While some flocks fly away for winter, you can enjoy birds year round with this beautiful 3D bird wall art project. The patterns featured in this tutorial are free downloads and can be used to make so many different styles of dimensional bird and branch decor. Start imagining what kind of birds would look amazing on your walls!
Before we get to the step-by-step tutorial—-here’s a little inspiration.
All of the bird art examples below were made using the patterns and instructions contained within this post.
SEA GLASS BIRD ART
Sea glass, glass beads, and soft sea-green stones create bird art with a hint of translucent color and sparkle.
BLACK & WHITE BIRD ART
Use waterslide decal paper to layer a transparent black and white photo over your favorite quote or poem. This is a fabulous way to personalize your bird art while getting an upscale monochromatic look at the same time.
3D FLORAL BIRD DECOR
Flower petals are an easy way to create pretty birds. Dried or pressed flowers will work, and so will realistic looking silk ones.
STEAMPUNK BIRDS
Go steampunk. Give your bird art that antique-machinery-meets-science-and-Victorian-charm. First apply layers of metallic paint to create an aged metal finish. Then fill with a 3D collage of gears, clock parts, vintage finds, etc. Jules Verne would most certainly approve.
MINIMALIST BIRD ART
Simplicity.
VINTAGE FLORAL BIRD DECOR
Use vintage-style floral fabric or paper as accents for 3D bird and branch decor.
METALLIC BIRDS
Create silver, copper, gold or bronze birds on branches or as stand alone pieces.
BIRD GIFTS & ORNAMENTS
Birds make lovely ornaments! Add ribbon or a holiday word, and you have a gorgeous way to decorate a gift for the bird lover in your life.
So……..what are these 3D birds and branches made of?
They are all created from paper clay.
Paper clay is super easy to shape and cut, and it dries to a durable state that you can paint, embellish, and even sand or drill. No kiln required. It’s fun to use no matter what your skill level. And it’s also budget friendly and doesn’t require any fancy tools. It might soon become your favorite art medium.
In addition to the birds shown in this post, paper clay can be used for lots of other 3D clay projects. including 4 Calling Birds ornaments which you can learn to make HERE.
Enjoy the step by step tutorial below and feel free to share your creative ideas in the comments section below!
gather these supplies to make your 3D bird art
- Creative Paperclay or other good quality brand of paper clay (a 16 ounce package will make two birds) If you want to add branches, you will need additional packages.
- bird, wing, and branch art patterns
- Small rolling pin or thick wood dowel
- Craft knife or clay cutting tool*
- Non-stick mat such as a silicone mat or non-stick paper such as parchment paper
- Paint and items for decorating your birds
* An inexpensive clay tool set like this one is also a great option for cutting and working with paper clay
step 1: download & cut out bird art patterns
Download the free bird art patterns. Print on normal copy paper. Be sure to check your printer settings to make sure that the patterns print out at full-size, 100% scale.
Use scissors to cut the patterns out. Cut along the outside edge, and also cut out the center. Your patterns will look like wide black bird outline shapes.
If you would like to make branches for your birds, you will need these branch patterns. Experiment to see which ones you like best for your bird art.
step 2: set up your work space
You will need a non-stick surface for working with the clay. A non-stick silicone mat, parchment paper, or any non-stick surface will work.
Arrange your work space with a small rolling pin or thick wood dowel, a dish of water, a resealable bag or other airtight container (for storing unused clay), cotton swabs, a small towel, and a cutting tool.
step 3: cut birds from clay
Open the package of paper clay. Divide the clay in half. Place the clay halves on the non-stick work mat.
Roll out each half into a slab about 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick (or between 5 and 8 mm). Each slab should have enough area for a bird pattern to fit within.
Place one slab on top of the other.
Place the bird art pattern on the stacked slabs. To keep the paper pattern from slipping around on the clay, dip your fingers in water and lightly moisten the top layer of clay before positioning the pattern on top. It should stick to the damp surface.
