In 2007 I did some experimenting and came up with a pattern for a bird. By combining cookie tins and soda cans I figured out how to make fun colorful birds that spin in a breeze.
Now that I have made and sold hundreds I'm ready to share my process. If you click here you can see how to make your own tin birds. The pattern and supply list is on my website JennyFillius.com then click on Tin Bird. Have fun and wear work gloves!
A whirligig I made in a class at the now defunct Hutch Studio in La Conner in 2012
My new obsession is with things that spin in the wind. Look at these amazing whirligigs made out of recycled pop cans. I'm in love with them. They spin in different directions and look so beautiful in the garden, like little fancy lanterns. I bought them on Etsy but the seller is no longer there. I bet they sold so many they moved to a tropical Island somewhere.
I didn't put locking nuts on some key screws and they were falling off. My mistake. So I brought it into the studio and took it apart. The top was bothering me too. It didn't feel right so after spending some time goofing around I attached this tin toy bank globe. It spins around now too. Love it even more. In time the bank will fade and at that time I can easily replace it by cutting the nylon ties. So many possibilities.
If you live in the Seattle area and you love whirligigs, may I recommend that you take a whirligig workshop from Chris Theiss. I did and it was more fun than I've had in ages. I loved learning how to put it all together. Chris is a marvelous instructor. He is patient, kind,thoughtful and has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in making whirligigs. If you don't live in the area but want to learn how, you can buy Chris's instructions. Soooooo much fun.
I was in La Conner last week and came upon Hutch Studio. There were marvelous whirligigs spinning in the wind and a little sign that said Whirligig Workshops. I just about lost my mind with excitement.
They were closed at that moment but I found more information on Google and was able to sign up for a workshop. Stay tuned.
Sadly Hutch Studio has closed .