Jellyfish Aquarium

As an artist, I am thrilled to introduce my latest creation, the Jellyfish Aquarium. This intricate piece of art measures 4.5" x 7.5" and is made using a combination of paper watercolor and gouache.

The Jellyfish Aquarium features a stunning sculptural representation of a jellyfish, elegantly showcased within a clear cylindrical enclosure. This unique setup gives the impression of a sample collected for scientific observation or display, adding an element of curiosity and wonder to the artwork.

The jellyfish sculpture itself is a sight to behold, with a translucent, ethereal quality that captures the delicate nature of these mesmerizing creatures. The dome-shaped bell and detailed tentacles cascading downwards are finely structured, showcasing the intricate beauty of a jellyfish's anatomy.

Resting atop a textured base that resembles a coral or underwater environment, the Jellyfish Aquarium is brought to life with vibrant turquoise hues that contrast beautifully with the neutral tones of the jellyfish and the clear cylinder. The base is adorned with sea-life motifs, such as starfish and coral, further enhancing the aquatic theme of the piece and creating a captivating undersea tableau.

What inspired me to create the Jellyfish Aquarium was my fascination with marine life and the ocean's mysterious beauty. I wanted to capture the essence of these otherworldly creatures and create an immersive experience for viewers to appreciate the intricacies of the natural world.

The process of creating this artwork was truly unique and challenging. From meticulously sculpting the jellyfish to carefully designing the base and selecting the perfect colors, every detail was thoughtfully considered to bring this piece to life.

I hope that the Jellyfish Aquarium will inspire awe and appreciation for the wonders of the ocean and spark a sense of curiosity in those who view it. With its intricate details and vibrant colors, this artwork serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of marine life, inviting viewers to dive into the depths of imagination and exploration.

The Jellyfish Aquarium can set on a tabletop or it can be displayed on the electric, rotating lighted base that can display a range of rainbow colors, or be fixed on one color.

View Arts Center - Paper Cutters: "Paper Trails" Gallery Show

Two of my paper sculpture pieces have been accepted into the Paper Cutters: “Paper Trails” show at View Arts Center, 3272 State Route 28, in Old Forge, NY 13420. The exhibition runs from June 1 - July 21, 2024. The View Arts Center is located in the Arts in the Heart of the Adirondacks. If you happen to be in the area, please stop by to check out the exhibition. Please go to View Arts Center for more information. View partnered with the Guild of American Papercutters (GAP) for this wonderful exhibition.

“Majestic Forest” is a richly textured and dynamic paper sculpture showcases a magnificent bald eagle perched on a branch, with intricate details that bring the scene to life. Vibrant colors and a dynamic composition create a sense of depth and movement, invoking the eagle's natural habitat with an artistic flair. Medium: Hand cut paper, watercolor and gouache 5” x 7” x 1.25”………………..$495.00

“Autumn Ants”

Step into the enchanting world of "Autumn Ants," where the essence of fall is vividly captured in a realistic portrayal of the forest floor. Tiny ants weave their way through the scene, adding a touch of whimsy. Scattered leaves, acorns, a gum ball and seed pod are layered throughout creating depth.

Medium” Hand cut paper, watercolor and gouache 5” x 7” x 1.25”……………….$495.00

Double Trouble

Hello, art lovers!

"Double Trouble” is a stunning artwork that creates a mesmerizing display of hand-cut paper, watercolor, and gouache, showcasing two jellyfish sculptures that are truly a sight to behold.

Measuring at a size of 4.5" x 7.5", the under the sea themed aquarium sculpture features a cylindrical glass container mounted on a patterned, conical base in a beautiful turquoise color. Notice all the different scenes that takes place on the base. Inside the clear cylinders are delicate white filaments or tendrils that support white jellyfish-like forms at different heights. The jellyfish appear to be floating within the ocean, creating a dynamic and ethereal visual effect. The lighting within the glass aquarium adds to the quality of the artwork, highlighting the intricate textures and transparency of the paper filaments and jelly-like creatures.

