To Labor Is To Pray

I've been asked more and more lately to make one-of-a-kind custom pieces and I have to say I absolutely love this part of my job. The inspiration I get from these requests is priceless and it fuels my creative fires like nothing else. Sometimes it's a new bird that I haven't made yet or a beaded piece with symbolic meaning for my customer and often it is both. Sometimes what I make serves as a happy reminder for someone. I recently had a request for a baby quail because this customer has moved to a new home and misses the quail that used to run around in her backyard. Sometimes the requests are very personal, very emotional and the stories I hear behind the piece they want often bring me to tears. I have had requests for a particular bird because that person's family member loved that bird and they recently passed away. Or a request for a sunflower bowl because the sunflower holds a special meaning for them personally. I am so honored that I am allowed to hear these stories and that I am asked to make something that brings a bit of happiness or comfort to that person. They think they are purchasing a gift for themselves or someone they love, but they are really giving me the gift. I know am not going to make the beaded bird that changes the world, but these pieces remind me that what I am doing is important even if it's on a very small level. While I'm working I often think of the saying "To labor is to pray". I hope these pieces I am putting out there into the world hold my prayers and that the energy and love I put into everything I make gets passed on in some way.

A New Year

It is a new year and I feel busier than ever! My last post was during the calm before the storm. The holiday rush came late October and I did not come up for air until after the New Year. I am truly thankful for all of my wonderful customers who made my holiday season so busy and exciting. I did sell out of my entire inventory and I am still playing catch-up. I decided to list all of my work as made to order in my Etsy shop, making things available to order while I try to build things back up. I now have several pieces ready to ship and I keep adding more almost daily. I am also working on new pieces this year. I have a pretty dragonfly ornament and new owls a tiny figurine and a clip-on ornament as you see above. I'm also planning many more wedding cake topper birds, and I have a blue jay in the works as well! So keep an eye on my shop for new items in the future, I have a feeling 2013 is going to be fabulous!

Long Time No Post!

I'm so sorry for my total lack of postings, it has been way too long! This has been a big year for the Dada family. My husband's job has moved us to beautiful Denver Colorado! We loved Ojai California (still do) but this was a wonderful opportunity and we couldn't say no. So we packed up our house and drove out to Colorado and a new chapter in our lives. While we were spoiled with incredible weather in Southern California, here in Colorado I am excited to see what it's like to have seasons. I will learn how to shovel snow and right now the aspen trees in our new backyard are turning a beautiful yellow. I also saw my first Black-Capped Chickadee the other day, I've been making my little beaded chickadees for years but never saw a real one in person! I am happy to say that this week I have fully unpacked my new studio here at the new house. No more working in a dark garage for me! I have a the whole front room all to myself. I set up my work table right in front of the bay window where I can watch the birds in the front yard. I've jumped right into making inventory for the holidays so keep an eye out for lots of new birdies and ornaments this month starting with this new Clip-on Hummingbird!

Back In The Studio

It is a new year and after a much needed break for the holidays, I am back to work in the studio! This past holiday season was one of the best I have ever had, I sold out of everything I made for Christmas and I have received such wonderful feedback and stories from my customers. I have big plans and I am so looking forward to what this year will bring.
This little Chickadee is my first new piece for this year. My tiny perching Chickadee was so popular last year, I decided to make him into a flying ornament. Look out for more birds, wedding pieces and big projects in 2012!

'Tis The Season

I'm sorry my lovely followers that I have not posted in a while! I've been a busy bee, making Christmas ornaments like mad! I am so thrilled and feel so lucky that my ornaments have been selling so well this year, and I am making more as fast as I can. I was also able to participate in a local holiday fair yesterday. I just love the town of Ojai, I got to met so many nice people on a beautiful (but chilly) day. Now I am back in the studio making last minute ornaments and packing up orders. I am feeling so blessed this year, and I am so thankful for all of my customers, and the support from my family and friends.
My Cup Runneth Over!

Eastern Bluebird Christmas Ornament

Christmas is just around the corner and I have been very busy making ornaments and getting into the spirit of the holidays. Bird ornaments have been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl. The bluebird holds a special place in my heart, and I am so proud of this one.
My Grandmother had an collection of the old German glass ornaments and her trees always looked so beautiful. One ornament in particular was my absolute favorite and I looked forward to seeing it every year...the glass bluebird. Now it adorns my Christmas tree every year and it always makes me happy to look at it. I hope that the ornaments I create will be the kind to get passed down in families for years to come.

This hand beaded Eastern Bluebird ornament makes the perfect gift for any bird or nature lover. Just in time for the holidays, this intricately beaded bluebird will add sparkle to any Christmas décor. This sweet bird is wired for hanging on a Christmas tree branch, or wreath, from a chandelier or window. The glass beads are sure to sparkle beautifully among the Christmas lights, sunlight, or candlelight.

Each bead on this handmade ornament was glued in place one at a time with tweezers.
If you or someone you know collects Eastern Bluebirds, this handmade ornament would make a perfect addition.

The Bluebird Measures:
2 inches or about 5cm Long
1 1/2 inches or about 4cm Wide
1 inch or about 2 1/2 cm Tall

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Find more one-of-a-kind beaded home decor and gifts in my shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/meredithdada

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Baby Robin Beaded Bird

I love making these tiny little birds, they are so sweet! After making a few special orders for robins I'm now offering a baby robin on my website.

This tiny beaded robin is so cute, you can't help but smile when you see him. He is made to perch and looks darling sitting on the edge of a book shelf, candle holder, or whatever decorative item you feel needs a little extra sparkle. This little bird is completely covered in size 11/0 glass seed beads. Each bead was glued in place by hand with tweezers.


The Baby Robin measures:

1 1/2 inches or 4 cm Long

1 inch or 2 3/4 cm Wide

3/4 inch or 2 cm Tall