Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Holiday Ornaments

Just the other day found this sweet little pair of antique mercury glass bird ornaments on the front page of etsy. I quickly went into a tizzy because 1. I had a little money in my paypal account to spend on things other than Christmas gifts (like a pair of new bird ornaments for myself!). 2. I have an obsession with clip-on glass bird ornaments. 3.  I was planing on decorating my tree that weekend. 4. They were mainly silver, and in my book the most beautiful vintage ornaments are always silver.  And, 5- they were only $15 for the pair!  So I quickly snatched them up before anyone else saw them (or so it goes in my head...), and anxiously awaited their arrival. 

Once the box reached me and I had a chance to see them in person, I couldn't help but be impressed with how old, lovely they both were, not to mention in excellent condition. One little detail I didn't notice in the listing (being in the tizzy and all) was that one of the birds was missing all its feathers.  At first I was a little bummed, and wish I had realized it before I clicked "purchase".  But then it occurred to me that I may not have gotten such a great deal if both birds had been in excellent condition.  (And I love a good deal).  Then I took note again of what excellent condition the glass body was in and realized I could fix this problem easily. Since the tail was now just an empty glass tube, as well as a little spot on the birds head, I knew it would be easy to insert a few feathers, add a drop of hot glue and have a beautiful new ornament. 
I especially love the "sugar coated" wing. 
I went through the studio collecting all of the feathers I'd been gathering over the years and took a look at a few of my options:


Blues.
Reds and greens.
Black and white.
Which do you like most? They all have such a different look, and each combination is lovely.  In the end I went with the black and white feathers. They most suite my look, and go well with the silver and black tree in our kitchen. (more on that later, when the lighting is right ;) )
The next time your in an antique shop and spot a beautiful bird who's lost it's tail or head dress, do keep mind how easy it is to re-vive these beautiful treasures. You can make them really unique, and you'll most likely be getting an excellent deal!!

4 comments:

Jennifer Pearson Vanier said...

You can also buy reproduction spun glass tails on eBay and at other vintage Christmas shoppes. Beautiful birds.

Melissa said...

I have a HUGE collection of vintage clip on bird ornies too! I think they're so sweet!

Here is where I get my replacement spun glass tails:
http://www.blumchen.com/craft_shop_spun_glass_pg3.html

Here is where I get my replacement clip on "feet":
http://www.blumchen.com/craft_shop_metal_clips_caps.html

Kathy Barrick said...

He's gorgeous! And I would have gone for the black and white feathers too!!

Carmen Sutton said...

Most excellent I agree I like the black and white feathers best, but just remember now you can change them out at your whim I must say you got quite a bargin!
Show us pictures of your completed tree I'm sure its to die for!


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