Inspired by marine life, "Double Trouble" is a stylized representation of jellyfish in their natural environment, inviting viewers to interpret the narrative behind the artwork.

What makes "Double Trouble" unique is the meticulous process behind its creation. The jellyfish and teal-colored base are hand sculpted from acid-free and archival papers, painted in watercolor and gouache. The sculpture can be displayed on a tabletop or with a rotating, lighted base that changes colors, enhancing the overall visual impact of the artwork.

If you're captivated by the beauty of marine life and enjoy art that tells a captivating story, "Double Trouble" is a must-have addition to your collection. Don't miss the opportunity to bring this exquisite piece of kinetic art into your space for $950.00. Check it out in my SHOP

Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey, and I hope "Double Trouble" brings you as much joy and wonder as it has brought me in creating it.

Floating Free - Paper Jellyfish

Hey there, art enthusiasts! Explore the depths of the ocean with my latest creation, Floating Free. This unique artwork, measuring 4" x 7.5", is crafted from paper and adhesive, creating a mesmerizing underwater scene.

Imagine a captivating under the sea aquarium piece illuminated by a soft blue light, showcasing intricate sculptures of jellyfish in motion. Their graceful tentacles and flowing bells are carefully crafted to transport you to a serene underwater world.

Inspired by the serene beauty of jellyfish, I challenged myself to recreate their elegance in paper form. The result is a stunning display that captures the peaceful essence of marine life.

Floating Free can be displayed on a rotating, lighted base that offers a spectrum of colors, allowing you to customize your underwater oasis. Select your favorite hue or let the colors cycle for a dynamic display.

Bring the magic of the ocean into your home with Floating Free. This whimsical and enchanting artwork will create a sense of tranquility and wonder, inviting you to dive into the depths of imagination. Experience the beauty of marine life like never before!

4.5” x 7.5” (includes the lighted, rotating base……………………..……………………………………………$950.00

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Under the Sea Themed Print

"Aquatic Harmony" is a vibrant and colorful representation of marine life, featuring sea turtles, fish, shells, and sea anemones. The background is a beautiful shade of blue, giving the impression of water and creating a serene underwater scene.

One unique aspect of this artwork is that the sea turtles, sea anemones, seashells, and fish are all created from hand sculpted paper and paint, giving them a three-dimensional quality. Each element is meticulously crafted to showcase intricate patterns and textures, adding depth and movement to the composition.

The process of creating "Aquatic Harmony" was a labor of love, as I carefully painted and assembled each piece to bring this underwater world to life. The combination of paper and paint allowed me to explore different techniques and textures, resulting in a dynamic and cheerful artwork that is sure to captivate viewers.

I hope that "Aquatic Harmony" brings a sense of tranquility and joy to all who see it, and that it serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of marine life. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my artwork, and I look forward to sharing more of my creations with you in the future.

You can keep up to date with my latest paper sculptures I am working on by subscribing to my newsletter. Newsletter Sign-Up Link Sometimes I will share a glimpse into my studio for a behind-the-scenes look. ALl captured in the email newsletter.

Seaside Art Gallery's Miniature Art Show

I am honored to announce that I have three paper sculptures in Seaside Art Gallery’s 33rd International Miniature Art Show. The show will be held May 4 - June 1, 2024. On May 25th, there will be an awards reception from 6pm - 8 pm. The miniature show has lots of wonderful art that you can check out online or in person at Seaside Art Gallery The gallery is located in 2716 Virginia Dare Trail in Nags Head, NC 27959.

Where Are All My Baby Sea Turtles?

I have created many different pieces and parts for my Under the Sea themed aquariums. I made sea turtles, seashells, sea anemone, sea plants, starfish, rocks, coral and lots and lots of hand cut paper sand.

