Layering Lessons

The Nester taught me so much about how to "dress my nest" in her decorating series this month. One of the lessons was in layering. I looked at her examples and thought, "Hey, I like that!" Then I looked around my house and thought, "Hey, I DO that!"

I layer all the time. See?









So, anyway, I splurged on an original piece of art during my trip to Paris in September. I love it, I saved my hard earned frame money with something like this in mind, then scoured galleries until I found the perfect piece. I wrapped it carefully and held it lovingly on the plane during the flight home. Then I set it around here and there, not sure where to properly display it ever since.

I was laying in bed during my sickness last weekend (Did you know I was sick? Did you know I had laryngitis? Did you know not being able to talk is as bad as any torture I can imagine?) and it occurred to me...that Nester is so smart! An ordinary frame on the wall just isn't my style. It's so boring. This piece is so special. I need to layer it!

So I did.

A little "S" hook hung onto the ironwork and it's done!

I might have to tackle other areas of my house with Nester's help. She gave us 31 ideas in 31 days, you know. Maybe you should go check it out!

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Bird's Nest Home Decor

I love to collect fallen bird's nests. I am fascinated by the intricate things a small bird can accomplish with two feet and a beak. Usually, I fill the outside windowsills of my house with the nests, tucking them into the corners here and there. As I find feathers or shells I add them to the nests, it's an ever-evolving collection.
I was thumbing through an issue of Good Housekeeping last month and noticed a bird's nest display on someones kitchen counter and knew this was the solution to my display dilemma, a way for me to bring the outside in. I tried to duplicate the idea here.
Gather your supplies:

An apothecary jar
Bird's nests (please don't remove these from trees, I only take those that have blown down in the wind)
Feathers, broken shells
Twisty branches in the shape of a "Y" to support the nests.

Place the largest nest in the bottom of the jar and arrange a few unusual feathers or your shells inside

Next, place several branches above and around the nest and arrange them to cradle a smaller nest

Rest your smaller nest in the crook of the branch

It looks like a tiny tree under glass. You can add to it as you find treasures, but avoid cluttering it up. The simplicity of the branches and nests are beautiful alone.