We couldn’t have planned a better day! The weather was perfect for an outdoor photo shoot for the Volume 87 July/August 2014 issue.
Everyone, including the studio gasped with delight at the sight of the birdhouses from our friends at EmbroideryOnline.com. What could be better than hanging them on a tree outdoors? We found the perfect branch complete with tiny purple blooms.
Our stylist, Andrea Huffman, carefully hung the birdhouses but we quickly discovered an unwelcome variable… wind! She tied a string to hold the birdhouses steadily in place.
Steve Woods assigns Denise Holguin the important task of aiming the reflector at the birdhouses.
Steve: “Aim over there!”
Denise: “Where?”
Most people think beautiful photography just happens with a click of the button. There’s a little more to it than that. Steve has been responsible for the beautiful photography in our pages for over 10 years.
Steve and Eileen take a moment to review the photos on the laptop. The towel helps with the glare from the sun.
Time to photograph the next project – this charming quilt by Christy Burcham. You’ll want to pick up the July/August issue to learn Christy’s techniques for creating this vintage-style project.
Reflectors and diffusers are used to get just the right light on the quilt.
Andrea sets up the next scene—an oh-so-cute wicker basket with little girl’s clothing. The 3D Flowers from Sealed With A Stitch can be used to accessorize anything!
Now that Denise is feeling like a professional photography assistant, the real challenge begins. Steve offered to pay 5 dollars if Denise successfully folds the reflector. Talk about easy money!
On second thought… this isn’t so easy.
Better get Eileen to try.
These reflectors could produce a nice tan!
Steve demonstrates the step-by-step approach to folding the reflector. Denise and Eileen practice their arm techniques.
Steve continues to show how easy it is to fold the reflector.
By the end of the all-day photo shoot… the Designs team was successful! I think we’ll stick with machine embroidery!
Now that you’ve had a glimpse of the Behind the Scenes for Volume 87 July/August, be sure to pick up your copy at your local dealer, craft store or order online!
141 COMMENTS
Sandi Dumesnil
10 years agoI would hang these on my back porch, safe from the Texas sun!!! They are adorable and I love birds and birdhouses!
Kathy Stoessner
10 years agoI would hang it by my patio door but on the inside. I want to enjoy that lovely birdhouse everyday upon wakening.
marie zinno
10 years agoI wish I was there to help fold the reflector.Looked like a fun day.
Janice Thompson
10 years agoI would hang them in the laundry room windows. They are just little cuties!!!
Donna randall
10 years agoThey would look adorable in the sunroom
Dianna Morse
10 years agoThe birdhouses are darling with so much potential! I would love to have one to hang outside the window, facing the road, where I sit at my computer most of the day. There is a big bush where the cardinals land a lot & then eat at a feeder. A perfect spot for a birdhouse!
Leora B
10 years agoI would hang them on my deck.. we just put a roof/awuning (sp) over the deck for shade, so they would be protected and add so much to our deck.
Verla Sonier
10 years agoI would hang them under my carport.
I love bird houses
Debbie
10 years agoI would hang it on my front porch.
Barbara McKenzie
10 years agoWho knows – I might just hang them from my Christmas tree!
Annette Danos
10 years agoWould hang this beautiful bird house in my crepe myrtle that is right on the side of my porch. There is a bird that is building a nest in the tree.
Valerie Gwara
10 years agoWe have a pergola covered with hardy kiwi and trumpet vine. The birds love the cover. I’d hang them inside.
Dorothy Reitsma
10 years agoI would hang them on my deck. We have a covered deck and they would add some whimsy to the deck.
beth daniels
10 years agoI would hand them on my Japanese magnolia tree in our backyard. Some wind chimes are hung up on the branches of the tree already.
Patricia Jones
10 years agoThese birdhouses would look beautiful nestled in with my Wisteria. It’d be nice to coordinate the colors to blend with the purple of the blooms. It would look like a little fairy setting. 🙂
Darlene Gerber
10 years agoIt would hang inside my Mom’s house. If it was hung outside, one of her many birds would probably make a nest in it!!!
Donna F
10 years agoI would hang them grand daughters room she would love them.
PAM BRICHER
10 years agoI have garden kitchen and breakfast nook. I would hang them in the ivy topiary or put them with other birdhouses I have collected.
Mary Birenbaum
10 years agoI’d hang them at the residential treatment center where I volunteer. It’s kinda’ drab…not cheerful for the moms who are staying off drugs and alcohol – and their babies. I’m sure they’d love them!
Denise Holguin
10 years agoThat’s a great idea, Mary!
Denise
Pat Snyder
10 years agoWhat a giving thought. Colors can make such a difference.
Nita Carr
10 years agoI would hang them in my sewing room. I have a fabric covered bulletin board on the wall where when I sit at my embroidery machine I face it. I have fun things on the board along with 4 felted birds hanging on it–so if you have birds you must have some birdhouses !
Arlene Bellerose
10 years agoI would hang them in a Durante Bush my son gave for Mothers Day. The would match the purple flowers and give some whimsy to my covered Lani.
Vanessa B
10 years agoId hang it right outside my craft room window 🙂 Thank You!!!
Linda Raker
10 years agoI have sliding glass doors that cover an entire wall in my sun room. I have bird houses on top of they cornices over the doors. I would love to replace them with these. They are adorable!