I started working on this project after reading about the baby sea turtles and the adventures they must go through just to survive. Researching sea turtles really sparked my interest and inspired me to create an entire series of paper sculptures with an under the sea theme. Many of these finished pieces highlight sea turtles and their lives and some of the finished pieces reflect the beautiful under water world that exits in our oceans.

After a sea turtle hatches from its’ egg, they must work their way down the sandy beach til they reach the water. For the first ten years of their lives, scientists aren’t exactly certain where the sea turtles live. I imagine they will thrive living among the coral reefs.

I found that to be so interesting which started me on a path of creating interesting ways of showcasing a variety of different under the water scenes. I thought you may be wondering where all these baby sea turtles have gone, and how did I incorporate them into my art. Here are some close up views of the sea turtles along with the finished aquariums.

"Baby Sea Turtle Adventures" - Highlighting the Life of Sea Turtles

Introducing "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures," an extraordinary paper sculpture that delves into the awe-inspiring journey of sea turtles. At the heart of this captivating artwork is the story of these marvelous creatures and the mysterious first decade of their lives.

As you gaze upon "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures," you'll be immediately drawn to the enchanting sight of a tiny baby turtle hatching out of its shell. Ready to embark on an arduous journey, the baby turtle sets foot on the long, difficult sandy path that lies ahead. These little creatures make their way down the beach, desperately yearning to reach the ocean as quickly as possible.

In this intricately handcrafted sculpture, the baby turtle must find a small opening, its gateway to the breathtakingly beautiful ocean world. The entire scene is situated on a wooden base, meticulously textured to represent the sandy beach.

Every element of "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures" is meticulously made from hand-cut paper, including the minutely detailed grains of sand. Enclosed within the coral reef aquarium, you'll discover a plethora of exquisitely textured coral, starfish, seashells, and fish - all lovingly created using paper and paint. This vibrant and colorful world is the new home for the turtles, a place of safety and wonder once they reach their destination. Take note that one lucky turtle has already found its way to this spectacular undersea haven.

During my research, I stumbled upon a fascinating fact that adds another layer of intrigue to the story of sea turtles. For the first decade of their lives, scientists know very little about their whereabouts. After the tiny turtles make their way to the ocean, their exact location and journey remain a mystery. This period is often referred to as the "lost years." This very notion ignited my imagination and served as my inspiration while creating "Turtle Adventures."

In my vision, the undersea world represented in "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures" is a safe and peaceful sanctuary. It is a hidden realm, imbued with vibrant colors and brimming with life, where the turtles can flourish. This place emphasizes the importance of preserving these mystical undersea worlds for the sake of the newly hatched sea turtles.

I invite you to immerse yourself in the captivating saga of the sea turtles by exploring the intricate details and vibrant colors of "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures." Let the artwork remind you of the delicate balance of our environment and the crucial role we play in ensuring the preservation of these mysterious undersea realms.

“Baby Sea Turtles Adventures” is available for purchase at my SHOP

Thank you for joining me on this artistic voyage, and stay tuned for more stunning creations!

Sandcastle Surprise - Paper Sculpture by Melinda

The paper sculpture “Sandcastle Surprise” is a nod to the summer fun at the beach. Because every castle needs a horse, what better creature to highlight inside this under-the-sea aquarium than a seahorse.

I wanted to draw attention to this fish, to show off his unusual shape, prehensile tail and large eyes. I also wanted to showcase this special paper sculpture adding light to emphasize a day at the beach. 

 Hopefully this paper sculpture will bring you a smile and remind you of the simple pleasures in life, such as building sandcastles at the beach.

“Sandcastle Surprise” is created from acid-free and archival papers and painted in watercolor and gouache. This sculpture can set on a tabletop, or it can be displayed with the rotating, lighted base as shown here. The electric base changes colors or can be set to stay on one solid color such as red, white, or blue.

 The paper sculpted base with glass measures 4” in dia. x 7.5“ high.

