First things first--let's go Dird-watching!
TLC996 Gallery
Calligrapher Suzie Beringer from the Pacific Northwest teaches a class on how to make these adorable birds that she calls Dirds (short for Dirty Birds). We have stamps instead of calligraphy, but we can make Dirty Birds too. Take a look at Suzie's Dirds:
Suzie's website describes them as "quirky" "with flapping wings, bases on springs, etc…..also, they make great gifts.
There are many ways to display them which is part of the fun….the possibilities are endless." Find Suzie on
on Instagram: @penstrokedesignstudio.
TIPS & TRICKS:- Dirds can be made any size--but a 3.5 inch circle might be a good size for a start. Use die cut circles or ovals--or free-hand circles--two different looks, both totally artistic. Bodies can be card stock, designer paper--even felt, cork, or leather.
- I'm not mathy and had trouble scoring the circles in perfect halves (even though I tried to measure). No problem, you can fold them in half by hand. If you do this, you should know that card stock has a grain. One direction will resist being folded. The other direction will yield more easily.
- Wings can be a smaller die cut circle or oval, half a heart, or cut freehand--then glued down or left flappy.
- Wings can be mounted symmetrically or independent of one another.
- For flappy wings--leave a tab for attaching them. Cut a slit for inserting them.
- The tilt at which you mount the dird makes a difference. Have fun finding just the right tilt.
- Tails can be cut paper, hearts, die cut of flower or leaf stems, broom straw, ribbon, or die-cut feathers or even use real feathers. Feathers can be cut, shaped, or painted--even with watercolor.
- For two-sided dirds, you can cut a slit in the tail area and tilt the tail up. (See attachment)
- Beaks are triangles--cut freehand.
- For double-sided dirds--Fold the paper before cutting the triangle and leave the fold intact. (See attachment)
- Make an open (chirping or singing) beak by using two triangles. (See attachment)
- Flat mounted dirds need legs and tails with personality. Add setting or leave clean and simple (CAS).
- When making a two-sided dird, use an awl or needle to poke a hole where the eyes belong. This is an easy way to place the eyes evenly.
- For two-sided dirds, cut both wings at the same time. Use a folded piece of paper, DSP or card stock--especially for free-hand wings.
- Folded dirds can sit and rock on the table. If you don't want it to rock, cut a sliver off the circle to let it sit flat. NOTE: Mine was very front heavy...
- Be creative with mounting--twigs, wires, dowel stands, springs*, and novelty items are all great choices. *NOTE: Make your own spring with wire wrapping.
- A swirl paper clip (you know you have them in your stash) makes a great dird (and cute) stand if you use pliers to bend the center of the clip perpendicular to the outer ring. NOTE: I tried this and couldn't get it to balance. I'll keep trying.
- Dirds can be hung with string, mounted on cards or free-standing. Group them! They can be place cards, gifts, or tree ornaments.
I made a Pinterest board of the dirds I found. I also pinned some bird legs with personality there.
Dirds on Pinterest
The Dallas Calligraphy Guild is Kaligrafos. They hosted a Suzie Berenger workshop earlier this year. Attached are some of their creations.
Splitcoaststampers Dird-Watching Society:
TLC996 Gallery
My Dird:
Little Birdie by ruby-heartedmom at Splitcoaststampers
If you're not sure how to link your card on the thread here, here's how:
1. Open 2 windows or tabs: one window for your card and one for this thread.
2. In this thread, click on reply and type anything you want to show before the link.
3. Go to your card window. Highlight the address for your card. (It says www. splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showphoto..... and so on)
4. Click EDIT. Click COPY
5. Go back to this thread. Click PASTE.
TLC996 Dirds 3/25/2024