Use a cutting tool or craft knife to cut around the entire perimeter. Cut through both layers of clay. You will get the best results if you hold your cutting tool in a vertical position, trying not to angle the blade.
Peel away the clay from the sides.
Next, carefully cut out the interior shape. This time, the goal is to ONLY cut through the TOP slab of clay, leaving the bottom slab intact. This will create a sort of cradle, or shallow inset.
TIP: Make a 1/4 inch mark on the blade of the craft knife. Then you can gauge the depth of the knife blade as you cut.
Use the tip of the cutting tool to pry up the interior section.
Then gently remove it.
Peel off the paper pattern, and return all of the leftover clay to a resealable bag or another type of air-tight container. Paper clay will dry if exposed to the air, so keeping it sealed is crucial if you are interested in trying other paper clay projects.
Next, dip your fingertips in the water dish, and then use your fingers to smooth any rough edges along the sides or interior of the bird. The wet tip of a cotton swab works really well for smoothing hard to reach areas.
step 4: dry your bird art
Your clay bird art will now need to dry and harden.
drying methods:
- AIR DRY INDOORS: This method can take several days, depending upon humidity and temperature and how thick your clay shapes are.
- SUN DRY: If the weather is warm and sunny, you can place your bird art outdoors and sun dry it.
- OVEN DRY: The fastest drying method is oven drying. Set your kitchen oven to the very lowest temperature (such as 170 degrees F). Place birds on the middle oven rack on a baking tray lined with either parchment paper or a non-stick silicone mat. Check every hour until the birds are completely dry.
- PLACE NEAR A HEATER: On a winter day, placing the birds near an indoor heat source like a heater will also dry the clay.
NOTE: When the top surface of the clay feels mostly dry and firm to the touch, carefully flip the birds over and place them on a wire rack (like the kind used for cooling cookies after baking) so that air can circulate around the birds and allow the underside to dry more quickly. If you are air drying indoors, the clay will usually be dry enough to flip the next day. If you are oven drying, you may be able to flip the birds after an hour or so.
As the clay dries and moisture evaporates, the birds will shrink slightly in size.
to prevent warping:
If the birds are left to dry on a non-stick mat for an extended period without turning them over, or without moving them to a drying rack, the head and tail ends may begin to curl slightly. This happens when the top surface of clay which is exposed to the air dries faster than the unexposed underside that is sticking to the mat. If you are not planning to fill your birds with resin, and if you like the curved look, it is fine to allow them to dry this way. However, if you want the birds to have a level center so that you can add resin later, move them to a drying rack when possible for more even drying.
When completely dry, the birds will feel lightweight but durably hard, and will be slightly lighter in color.
If there are any rough spots, dents, or uneven areas on the side edges or top surface of the birds, you can fill them in with leftover damp clay. You can also use a sheet of fine grade sandpaper (such as 220 grit) to smooth over any rough areas. DAP wood filler works amazingly well for filling in any imperfections, too.
step 5: make clay branches
You can make branches for your birds to perch on with these branch patterns. Follow the same process as you did with the birds in Steps 1 through 4 to cut the branches from clay and dry them.
You can do simple branches and leaves like these using just one layer of clay–
or more complicated ones with cut-out leaf sections like these–
step 6: decorate your bird art
After the birds and branches are dry, they can be painted and decorated. Any craft or water-based paint as well as spray paint will stick to paper clay. Sand in between coats of paint with a fine grade sandpaper (220 grit) to get a better finish. You can also just leave the clay unpainted in its natural color.
Next, let your creative side take over! Here are a few ideas and tips–
idea 1: fill with sea glass, stones, or glass beads
Use luminous glass beads, sea glass, sparkly gems, or pretty buttons for filling and decorating your clay birds.
Start by filling the bird shape with clear craft glue and then sprinkle the beads, sea glass or gems on top.
Create a fancy clay wing for your bird by using this wing pattern.
Then use clear glue to attach the wing. You can add a branch as well and place inside a frame on top of a coordinating background.