 The rotating base is 4.5” in diameter x 1“ high.                                                                            $950.00

 “Sandcastle Surprise” is available for purchase - Click the Link to my SHOP.

 “Sandcastle Surprise”

Capturing a World of Color

I am so excited to share with you my paper sculpture titled, “Capturing a World of Color”. It is also currently a part of the Animals in Art Show 2024 at Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head, NC. You can view the show online or in person at the gallery. 10% of the proceeds from the art bought at this show, will go to the Coastal Humane Society in the Outer Banks, NC.

This piece is truly a labor of love, and I can't wait for you to see all the intricate details. Let me start by giving you a visual description of the artwork. “Capturing a World of Color” is a three-dimensional piece that features a cylindrical clear glass container as its centerpiece. This aquarium is surrounded by a beautifully textured sculptural base, which has an organic form with stunning pink, orange, and yellow hues. The textures resemble coral or exotic plant life, with starfish adding a touch of life and nature to the piece.

 Inside the glass aquarium, you will find a mesmerizing assemblage of colorful elements. These elements mimic aquatic flora and fauna, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. The underwater scene includes a variety of aquatic plants and creatures in different shades of blues, reds, and greens. Notice the sea turtle swimming among the plants. The colors and textures really come alive when the light interacts with them, thanks to the clear glass.

Now, you may be wondering what inspired me to create "Capturing a World of Color." Well, I've always been fascinated by the beauty of underwater ecosystems. I wanted to see if I could recreate that beauty using paper and paint, but with a twist. Instead of creating a traditional aquarium, I wanted to place the fish and coral reef inside a unique glass container, making the paper sculpture appear as though it is an actual underwater scene. The challenge of capturing the essence of an aquarium with unconventional materials was truly inspiring to me.

One of the most unique aspects of creating this artwork was the process itself. The entire piece is made by hand-cutting paper and then meticulously painting it with watercolor and gouache. The level of detail required was both challenging and rewarding. Additionally, the glass aquarium is placed on a sandy beach, which is also made out of finely hand-cut paper resembling sand. The colorful coral reef is not only displayed inside the glass aquarium but also on the sandy beach outside the glass, creating a cohesive and dynamic composition.

"Capturing a World of Color" celebrates the beauty of natural forms, textures, and the vibrancy of aquatic ecosystems. Through this piece, I hope to convey a message about the importance of biodiversity and the wonder of underwater life.

 I can't wait for you to experience “Capturing a World of Color" in person at Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head NC., or online at Seaside Art Gallery

It truly is a unique and captivating artwork. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to check out my other creations!

8” high x 4” wide…………………..$895.00

Paper Sculpture of a Blue Crab In the Ocean

I'm thrilled to share with you "Who Let the Crab In?" - a mesmerizing, three-dimensional sculpture that captures the beauty of an under the sea world.

“Who Let the Crab In?” is available for purchase through Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head, NC. You can view this piece in person or online at Seaside Art Gallery

Measuring at 4.5" high and 4" wide, this stunning piece is made using hand-cut paper, watercolor, and gouache. The intricate details and vibrant colors mimic organic forms like sea plants, sea anemones, and coral, creating a fluid and dynamic composition that is truly captivating.

I was inspired to create this under the sea paper sculpture because I’ve always been fascinated by the mysteries of the ocean and wanted to bring a piece of it into the spotlight. Featuring a blue crab and set against a bed of sand, this miniature under the sea world is displayed under a clear glass dome, adding a touch of elegance and protection to the piece.

One of the most unique aspects of creating this artwork was the process itself. Each element was meticulously crafted by hand, resulting in a labor of love that truly shines through in the final product.

I hope "Who Let the Crab In?" sparks your imagination and allows you to escape into a world of wonder and enchantment. It's a true labor of love that I am proud to share with the world.

Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes peeks at my creative process.

Part Eight - Organized Undersea Paper Sculptures!

