Learning from Suzy Ultman: Cardboard Birds

So lovely to see you!

Awhile back, I took a free on-line class on Creativebug. 

 

Our teacher was the talented illustrator and product designer Suzy Ultman and the session was hosted by adorable crochet artist Twinkie Chan. 

The craft we made was right up my alley -- we upcycled an empty cereal box to make this cardboard bird!

Suzy provided a template but it's easy enough to draw freehand on the cardboard (just think of an elongated plus sign with oval corners). Cut out the cardboard and paint it in any color you want. Once the paint is dry, add the details like the beak, eye, and patterns such as dots and lines. When this layer has dried, write words with a black marker. Suzy chose words that represent birds: happiness, soaring, freedom, feathers, and fly high. 

Here is the version that I made:

I used similar colors and found a quote about nature and gratitude...TADA!

It's such an easy craft for kids and kids-at-heart and the materials are readily available. I couldn't help but make a few more:

I tweaked the shape of the bird, decorated it with primary colors, and added some encouragement using brush lettering...TADA!

For this cardboard bird, I first made abstract prints on the cardboard using paint, markers, and rubber stamps. Then I cut the bird into this shape and added details like the eyes, beak, and feathers using a black marker...TADA!

Here's another bird cut-out that I personalized with my penpal's name. Imagine using this as birthday or baby shower banners, or seating cards for a party...TADA!

Here are other versions. Notice the flower in their beak!

Wasn't that fun? That is how I turned empty food boxes from blah to TADA!

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