Welcome to the new home of addINKtive designs. I’m celebrating the launch of my new web site by sharing a tutorial for my Botanical Birdcage. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Ever wondered what to do with the cardboard reel when you’ve used up a packet of Glue Dots? Don’t toss it in the bin but use it as a base for a cute little birdcage made from Stampin’ Up! ® supplies.
Step 1 – Punch or die cut a circle from thick Whisper White card stock that is a bit larger than the Glue Dots cardboard reel. Place the reel over the circle and trace around the inside with a pencil.
Step 2 – Snip all the way around the outer edge into the pencil line at small intervals. Fold all the flaps inward.
Step 3 – Glue the flaps to the inside of the reel level with the bottom rim.
Step 4 – Flip it over. This forms the base of the birdcage.
Step 5 – Cut out three strips of thick Whisper White card stock, each measuring 3/8″ (1cm) x 8-1/4″ (21 cms). Attach the centre of each piece with a mini brad.
Step 6 – Stamp some leaves with the Botanical Blooms Stamps and die cut using the coordinating Botanical Builder Framelits. I used Wild Wasabi Ink on Mint Macaron Card Stock and Garden Green Ink on Garden Green Card Stock. Arrange the foliage on the base of the cage and adhere with glue and Dimensionals making sure that you allow space for the positioning of the bars of the birdcage.
Step 7 – For easy access while adding foliage, refrain from gluing a couple of bars onto the base.
Step 8 – Stamp and cut out your Botanical Blooms and attach to the leafy base. I stamped the larger flowers with Melon Mambo Ink on Shimmery White Card Stock.
Step 9 – Embellish the flowers with Basic Pearl Jewels and Gold Metallic Enamel Shapes.
Step 10 – Evenly space the bars of the birdcage and glue the remaining ones onto the base with strong adhesive.
Step 11 – Cut a piece of thick WW card stock – 3/4″ x 7-3/4″ and adhere to the base of the cage covering the bars for an even finish.
Step 12 – From a piece of DSP (Pop of Pink Specialty DSP used in this example) cut and adhere another band for the birdcage base – 3/4″ x 7-3/4 “. Add some pearls at the base on every alternate bar.
Step 13 – From the same DSP punch out two butterflies from the Bitty Butterfly Punch, glue together and fold the wings upward. Attach the butterfly to the top of the cage with a Glue Dot.
Step 14 – Make a handle for the top of the cage from a piece of thick WW card stock – 3/8″ x 1-1/2″. Curl and tuck under the top bar.
A close up of the Botanical Blooms.
I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial. Make sure you subscribe to the new home of addINKtive designs so you don’t miss any posts!
What a pretty project Bronwyn……there is no doubt that you are talented!
Thanks, Dianne. Wish I could paper craft every day 🙂
How beautiful!! I love your designs!!
Thanks, Jo. Always love to inspire.
This is so unique and beautiful! I would love to make one, but I don’t have a cardboard reel I can use. Could you give me the size? Maybe I can find something else that will work.
Hi Linda. The diameter of the reel is about 2-1/4″ wide (approx 5.7 cms). Hope that helps. A button container, maybe??
Thanks for the tutorial. I usually donate my reels to the art department of the local primary school – I’ll be keeping a few for myself now! Thanks. 🙂
What a great idea to donate the packaging of some products to your local school. Maybe you could show the art teacher how to make some birdcages 🙂 .
I love this Botanical Birdcage! Thank you SO much for sharing the tutorial for this project! Your designs are always so beautiful!
Thanks, Deanette.
I have purchased several of your tutorials and love them all. Thank you for this free birdcage! You are such a beautiful talented lady. All of your designs are so pretty and creative.TFS
Thanks, Lori. So pleased that you love my tutorials. Just about to publish a new one 🙂 .