This is how I organize all of my under the sea pieces. It is a collection of meticulously hand-made paper sculptures inspired by the vibrant biodiversity of the ocean. Each piece is carefully hand-cut and painted in watercolor and gouache to create a lifelike and three-dimensional effect. I arranged these undersea creatures and plants in a variety of storage containers, not only keeping them neatly organized but also allowing for quick and easy access when creating the under the sea themed artworks. From graceful sea turtles to delicate sea anemones, every creation is primed for use in framed pieces or as standalone sculptures, demonstrating the artist's impeccable attention to detail and boundless creativity.

Part Seven - Time to Make the Seashells!

Seashells

Next, I wanted to make some seashells for my series of Under the Sea themed paper sculptures. I have a lot of seashells that I can use as my reference material in order to make shells out of paper.

After creating lots of sea-grasses, sea plants, and seaweed out of paper, I was ready to start making three-dimensional paper seashells. I’ve made other seashells out of paper in the past and always enjoyed if. Her is one of my photo realistic paper shell pictures.

One of the best things about making paper seashells (besides the fact that I think seashells are so pretty), is that it was very easy to find reference material for this part of the project.

Before diving in to make any shells, first, I had to look through my seashell collection. Well, it isn’t really a collection, I don’t seek out to find seashells to add to the ones I already have, but I must admit, I do have a lot of shells that I’ve somehow accumulated over the years. I am not even certain where they all came from.

A large variety of seashells that I can use as reference material to make paper shells.

I have some very pretty, dark magenta scallop shells and tan and ivory scallop shells. These are some of my favorite-colored shells and some of my favorite type of seashells to make. Can you spot the real scallop seashell in the photo below? I made a bunch of paper sculpted scallop seashells.The magenta colored scallop shells are my favorites of this variety. What colored scallop shell is your favorite?

One real, deep magenta scallop seashell amongst paper sculpted scallop seashells.

It did take me quite a few tries to figure out how to make the scallop shells. I wasn’t happy with the first couple of scallop shells that I made, but I kept working at it and discovered a way to make them so they looked realistic. 

I liked the challenge of trying to make the seashells out of paper and making them look so realistic that you can’t even tell which is the real seashell and which seashells are made out of paper.

Below are photos of my paper sculpted photos. Some of the photos include the real photo alongside of the paper sculpted seashell.

Paper Sculpted Starfish - Part Six

Starfish

Over the years I visited a couple of aquariums, some on the east coast and some on the west coast. Visiting different places, such as aquariums, different beaches, can really inspire you to create new art pieces. The best, most inspirational areas I’ve been to were beaches in California. The rocky beaches were home to sea urchins, sea anemones, a variety of starfish, teeny tiny crabs, snails and seashells. It was amazing!

Like many artists, I have so many ideas of things that I want to create. Sometimes it takes literally years, to work it into the schedule. Although, other times, I think it takes a long time for that idea to really “work” (or maybe a better word may be “percolate”) its way to the top of the list. Even though I have an idea for a series in mind, and even though I am not actively working on the project, I do think your mind is working and thinking through the project in a much more passive way, and eventually, when the time is right, the project will come forward and reveal more of itself when it is ready.

Eventually, I came up with the idea of creating an entire series of Under the Sea Themed Paper Sculpture Aquariums. This series will all have a common, cohesive look to the paper sculptures due to the fact that the sculptures will all be made inside similar glass containers.

From time to time I have made quite a few ocean themed paper sculpted art pieces. Even though my original three-dimensional brightly colored coral reef paper sculpture has sold, you can still purchase that coral reef image on a spiral notebook.

I also made a very photo realistic paper sculpture, appropriately titled, “Paper Shells”. Even the sand is made out of hand cut painted paper.

Inspired from when I would go crabbing in Maryland, ere are just a few photos of some of the blue crab themed paper sculptures I made.

