What's New for the New Year!

I know Christmas hasn't even arrived yet but I couldn't wait to give a preview of my newest French circus cage that I'm putting in my Etsy shop today!

Other cages in this collection will follow within the next two or three weeks.

There will also be many candy containers, a ring box or two and Valentine gifts!

Click on this link to purchase or for more info on this piece.

Lovebirds Under Red Diamond Tent

This is my latest in the lovebird series--this little couple of redbirds with black wings are up for sale now in my Etsy shop!

Perfect for a Christmas gift or cake topper!

Click on this link to buy or for more info.

Something Blue!

Okay, it didn't take me two weeks to get new things up here or on Etsy like I thought it might.

Here's my latest: it's called Lovebirds Under Blue and Brown Circus Tent and it's now for sale on Etsy.

Makes a great cake topper or gift for a much loved one!

Grab it in time for Christmas-I will ship Priority mail if requested.

Working on a Website....

I'm sorry I haven't put up many new items or pics lately but I'm working on a website that will have pics of all my pieces along with links to events I will be at in 2009. I'm busy creating new pieces for wedding cake toppers and Valentines Day gifts also so be sure to check my Etsy shop within the next two weeks or so-I will also post pics of those new items here!

For today though-want to share this image with you from gothicrow-lOvE-Love-LOVE her work-would love to feature ALL her photos if I had the room!

what i'm thankful for...

Since this is the weekend to give thanks, I'd like to say a special thanks to the wonderful new friends I've made since starting this blog and to the amazingly talented and generous people who have featured me on their blogs: 

Beth Leintz (Gathering Dust), Katie Runnels(the Constant Gatherer),Jenn Docherty(jenndocherty),Suzy(georgia peachez), and Kat(aevanarts).

Their links are to the right on this page-check out their awesomeness!

First Annual Ornament/Home Decor Auction!!

I'm very excited to launch my first auction of ornaments

and small decor items on eBay!

There will be only 2-3 of each kind of 

 item so shop early-

starts Wed. Nov. 26

ends Sun. Nov.30

New Cage!

Although I did have this one in the Crafty Chicks show, it hasn't shown up on my blog or Etsy shop- til now!
This cage is the second largest one I've made so far.
It stands 22.5" tall and is 8.5" in diameter
at the base.
The "tree skeleton" is made by me from twisted, rusted wire and the birds that live in it's branches are made by me from paperclay. The top of the circus tent is made from tea stained muslin and it is trimmed in a black sequin scalloped fabric.
For more info or to purchase this piece, click on the Etsy link to the right.

One a Day

For the last two weeks or so, I've been adding one or two pieces a day to my Etsy shop.

Here's what I added today!

It's the Antique Green Bird on Silver Tinsel Perch in an Oval Frame.

This little bird swings freely from his perch within this frame.

Click on the Etsy link at right for more info or to purchase.

Under the Big Top!

This is one of my new creations-it's a "big top" tent complete with curtain made from tea stained muslin with a papier mache tree inside!

It can stand on a flat surface or hang from the rusted, swirly wire hook that comes with it!

Click on the Etsy link on the right for more info or to purchase.

What Inspires Me-photos from an old carnival

Finally I'm putting up some of my photos of the old Brighton pier....one of the most hauntingly picturesque places I've been. This used to be the original pier that was burned to the ground many years ago. Don't you just love the intricacy of the metal structure that's still standing?

That birds have now made this place their home is even more fitting--someday I plan on making a sculptural "scale" model of this, complete with birdies of course!

This is the real Helter Skelter ride on the newer Brighton Pier. As you can see, this ride is so old that it's getting rehabbed....that's a shame because you can't make out the great paint work on the sides. They say from the tip top of this building you can see the Isle of Wight. We unfortunately didn't get to find out but it still inspired me to make a piece with this namesake.

French birdcage in Kady's house

Here's a shot of one of my birdcages that my friend and neighbor Kady bought-
thanks for sending this great photo Kady!

what to work on next.....

I'm thinking of making a ferris wheel or a carousel to continue the "abandoned circus" theme, but for now-here's a chandelier just because....
This is now listed on Etsy as of 11/17/08!

close up shots of the show

Here are a couple more closeups of the Flying Dutchman and the Helter Skelter tower on the table at the CC show, along with other smaller pieces...

Photos of the Crafty Chicks Show!

Well, despite getting lost in a thick-as-molasses fog early Saturday morning, my son (and assistant) Murphy and I were able to find Heritage Hall in Liberty, MO for the 9th annual Crafty Chicks show!
This show has quite a following of loyal fans and I was fortunate enough to be included in their 35-artist lineup this year.Here are some shots of my table with Murphy and I--doesn't he look thrilled to be there?(he'd been up since 5AM so he had an excuse.)

Anyway, thanks again to all the people who bought my creations!!
You made my day and I hope you choose to follow my blog in the future-
I intend to update it more regularly now and have online sales before Christmas also!

Well, it's only a week and a day before my first show with the Homemade Circus birds!

I'm working every evening til around 11:30 to get ready but it doesn't feel like work-I really look forward to it every night!

I hope to start putting more work on this blog after the show-check back with me for Cmas ornaments and gifty pieces of artwork.

Have a great Halloween!

If you are interested in purchasing any of this work, please

email me at ts826@kc.rr.com

If a piece you are wanting is sold, please contact me

and I will be happy to let you know what I do have in stock

as I'm constantly making new cages!

Helter Skelter Tower
This piece stands a statuesque 26" tall and is 13" in diameter.
It's what I call my "signature piece" because it means the most to me
and conveys everything my Homemade Circus look consists of
--old, broken down circus rides that nature has reclaimed and
made beautiful and whimsical again!
Click on the photo above to go to my Etsy shop to get more
info or buy this piece

Two Bluebirds In Love
These bluebirds live in their own little world in a wire heart entwined
with red raffia. These birds, like all my birds,are handmade by me
from paperclay.

The antique silver tinsel covers their perch and they sit on a
twig of real cherry wood!
Click on the photo above for more info or to buy



The Flying Dutchman
I built this piece to display my little birds in boxes
but like a real carnival ride, it actually spins around!
It stands about 23" tall and is about 15" diameter
Right now this piece is only for show but the birds
in boxes are available.

Individual small birds in boxes

approx. 3"h x 3"w

$20.00
email me to purchase


Red Circus Bird on silver tinsel perch
This bird can be happy on his perch either swinging from the
swirly wire hook or sitting on a table! He sits on a cherry twig
and is surrounded by antique silver tinsel.
SOLD-thank you!

Black and Red birds in cages

These two birds are practicing their "high wire act"
on the twisty wire vines and leaves on
this 6" high cage. -$45.00
Pedestal is sold separately and is
handmade from tissue paper, ribbon and heavy cardboard.
Pedestal-$20.00

SOLD-thank you!

The Lovebirds
These two are definitely two peas in a pod in
their cozy nest made of real iris leaves!
The heart shaped perch is made from raffia
and wire and is sold separately from the
striped pedestal beneath it.
Approx. 9" high w/ pedestal.
Lovebirds-$75.00
Pedestal-$25.00

Tammy Smith©2008.
All content on this site is property of Tammy Smith
and may not be used in any way without permission.