Or leave off the wing and branch and use your bird as a pretty way to decorate a gift.
idea 2: using flowers & nature-inspired elements
Dried flowers and petals, moss, small stones, driftwood, and pieces of shells are easy ways to fill the clay bird shapes and create bird art with a nature-inspired theme. You can also use realistic looking silk flowers.
A good quality clear craft glue will hold items in place within the clay bird shape. You can also add jewelry wire, glass beads, and ribbon to make ornaments!
idea 3: quotes & transparent photos
Transfer your favorite black and white photos, inspirational quotes, poems or verses to your 3D bird art.
The bird above has two layers, a verse and a winter tree—both the verse and tree photo were printed on SunnyScopa waterslide decal paper using a laser printer. (Waterslide decal paper is also available for inkjet printers, and you can print color as well as black and white images on it.)
After printing on the decal paper, trim the printed photo until it’s the size and shape that you need for fitting inside the bird.
Soak the image for 30 seconds in a bowl of water, and the transparent image layer will “slide” right off the backing paper giving you a decal. Position the decal in place on the bird. Press and smooth with your finger tips. Then use the heat from a hair dryer to set it.
You can apply one decal on top of another using this method.
After applying the decal, add the bird to a clay branch, and place in a frame with a distressed black and white paper background for contrast.
idea 4: metallic bird art
It only takes a few simple steps to create birds that look as though they are carved from metal or created from tin.
To get the look of aged metal, you will need:
- metallic paint (such as Modern Masters brand)
- soft cloth or paper towel
- paint brush
- dark gray and dark brown acrylic or latex paint in a flat finish
- Anaglypta paper or other paper with raised design or embossed pattern.
First, glue a section of Anaglypta wallpaper (or other type of heavy paper with a raised design that can be painted) to the inside of your bird art.
For the look of old pewter, base coat the bird in dark gray paint in a flat finish. When the base coat is dry, use a soft cloth to dab and rub silver metallic paint over the gray to create the look of worn metal. Wear gloves to prevent your fingernails from getting a “metallic manicure” in the process. 🙂
To create the look of aged bronze or antique copper, base coat the clay bird with dark brown paint in a flat finish. Then dab and rub metallic bronze or copper paint over the surface using a soft cloth.
Modern Masters metallic paints (Statuary Bronze, Antique Copper, and Silver) were used for the birds in this section.
You can add other items like lockets or charms to give your bird some personality.
idea 5: steampunk birds
Take the “metal” birds from Idea 4 a step further. Gather a collection of items reminiscent of steam-powered machinery along with some vintage style charms.
Thankfully you don’t have to dismantle heirloom pocket watches or other contraptions to get the parts to use. Brands like Tim Holtz have all sorts of gears, clock faces & hands, and other antique-looking pieces that are the perfect size and color for creating steampunk bird art.
For the bird above, metal washers, Tim Holtz gears, an old key and parts of a vintage-style drawer knob were combined with a couple of glass beads.
Try different ways of arranging your items. Once you’ve found an arrangement that you like, use a strong epoxy-based glue like Gorilla Clear Epoxy to permanently attach them.
idea 6: minimalist bird decor
Make minimalist bird art by simply cutting around the outline of the bird pattern in Step 3 of the clay tutorial above. You’ll only need one layer of clay. Cut out the center section of the bird instead of leaving it intact.
You can also design and cut out a wing if you like.
To add a copper finish, you will need:
- dark brown acrylic or latex paint in a flat finish
- small paint brush
- soft cloth or rag
- copper metallic paint (such as Modern Masters Antique Copper)
To get an aged copper look, start by applying dark brown paint in a flat finish. Two coats is usually enough to give you a good base. When the dark brown paint is dry, use a soft cloth instead of a brush to rub on a layer of copper metallic paint, and you’re good to go.
idea 7: vintage floral bird art
If you have a favorite piece of fabric or paper print, this idea is a great way to turn it into art.