So far, I’ve been making a lot of the individual pieces that will go into this new Under the Sea Aquarium final pieces. So far, I made coral, seagrass, seashells, and sea turtles all out of paper and paint.

Now I needed to make some colorful starfish. Did you know there are over 2000 different starfish species around the world in a variety of different colors, styles and shapes. Most starfish have five arms, but some starfish, also known as sea stars and can have as many as 40 arms. That’s a lot of arms! As you can tell, I enjoy researching the items that I am going to make. Those  are just a few of the facts I learned.

Above, is a photo of a very interesting starfish I saw in a beach in California. At first I thought it was a little octopus. I didn’t know that starfish could have such long skinny arms. It was so interesting to watch it move all around and in between the rocks.

The starfish I made for the Under the Sea Aquariums are very colorful and vibrant. I wanted to stick to the color palette I had chosen for all of the aquariums. Pictured below is a sampling of my color palette - magenta, purples, gold, blues and greens. Vibrant and colorful.

To create the starfish, I started out with white paper. When I liked the size, shape and dimensionality of the starfish, next I added texture to them. I also wanted to emulate the rough texture a lot of starfish have.The final step was to paint them in the gorgeous purples, oranges and golds that you can see in the photos below. The finished three-dimensional starfish are colorful and have lots of texture as shown in the photos below.

Paper Sea Turtles - Part Five

Sea Turtles

I’ve always heard many stories and read articles about the sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beaches, and then when the baby turtles hatch, somehow, they have to make their way to the beach. It is a long trek and can be a dangerous one for these little animals.

I decided I wanted to make several final images using my under the sea aquarium concept to highlight sea turtles. I want to show some of the sea turtles still on the beach, hatching out of their eggs.I also wanted to illustrate the concept of the long, difficult journey that these sea turtles have to take to crawl back into the ocean.

Now that I had an idea in mind, along with some rough sketch ideas, I was well underway to developing my under the sea series, complete with sea turtles.

I started making a couple of different sea turtles using paper and then painting them in watercolor and gouache. They are about 1” - 2” in size. I love this turtles little face!

The babies are only about .5 inches. After making these adorable little sea turtles I got to work on creating their little eggs. Below are photos of some of the turtles I made so far.

Next, I will make some colorful starfish for my under the sea aquariums.

Creating Sea Anemones out of Paper and Paint - Part Four

Sea Anemone

Sea anemones are unusual creatures and a joy to watch. They look so peaceful and graceful as they move their tentacles over their bodies. But, don’t be fooled by the graceful dance of this under the sea flower, because they will sting to catch their prey. Looks can be deceiving.

Recreating the gently moving tentacles out of paper was a challenge and it took some experimentation to discover which type of paper to use. I feel I captured the feeling of these interesting, but sometime dangerous creatures.

Part Three - Under the Sea Plants

Sea-grass, Sea plants, Seaweed…

The next items I started to make for my under the sea themed aquariums, were sea plants, sea-grass, and seaweed. Some of the grasses are textured,

Textured sea grass made from hand cut paper and paint.

some are cut out of flat papers, some are cut and then twisted into different fern-like shapes to form the sea plants. Some of the plants are painted in light lime green colors, some are dark greens, some of the grasses are dark greenish blues, and some plants are very colorful and flexible.

I made a variety of plants, many are realistic and others are imaginary. After all, who really knows for sure what types of things are growing in our ocean worlds. (Did you notice the little blue crab crawled into the photo? More about this little critter later on.

Part Two - Under the Sea Paper Sculpture Series

Bright, Vibrant Colored Coral

In my previous post I mentioned I wanted to start to start paper sculpting a new series with an under-the-sea theme. Over the next several weeks, I will take you through the process I went through to come up with these new sculptures. I’ll show you some of the behind the scenes photos and some of the details of my work.

