Happy Tuesday everyone! Today's Tool Time encompasses many things...hardware store finds, scrap fabric, thread, yarn, batting, dog hair (yes, I said dog hair), recycling, nature and helping little birdies. Wow, that's a lot in one post, but this is an easy one. This is a mesh "purse" I made for all the birds who are starting to chirp away now that spring is just around the corner. All the goodies in the mesh purse are there to help the birds build their nests. There are many sites out there that will explain the items birds need to build their nest, but I found one link that was helpful. Click here for the link. Scroll down on that page until you reach the Nest Material section. Here are the items you'll need... wire mesh or chicken wire...found in hardware store or in my father-in-law's garage! 2 pieces of thin wire to "sew" the edges closed wire cutters and all your scrap sewing items...thread, yarn, fabric strips, batting I also added our dog Annie's hair (which they recommend). It all came out of the dryer vent after I washed her cotton blanket. I know dryer lint is not recommended, but this is seriously just all her hair because that's all I washed. Dye free detergent and no dryer sheets were used The edges of the wire mesh had sharp points... just snip those off with your wire cutters. Now they're nice and smooth. Sand if necessary. You can make your scrap bag in any shape, so the starting measurements can be any thing. This is just a rectangle piece that I had. First, I folded up the bottom to form the purse. Next, fold over the top flap, like an envelope. This is the thin wire I used to "sew" up the side seams. Start at the bottom corner. Twist the wire to attach it to the mesh. Just weave the wire in and out through the mesh and pull tight as you go along. Here is the whole side sewn up. Repeat on the other side as well to form the "purse". This is the view from the top with the flap open, looking in with both sides sewn up. I looked through all my old buttons for a closure. Wire the button to the front. and add a ribbon to wrap around the button to keep the pouch closed. Now fill it up with all your sewing scraps! Twist the ribbon around the button. Add another ribbon to hang the pouch from the tree. I also added a stick and cotton batting which I forget in the original list of materials needed. I poked the stick through the mesh. It's the perfect perch for the birds to rest on while they are taking out the materials they need to build their nest. Now it's all set to hang outside for our feathered friends. Don't forget to add all your beautiful cotton quilting scraps. With all that fabric, you'll have the prettiest bird's nest around! This area of our yard is always full of bird's nest, so I hope these little bird purses filled with their building materials will help. The temperature is in the 20's tonight! This post is one more way to... space Think Spring, Think Spring, Think Spring!! space Dont' forget to join the Sew Darn Crafty Link Party...show off YOUR projects and there's a give away too. Click here to join in on the fun! space Have a wonderful Tuesday, ~Karen~