Bird softie: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. This mobile is gorgeous, but if it's too ambitious for you how about a bird rattle, garland, ornament or catnip-filled cat toy? There are endless possibilities.
All one needs to make this bird is a small bit of fabric, some stuffing, a needle and thread and the free PDF download pattern from Spool - a sweet, little Philly fabric shop (which also offers some sewing classes).
And here's another take on a DIY bird mobile from our archives.
(Via Whip Up.)
DIY Idea: Concrete Pendant Lamp
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
On Saying No to Paleo: Why Eating Isn't One Size Fits All
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
Holy gorgeousness. I wish I could drop what I'm doing right now and make a batch of birds.
These are cool. A nice way to bring the outdoors in. I just may try them since they don't require a sewing machine.
So cool, can't wait to try this.
Ooh, I need that mobile for my daughter's nursery! I mobiles. Or maybe just for the living room, why not?
So, I made a few of these, it took about 15-20 mins per bird (with a sewing machine), start to finish. They were very easy and I lot of fun. I put catnip in one and my cat was very entertained and would carry the bird around the house.
How timely! I was planning on making a bird mobile for my son's nursery.. though I was going to do wood rather than soft birds, now I may have to try this instead!
Oh, I love this. I have a Smith and Hawken metal ornament tree at home and the different birds for it cost $15-20 a piece. These are so precious and a great project for me and my 12 yr old daughter. We will send a photo when finished!
I second pennycarnival's comment!