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From Velvet Curtains To Wooden Spoons: I Transform Everyday Objects Into Nature Costumes (31 New Pics)

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I don't need it to be "Spooky Season" to dress up. I spend my time drawing, then dressing up as my subjects—mostly birds, sometimes bugs, a bat, a fish...

I use a combination of my own clothes, vintage finds, homemade props, makeup, and styling to echo the wonder of nature. Sometimes daft, occasionally hilarious, but mostly beautiful, these looks have been featured in exhibitions and museums from Queer Britain to BBC's Winterwatch.

More info: birdscanflystore.com | Instagram | x.com | Facebook | tiktok.com | youtube.com

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

Mallard (Anas Platyrhynchos)

Mallard (Anas Platyrhynchos)

Final score:

7points

I use everything from clothes pegs to a wooden spoon, a bowl covered in fabric, a velvet curtain from Oxfam, or just that perfect jacket. I have made pom-poms and a patchwork corset, a papier-mâché crown, and an embroidered bib. Now that I've reached a milestone, I call these creations "Gentle References," and I've made 100 of them so far.

#2

Andean Cock-Of-The-Rock (Rupicola Peruvianus) - With Home-Made Pom-Pom

Andean Cock-Of-The-Rock (Rupicola Peruvianus) - With Home-Made Pom-Pom

Final score:

6points

#3

Eurasian Coot (Fulica Atra) - With Painted Wooden Spoon, Face Adornment

Eurasian Coot (Fulica Atra) - With Painted Wooden Spoon, Face Adornment

Final score:

6points

It's not just for fun—I use my illustrations to inform my research, which I post on my blog, Birds Can Fly. There, I reveal how I make my outfits and explore the history and cultural context of the creatures I draw.

#4

Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)

Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)

Final score:

5points

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#5

Nuttall’s Woodpecker (Dryobates Nuttallii) - With Home Made Fascinator

Nuttall’s Woodpecker (Dryobates Nuttallii) - With Home Made Fascinator

Final score:

4points

HighwaytoKell 2 weeks ago

These are gorgeous! The eye look here also reminds me of a puffin.

0points

#6

Domestic Pigeon (Columba Livia Forma Domestica)

Domestic Pigeon (Columba Livia Forma Domestica)

Final score:

4points

Marissa D 3 weeks ago

Ooooo, the way the tie and eyeshadow shimmer...........beautiful

0points

#7

Amazonian Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus Coronatus) - With Papier-Mâché Crown

Amazonian Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus Coronatus) - With Papier-Mâché Crown

Final score:

4points

#8

Pink Cockatoo (Lophochroa Leadbeateri) - With Paper Fascinator And Chocolate Coin Medal

Pink Cockatoo (Lophochroa Leadbeateri) - With Paper Fascinator And Chocolate Coin Medal

Final score:

4points

Ali Sherlock 2 weeks ago

LOVE this!! I own one of these (Major Mitchell) their crest comes out like a native american head dress, different from other australian cockatoos

0points

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#9

Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa Rubicunda)

Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa Rubicunda)

Final score:

4points

#10

Snowy Owl (Bubo Scandiacus)

Snowy Owl (Bubo Scandiacus)

Final score:

4points

#11

Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica Regulorum)

Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica Regulorum)

Final score:

4points

#12

Barn Owl (Tyto Alba)

Barn Owl (Tyto Alba)

Final score:

4points

Roni Stone 3 weeks ago

This one is just so... cozy. Just hanging out at the barn.

0points

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#13

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla Cedrorum)

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla Cedrorum)

Final score:

4points

#14

Greater Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus Ferrumequinum) - With Cardboard Face Adornment

Greater Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus Ferrumequinum) - With Cardboard Face Adornment

Final score:

3points

#15

Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa Atalanta) - With Home Made Patchwork Quilt Corset

Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa Atalanta) - With Home Made Patchwork Quilt Corset

Final score:

3points

#16

Ornate Wrasse (Thalassoma Pavo) - With Velvet Curtain Skirt

Ornate Wrasse (Thalassoma Pavo) - With Velvet Curtain Skirt

Final score:

3points

Dog Mom to Zoe 3 weeks ago

Not sure this one works.

0points

#17

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps Auritus) - With Pipe Cleaner Head Dress

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps Auritus) - With Pipe Cleaner Head Dress

Final score:

3points

Dog Mom to Zoe 3 weeks ago

Coolio??