In addition to your favorite print, you will need:
- scissors
- spray adhesive such as 3M Super 77
- sealer & resin (optional)
Begin by cutting the paper or fabric to fit inside each clay bird. You can trace around the interior of the bird patterns that you used in Step 3 to get the right shape.
To secure the paper to the clay bird, apply a spray adhesive to the back side of the paper, and then press in place with the pretty printed side facing up. Craft glue will work, but most craft & white school glue products will cause paper to ripple & warp when the wet glue comes in contact with the paper. You will get smoother, more professional results with a spray adhesive.
To get a glass-like look on top, add a layer of clear resin. You’ll need approximately 1 ounce (30 mL) of resin for each bird, depending upon how deep or shallow your inset area is. Resin is super easy to mix! Learn how to mix and apply it by following the steps of this easy resin tutorial.
NOTE: Since resin is self-leveling, make sure that your birds are on a flat, level surface before you pour it. If the birds are not level, the resin will end up pooling in an area or spilling over the side.
Also, if you plan to add resin and you are using paper—-you will need to seal the front & back of the paper first with a clear water-based sealer before adhering it to the clay and before applying the resin on top. Otherwise the resin will turn the paper a darker color. Modern Masters Dead Flat Varnish is a great option.
When the resin has fully cured (after 72 hours), glue the bird and branch together and place in a frame. Anaglypta paper with a raised scrollwork pattern makes a great vintage background to go behind this bird art.
idea 8: 3D vintage collage bird art
You can also make vintage inspired bird decor by combining prints of old newspapers, antique book pages, patents or handwritten letters, vintage postcards, French ephemera, or sheets of old music.
After adhering the paper to the clay, add a dimensional collage on top. Arrange old stamps, coins, keys, buttons, gears, clock parts or other objects inside the bird shape.
Use a strong glue to hold everything in place or add a layer of resin to secure everything.
If you want to add resin, you can find a complete and easy tutorial for how to mix and use resin here. ArtResin is a great non-toxic, BPA-free option that has UV filters to prevent yellowing. And unlike other brands, it does not have a strong odor.
You’ll need about 1 ounce (30 mL) of resin per bird–more or less–depending upon how shallow or deep the inset area of your bird is. Pour slowly, allowing the resin to spread out. Add more if needed. As mentioned earlier—since resin is self-leveling, make sure that your birds are on a flat, level surface. If the birds are not level, the resin will end up pooling in an area or spilling over the side.
In the event that your birds did not dry completely flat and they look a little curved, you can add small objects like bottle caps or coins underneath some areas of your birds in order to get the center section level before pouring. If you use any paper elements, seal the paper first with a clear sealer or water-based varnish to prevent the resin from darkening it as detailed in Idea 7.
ArtResin will solidify in 24 hours, but it takes 72 hours for it to completely cure. After pouring the resin, keep the birds a level surface for 3 days, covered with a box or other item to keep out dust particles during the curing process.
When the resin has cured, have fun adding other items to make original framed vintage-inspired bird wall art.
step 7: assemble your bird art
To attach the bird to the branch, and then to a frame, use a strong dependable adhesive like JB Weld or Gorilla Clear Epoxy. Both of these adhesives come in a syringe, and both are quick set. Once you mix and apply the adhesive, you will have about 5 minutes before your bird is permanently glued to the branch.
using pre-made panels
Birch wood panels are an easy, inexpensive option for giving your bird art a thick dimensional surface to perch on. A 12 inch square wood panel is a great size for these birds.
You can either place the birds on the front or the back of the panel for a minimalist frame.
making your own frames
If you are good with a saw, you can make your own frames by combining a sheet of thin birch plywood and different sized boards from your local home improvement store.
Use wood filler to fill any gaps. Then paint.
And you’re ready to add the birds and branches.
step 8: display your bird art
Now it’s time to show off your work.
Enjoy your beautiful 3D bird wall art or give it as a lovely gift!
If you liked this clay bird art project, you may like these other paper clay projects.
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