All Creatures Great and Small
Whether we live in the middle of a big, bustling city, in a windswept, remote settlement or somewhere in between, one of the signature sounds of this time of year is the chirping and chatting of birds as dusk falls. With the start of British Summer Time, our evenings are beginning to stretch out and as they do so they invite us to step outdoors, breathe deeply at the end of a busy day, and allow the scents, sights and sounds to order our scattered thoughts and bring calm to our souls.
Birdwatching is becoming ever more popular as numerous initiatives reveal. For example, the RSPB’s annual big garden bird watch encourages us to take note of the birds which visit our small patches, and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust provide tranquil places of sanctuary not only for the great variety of birds which land within their unique wetland ecosystems but also for those of us who can take some time out to slow down and simply immerse ourselves in watching from one of their many hides. As well as these national organisations, there are numerous ornithological clubs and sites ideal for birdwatching all across the nation and even a visit to a local park to feed the ducks offers rich pickings in terms of imaginative inspiration.
If you can place a bird feeder, fat balls or even a nesting box in easy view of a window, you will have the fascination of watching a slowly increasing variety of birds come to feed. If too, you can get hold of a pair of binoculars, it is well worth taking some time to observe these incredible creatures; not only do their wings themselves offer inspiration, but their whole bodies are designed with flight in mind. They have very strong yet lightweight bones, many of which have hollow spaces within to make them even lighter. They can digest food fast and while flying. Their wings have provided inspiration for many artists and inventors over the years; they are shaped like an airfoil, forcing air to flow more quickly over than under them. They have three types of feathers; fluffy down feathers to provide insulation, contour feathers which cover the body and flight feathers, designed with a hook and barb system, on their wings. Feathers provide both an excellent subject for detailed still life drawing and also act as a springboard for many other pieces of art and design work.
Nesting birds have also been the subject of many artists. Van Gogh painted a series of five still-life paintings using nests he had collected once the young had fledged and flown safely away. He was fascinated by the texture of the materials used in their building; clay, moss, dried grass. Birds and their nests lend themselves perfectly to stunning textile and mixed media creations; appliqué, both hand and machine-stitched embroidery and a limitless variety of threads and base materials all join together to produce the most exquisite pieces.
A fun project to do with children that helps them and us to gain extra depth to our understanding of the innate creativity and skill birds have is by having a go at making a nest ourselves. You may be able to find an empty nest later on in the season, but if not, simply choose a bird and look up what type of materials it uses to build its nest. When you have a list, go foraging, and once you have collated your pile of grasses, feathers, leaves etc have a go at putting them together to make a nest! It’s harder than it looks, especially considering that our feathered friends build them with their beaks and feet!
Insects too have offered inspiration over the centuries. Possibly one of the most popular is the humble honey bee. It seems we cannot get enough of bee designs on clothing, textiles and homeware. They are incredible insects, and their hexagonally shaped wax combs in which they lay their eggs and produce and store honey are a design feat in themselves. Add to this their furry texture and intricate design of their body and wings and it is no wonder they continue to be an inspiration for so many crafters.
Heading out into nature benefits us in many ways; amongst other advantages, it reduces our stress levels, helps us gain fresh perspective and boosts our mood. If, alongside all this, you can come back from your ramble in the woods or stroll in the park with some new ideas for your next project, then it seems a win all around.
Once back indoors and bursting with ideas for new products to sell, you could well find yourself thinking “How much does insurance for craft businesses cost?”. With several decades of providing bespoke insurance for crafters, this is a question we can answer! It will depend on several factors and the best way to work out how much does insurance for craft businesses costs is to drop us a message or pick up the phone and talk to us. Either Naomi or Sam will be here to reply; we value our customers and communicate with each of you individually. You will not have to be in a long queue and we will answer your question of “how much does insurance for craft businesses cost?” with reference to your unique business requirements, thus saving you time and money.
We hope you can pull on your boots, grab a flask of something warm and head out into the beautiful, natural world around you. Try to find time each day to take a moment to listen to the birdsong around you, to look up at the immensity of the sky above and down at the intricate detail of the ecosystem beneath your feet. As you become inspired by the remarkable colours, design and textures, we’ll look forward to hearing about the business you are building.