Colorful Coral

Hand Cut Paper and Paint

Last week, I mentioned I started making the colorful, textured coral out of painted paper. I started making the coral. I wanted it to look textured and colorful. Using finely hand cut pieces of paper, glue and paint, I made many pieces of coral in all different colors. I had to hang the coral up so it could dry. If I would have laid it down flat, it would not have kept the three-dimensional shape that I wanted each coral stalk to have.

I was very pleased with my color choices and the different shapes of the coral. Next, will be step three — onto the next piece — sea grass, sea plants and seaweed.

Starting a New Series

Planning Stage For a New Paper Sculpture Series!

I decided I wanted to work in a new series – with an under the sea theme. I also decided I wanted the completed sculptures to have a different look than my other pieces. Instead of using a shadowbox frame, I wanted to create something new, something other than a framed paper sculpture. I wasn’t quite sure what exactly I was looking for, but felt when I came across it, I would know it and my ideas would begin to come together and make a little more sense. Sometimes this is just part of the process that you have to go through when you are trying to design an entirely new type of sculpture.

I began searching for various shapes of glass containers. As I came across various containers, I also started to sketch out some ideas.

I began to research coral reefs, a variety of fish, sea grasses, seashells, and of course cute baby sea turtles. More sketching took place as I started to formulate my ideas around some new glass containers I came across that I thought I would eventually house the sea creatures and plants.

After carefully planning out the different elements I would want to use in the sea “aquariums” I also started to create the color palette that I wanted to use for my paper sculptures. Beautiful magentas, purples, blues, coral, and greens seemed like a wonderful color combination that I could use to create colorful underwater scenes.

Now it was time to start paper sculpting! This is my favorite part. Stay tuned for part two - sculpting coral.

Ruby the Hummer

About two years ago we decided to hang up a hummingbird feeder in our back yard. I was so surprised how quickly a little hummingbird discovered the feeder hanging on the black metal hook on our deck. It was literally only about fifteen minutes.

I was also very surprised that the hummingbird was not at all afraid to come to the feeder when we were sitting on the deck, only a few feet away from it. I was startled the very first time the little hummingbird flew right passed me to zoom in on getting some food from the bird feeder. It made a very loud humming noise as it zipped passed my left shoulder and I knew immediately why they are called hummingbirds. I just couldn’t believe that this tiny bird wasn’t more shy about coming to the feeder for its supper when there were people sitting nearby. After the hummingbird feeder was out for a few days, there were soon three hummingbirds coming to the feeder regularly.

A friend even told me she had a feeder that she can hold in her hand and the hummingbirds will come right to her hand to feed. I don’t think I am ready for that. The thought of a bunch of little birds flying around me at close proximity, well, lets just say, just the thought of that, makes me feel very uncomfortable. But, after watching a YouTube video of someone else doing that, it does show you how amazing and outgoing these little feathery birds really are.

I would love to see one of their little nests. I tried to watch where our little hummingbirds were flying back and forth from, following them with my eyes, tracing their flight, but they would quickly get lost in the leaves of the trees. Then, just as quick as they would fly into the foliage, it seemed as though they would fly back out into the open space and back to the feeder, barely stopping to rest in between their flights.

I was thinking it would be nice to plant flowers that would help attract hummingbirds to my garden. After doing some research to discover what type of flowers hummingbirds enjoy, I learned one of their favorite flowers are morning glories. They grow on a vine and are bright and colorful, which helps to attract hummingbirds to the flowers. I have since relocated to Pennsylvania, so next spring, I plan on planting flowers that hummingbirds, butterflies and bees are attracted.  

In the meantime, I decided to paper sculpted a hummingbird out of tiny, little, individually hand cut feathers and then paint the bird in watercolor and gouache. The paper sculpted hummingbird, Ruby, is very small, measuring in at only 1.25” from head-to-tail! Morning glories sounded like a perfect match for my little hummingbird picture. The custom, wood frame measures 4.5” high x 5” wide x 2” deep.