterns
Not long ago, a Mrs. Ruddy wrote and asked me to make a Ruddy Duck pattern. Not being familiar with her namesake, I googled it. Once I saw how fun he was, I knew I had to make him. His blue bill makes him quite unique! Right click here and select “Save Target...
by Susan | Dec 1, 2013 | Felt Patterns
A number of readers have written asking for more detail about how I make the feet for my felt birds. There’s no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to making these little birds! In fact, I tend to make things up as I go along. So...
by Susan | Nov 30, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns
I first designed a saw-whet owl last year. I was never particularly happy with with the way he turned out. As I was working on my Owl Be Home For Christmas Tree for a local non-profit auction (read more about this here – you can bid on this tree through 6:45...
by Susan | Nov 23, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns
This short-eared owl’s heart-shaped face makes her appear simply sweet. Right click here and select “Save Target As” to save this free Short-eared Owl pattern to your computer (on a PC). Purchase a complete kit with expanded instructions to make this updated...
by Susan | Nov 15, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns
You won’t find the boreal owl in the woods of Maine, but as I work my way through patterns for owls (my favorite birds to design) I couldn’t pass up making this little guy. So, to the ladies in Alaska who brought him to my attention, thank you and enjoy! Right click...
by Susan | Nov 9, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Waterfowl and Seabird Patterns
A reader recently requested a trumpeter swan – the first such request I’ve received. I loved the idea and had fun coming up with the design for this double-sided felt swan ornament. I think he turned out quite nice! Right click here and select “save...
by Susan | Nov 3, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns
This little elf owl is among the tiniest of owls. You’re not likely to see one in Maine, but Hannah and I fell in love with the sweet Gylfie elf owl from the Guardians of Ga’Hoole movie. Right click on this link and select “Save target as” (on...
by Susan | Oct 27, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Swift and Swallow Patterns
I’ve read that male barn swallows must always put their best foot forward or the females will move on in search of a new guy. So does that make the females fickle or simply smart to keep those boys on their toes? Either way, a Barn Swallow for you to fashion out...
by Susan | Oct 8, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Ground and Game Bird Patterns
This humble little bird has the honor of being the most requested bird pattern at Downeast Thunder Farm. We don’t have these little birds in our neck of the woods, but I certainly had fun designing him. Enjoy! Right click on this link and select “save...
by Susan | Sep 30, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Shore and Wading Bird Patterns
I was inspired to make this little Sandpiper after my walk on the Sunrise Trail Friday. This pattern can be used for a Least Sandpiper or a Semipalmated Sandpiper. You choose! Right click on this link and select “save target as” to download this free pattern to your...
by Susan | Sep 23, 2013 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Shore and Wading Bird Patterns
The Seagull is possibly to most common bird seen along the Maine coast, but I tend to overlook them. They are sometimes a nuisance, sometimes comical, but always present – soaring over the bay, bobbing in the water, roosting on the rooftops, or strutting along...
