Nesting Instinct:

Nests are my first love: I am obsessed with them and feel full of wonder when I discover a disused/abandoned nest... I am inspired by the materials gathered by birds to construct their homes: I've observed bailer twine, animal hair, feathers, grass and so forth... that's not to mention what I imagine I may find in the magpie's nest!

Birds build their homes entirely by instinct… there isn’t a manual to guide or direct, neither are regulatory permissions required… the creature simply builds where it feels is right and makes use of the materials readily available.

Birds form their nests by shaping the interior with their chests; literally putting their hearts into their home.

We refer to a place as our nest when it is our home or where we feel comfortable and relaxed, where we can live, rest, retreat and feel cosy.

A commissioned nest can take many forms: to tell a story, for example for a significant birthday or anniversary or to tell the story of a loved one. It can also contain cherished treasures and memories - it will become a unique focal point in your own nest! I am happy to chat ideas through with you and take you on an inspired journey.

Nests

Winter Solstice Nest

The materials chosen for this nest are very poignant, as they represent the treasure collected, akin to a Magpie, through the path of life. They may be shiny or precious, they may have great sentimental value and they may each have their own story to tell. You can feel the excitement as the bird has picked up treasures in its beak! Hidden in the structure of the nest are gems which this bird has tucked away from intruders or to prevent being cuckolded.

Summer Solstice Nest In-situ

Here's the solstice nest, happily ensconced in amongst favourite treasures! This photo shows the nest lights illuminated, for extra magic & sparkle...

Magical Warlock's Nest

I was inspired by this vintage tobacco tin - the Warlock name is so evocative and is by today's standards, an unusual name for tobacco! The nest is formed from black wire, discreet fairy-lights & the warlock's magical ring & watch components to assist with time-travel. The star is to guide him home!

Mythical Magpie's Story Nest

The mythical magpie’s nest was commissioned by the @Spirit360 Project. The nest encapsulates fragments of stories as visual whispers of why the Highlands are so special, to so many, that the bird has gathered in her beak, whilst on her adventures to gather treasure around the Highlands and then woven into her nest. She has gathered nails, screws, fragments of wallpaper and coins from Inverness Castle, as well as native twigs, feathers and so forth, to depict how the bird has drawn together voices, sentiments, hearts and souls to embody what home in the Highlands mean to so many.

More information & images can be viewed via this link.

Summer Solstice Nest

This solstice nest represents the joy of the longest day and contains vintage yellow and orange beads.

Valentine's Nest

This nest incorporates tiny, vintage light-bulbs rescued from an old workshop... although the bulbs do not light up (for the light of your life!) the tiny fairy-lights twirled into the nest add magic & sparkle. It also contains tyre valves, watch mechanisms and beads.

Illuminated Valentine's Nest

Here's the valentine's nest, fully lit.