Birds nest

[Kenlin]

I want to create a birds nest.I'm not sure if I should carve it from a block of wood.Does anyone know of other materials one could use to make a birds nest.

[Donna_T]

Hi Kenlin,
Well, it depends. Are you going to make a birdnest to put a carving in it and possibly enter in into a competition? The competition is the key factor cause some competitions require that everything or a certain percentage of the habitat of your carving be made of wood.

I've made nests out of dried spanish moss and something I think is called excelsior---wood shavings that look likemoss (I use some white glue or yellow glue to 'mold' and hold it together once it's dry. You can line a bowl with waxed paper and drop a good sized 'glob' of it in and mush it into the shape you want. Then just leave it to dry--peel off the waxed paper and you got a nest.

Donna T

Hi! Donna T. Thanks for your reply. Yes, I want to be able to enter into compitition with this one. I plan to carve a Robin feeding the 2 chicks.Do you feel that a certain percentage must be carved or should it be 100%?

[Donna_T]

Kenlin,
Sorry to take so long to answer. It really depends on the competition you are entering and what their rules are. So it might be good to inquire with the show chairman before you do the nest.

For instance, some competitions allow habitat to be made from brass tubing and paper and epoxy or putty, but won't let you use any real rocks.

I know that's not much of an answer--but in my limited experience, really, each show can be different in what they allow.

Donna T