Wednesday, June 30, 2010

La Cage Aux Fleurs

I've wanted a birdcage for the longest while but have either not found one in good shape or for the right price. I finally found one over the weekend for a price I could live with ( of course because I'm looking I won't find one as inexpensive as I want) at an antique store. It started out like this before it was ready for its appointment with my very first ever can of, "I think I'm in love", Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint. Where have you been all my life? 
I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it but then I remembered that the first of each month is Frenchy's "French Obsession" party at Chateau des Fleurs and since there's pretty much nothing I can't tie to a movie title, the movie "La Cage Aux Folles" popped into my head ( trust me, a psychiatrist would change professions after playing word association with me!) and I knew I didn't want to do anything birdy with my birdcage because that would be um, LOGICAL, so I decided on "La Cage Aux Fleurs" since I'm currently obsessed with flowers. Still with me? It's exhausting huh? 
Here's what I ended up with ( didn't get pix along the way because my camera battery was charging):

Inside:

I made flowers from book pages and some kraft colored paint masking paper, put a black button in the center, and an antique gold rhinestone on top of the button. Made a couple more flowers from just the book paper. I had some ribbon I'd saved from a present that I wrapped around the top of the cage and another piece I tied to the loop thingy on top. 

At the same place I got the birdcage, I found a mason jar of chandelier crystals so I cleaned up four of the biggest ones and attached them to the cage with jump rings. Inside the birdcage there's a nest attached to a branch that I found at Michael's on sale for $1.49!!  I propped that up inside the cage, and what's on the bottom are the scraps I tore from around the circles I cut to make my flowers, along with two more book paper flowers. I used all my bits and scraps!
The center front decoration is from a bag of ephemera I bought at a stamp show...some wired bead strands and a fabric flower. I hot glued the edges of the ribbon to the cage so they'd spread out.

Mr. Chocolate is relieved I didn't intend to keep an actual bird in my birdcage! 














25 comments:

Anne said...

I've heard so many bloggers talk about this oil rubbed bronze, that I HAD to have it. Now that I've got it, I need to find something to use it on! By the way, great job on your birdcage!!!

Mosaic Magpie said...

Carol,
Thanks for your comments. Wow I love this birdcage and what you have done with it! Bravo! Just birdie enough. I have been wanting a birdcage lately too and I love the shape of this one you found. Good Job!
Debbie

Rose said...

great idea. my mind wouldn't come up with a decent idea of what to do.

Ma What's 4 dinner said...

I must admit I was concerned for the bird as well. I love the cage though. GORGEOUS!!!


Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner
www.mawhats4dinner.com

Lori said...

This is really, REALLY, fabulous! What a wonderful way to bling up and recycle an item! Love it!

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh this is SOOO pretty...I love my birdcage too and invariably place alot of art near it to take my pics...there's something about birdcages that is so dreamy and yours looks gorgeous!
HUGS,
Cindy

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh--thanks so much for visiting!! I wanted to tell you also that I love your blog--it's gorgeous! AND, I love the name for your birdcage!
HUGS,
Cindy

Donna said...

I really love your birdcage, and how you accessorized it! The flowers are fantastic! I need to get some of that oil rubbed bronze. spray paint! Found you over at Frenchies. Love your blog, by the way :)

Cindy Adkins said...

You're such a doll! Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog...I just started the blog less than a week ago because I've had a website all this time...so this is so FUN!
HUGS,
Cindy
P.S. I just decided to have a link up party on my other site....Today we talked about where people go for inspiration...If you want to show your favorite spot...(it can be outside or in your home) you're welcome to link up....it's for spiritual inspiration.
Hugs,
Cindy

Patti @ Pandoras Box said...

Much better than a bird anyday!! I love how you have finished it off with the paper flowers!

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

I love this! I recently found a clock that is a cage and I was wondering how I could embellish it and you have inspired me!!!

xxoo

My Grama's Soul said...

How beautiful this project turned out. I am so lovin' the embellishments.

Xo

Jo

Anonymous said...

hey, awesome!! lets say that again AWESOME! I love your blog, its so pretty. I'm not into chocolate but i'm a coffeeholic, so i understand the addiction in a way,lol. Thanks for checking out my blog and your great comments
cheers-MArjorie

Unknown said...

That is really, really pretty. I've had my eye out for a birdcage for a while now, too. Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Very cute birdcage! I'm obsessed with anything book page-y right. Found you on Tatertots & Jello. I'm following you now & would love if it you stopped by my new blog.

Jami

Alison @ Oopsey Daisy said...

WOW, this is adorable!! Those flowers are to die for!! Thanks for sharing this fun idea!!

~Alison
http://oopsey-daisy.blogspot.com/

Diane said...

OMGosh, I love that and I want one just like it. Great book page flowers.

Anne said...

I love that - it looks great!

KimMalk said...

Is that ever interesting--no plain birdcage here. P.S. I always suspected chocolate was the answer ;).

Suzanne said...

Hmmm. I've got to try that spray paint -- love the finish!

Donna @ The House on the Corner said...

Found you on All Thingz Related and I love your birdcage!! I acquired two so far this year and I just love them and I've been looking for new ways to use them.

Good Job!

Unknown said...

That is so very pretty! Thanks for sharing @ Anything Related!

Unknown said...

WOW you are so talented and crafty! Never seen this before and love it!
Thank you for linking up! You are the best!
XO
Frenchy

Ms Bingles Vintage Christmas said...

He he! What a "HOOT" Luv your imagination!
Leticia

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