0points

#18

European Nightjar (Caprimulgus Europaeus)

European Nightjar (Caprimulgus Europaeus)

Final score:

3points

#19

Xantus's Hummingbird (Basilinna Xantusii)

Xantus's Hummingbird (Basilinna Xantusii)

Final score:

3points

#20

Seven-Spot Ladybird (Coccinella Septempunctata) - With Paper Dots

Seven-Spot Ladybird (Coccinella Septempunctata) - With Paper Dots

Final score:

3points

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#21

Northern Gannet (Morus Bassanus)

Northern Gannet (Morus Bassanus)

Final score:

3points

#22

Long-Wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus Penduliger) - With Fabric Covered Bowl

Long-Wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus Penduliger) - With Fabric Covered Bowl

Final score:

3points

#23

Temminck's Tragopan (Tragopan Temminckii) - With Embroidered Bib

Temminck's Tragopan (Tragopan Temminckii) - With Embroidered Bib

Final score:

3points

#24

Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus Sasin)

Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus Sasin)

Final score:

3points

#25

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos Major)

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos Major)

Final score:

2points

#26

Arctic Tern (Sterna Paradisaea) - With Paper Collar

Arctic Tern (Sterna Paradisaea) - With Paper Collar

Final score:

2points

#27

Inca Tern (Larosterna Inca) - With Pasta Spoon Head Dress

Inca Tern (Larosterna Inca) - With Pasta Spoon Head Dress

Final score:

2points

#28

Grey Heron (Ardea Cinerea)

Grey Heron (Ardea Cinerea)

Final score:

2points

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#29

Mourning Dove (Zenaida Macroura)

Mourning Dove (Zenaida Macroura)

Final score:

2points

#30

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis Cardamines)

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis Cardamines)

Final score:

2points

#31

White Stork (Ciconia Ciconia)

White Stork (Ciconia Ciconia)

Final score:

2points

100 Gentle References

Paul Harfleet

Paul Harfleet (he/him) is a British, London based queer artist that has been making work since he graduated from an Ma in Fine Art at the Manchester School of Art in 2004. From 2004-2009 he ran an artist-led space called Apartment with fellow artist Hilary Jack. He developed The Pansy Project in 2005 and moved to London in 2009 where he continues to practice as an artist whilst earning a living as an illustrator and designer. In 2020 he began a new project exploring the cultural history of ornithology, the project known as Birds Can Fly can be explored here. Both projects run simultaneously, you can contact the artist here for further enquiries.

Paul Harfleet (he/him) is a British, London based queer artist that has been making work since he graduated from an Ma in Fine Art at the Manchester School of Art in 2004. From 2004-2009 he ran an artist-led space called Apartment with fellow artist Hilary Jack. He developed The Pansy Project in 2005 and moved to London in 2009 where he continues to practice as an artist whilst earning a living as an illustrator and designer. In 2020 he began a new project exploring the cultural history of ornithology, the project known as Birds Can Fly can be explored here. Both projects run simultaneously, you can contact the artist here for further enquiries.

Gabrielė Malukaitė

Hi there! I'm Gabrielė, but you can also catch me responding to Gab, Gabi, Gabert, or Gabe – take your pick. Professionally, I'm the senior community manager over at Bored Panda, helping people share their awesome work and connecting artists with a worldwide audience. Beyond work, you'll catch me traveling, listening to vinyl and diving into movies, art exhibitions, and concerts. I'm a culture buff at heart, always eager to explore and embrace the richness of the human experience.

Hi there! I'm Gabrielė, but you can also catch me responding to Gab, Gabi, Gabert, or Gabe – take your pick. Professionally, I'm the senior community manager over at Bored Panda, helping people share their awesome work and connecting artists with a worldwide audience. Beyond work, you'll catch me traveling, listening to vinyl and diving into movies, art exhibitions, and concerts. I'm a culture buff at heart, always eager to explore and embrace the richness of the human experience.

What do you think ?

Zelda 2 weeks ago

Genial and so well executed! Super cool

2points

Roni Stone 3 weeks ago

I adore the way you use your eyes to illuminate the creature color. Very fun time. And the fascinators! Such diverse moods.

1point

Dog Mom to Zoe 3 weeks ago

Clever way to use your clothing to match the bird's natural coloring and feathers. Wonderful makeup job as well. Fun post.

1point

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Zelda 2 weeks ago

Genial and so well executed! Super cool

2points

Roni Stone 3 weeks ago

I adore the way you use your eyes to illuminate the creature color. Very fun time. And the fascinators! Such diverse moods.

1point

Dog Mom to Zoe 3 weeks ago

Clever way to use your clothing to match the bird's natural coloring and feathers. Wonderful makeup job as well. Fun post.

1point

Load More Comments

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