Connie Walsh
10 years agoI would hang the birdhouses in the corners of the doorway between my livingroom and dining room. They would look lovely outside but would stay nice longer indoors.
Laurie Watkins
10 years agoI would hang this cutle birdhouse above my desk at work!
Julienne Burns
10 years agoI’ll put mine filled with plastic grass and jelly beans in an Easter Basket.
Heidi
10 years agowhy choose one spot, make a whole bunch of them and hang them everywhere.
debe
10 years agoI would hang them in my big kitchen window.
Phyllis Hiles
10 years agoThey would look really pretty in the bay window in my home office. Inside of course.
Rhonda Sanford
10 years agoMy sister-in-law passed away before Christmas last year. She absolutely loved bird houses. I would personalize it with her name and Send a few to her family in Indiana and hang one up outside my front door where Heaven’s light will shine through beautifully.
Elaine
10 years agoI would put the adorable bird houses in my gazebo in the backyard. They are so CUTE!!!
Bonnie G
10 years agoI would hang these sweet birdhouses on my screen porch.
Joanne Morales
10 years agoI have already purchaced the designs for the bird houses and they will be in each window in my house so that no matter where I am I can see one of them. They are so beautiful.
judy
10 years agoI think they would make great gifts!
Cathy
10 years agoThey would look GREAT hanging on our enclosed front porch, that just got a “face lift” with some fresh paint early spring.
Darlette
10 years agoI will love making these for my 3 sisters! 2 would
Help brighten up a sickroom( one for a daughter
& one for our mom)& the third for sis’s flower garden
Melissa B
10 years agoI would hang them in my office, it needs a cheerful spot.
Cindy Amend
10 years agoI would hang it off a suction cup on my kitchen window.
Kristal
10 years agoI would hang the birdhouse outside my bedroom window, so I could enjoy it every day when I wake up! Beautiful!
Marta Tapanes
10 years agoThose bird houses came out so cute! I would hang them in my art studio. They look like they just belong there!
Marta
Beth R
10 years agoI would hang the birdhouses in my sunroom, where they could take advantage of the natural light and brighten up the room with lots of color!
Susan
10 years agoI have a dead maple tree it is about 7ft tall w/brnches that I hange a hummingbird feeder, a container w/string & fabric in for the birds to take to their nest & I would hange it there. Of course this would only be when company comes to see my gardens, otherwise it would hang in my sunroom out of the weather.
I think I would make meny to hang on that tree!
Carol Seavitt
10 years agoOff the shelf in my sewing room.
Gladys Stanley
10 years agoI have a bird that loves to build his nest right outside my front door, I would hang it there so maybe he will feel right at home…the houses are so darn cute.
carol Myers
10 years agoI would hang the beautiful bird houses in my sun room windows,I already have different bird figurines on the window seals. That would look great.
Tina G.
10 years agoI’d stitch up 5 and hang them across my breakfast area windows. They’d be sure to cheer up a cloudy day.
Cindy mott
10 years agoI have a Fairy Garden in my back yard and these bird houses would add a little more whimsy to the garden, not to mention they would attract more fairies.
Joyce Hardiman
10 years agoI would hang them in my office by the window. They would create a fun and bright display.
Kate Cassil
10 years agoThese are wonderful. I would hang them on the hooks under the mantle where we put our Christmas stockings. Then maybe get wild and make a mantle scarf using some of the same fabric used in the birdhouse.
LeAnne L
10 years agoThose birdhouses are so stinking cute. Going to have to put them on my wish list. Think I’ll hang some in my office window.
Barbara Chace
10 years agoI would send one to my 92 year old Aunt to hang in her room. You are never to old for something this cute!
Deborah K.
10 years agoIn my sewing room along with the bees (not real!) I have buzzing around!
Robin Sankbeil
10 years agoI received my copy of the magazine today. You really do have the best magazine! The lovely bird houses would work in my sun porch as decoration. I’m already considering which ones I like best! LOL! They’re all so adorable! If you choose me, I am already a subscriber, but my renewal date is January. Would love to have an extension to my current subscription. Wondering if a digital subscription would be less expensive than paper/mailing, etc???
tammy wright
10 years agoI would hang them at every window for the best birds eye view. I love bird watching.
Pam Dunbar
10 years agoI would hang it on my covered front porch so I could enjoy it while in my wicker swing enjoying my DIME.
Sue C
10 years agoI would hang them in my dining room, which already has a bird theme to ti! They would make such a great addition!!
Colleen
10 years agoThese would be adorable additions to the decorations at my stepdaughters upcoming bridal shower.
Debra L Perez
10 years agoI have an atrium in the middle of my house, complete with plants and a waterfall, I would hang them in my atrium.
Anne Marie Reilly
10 years agoI would hang them in my picture window in the living room. Right outside that window is a maple and a decorative cherry tree. From inside the bird houses would look like they were part of that setting.
Susie Mackenberg
10 years agoMy husband enclosed our porch so I now have a sunroom! The birdhouses would hang beautifully there, protected from the elements but would look like they were outside. Love, Love them!
Sue Winnie
10 years agoLiving in upstate NY, I’d hang them on my covered porch. The rains have been amazing. I’d also give them to my sisters and coworkers as Christmas gifts. They love birds.
Arizona Powers
10 years agoI live in Chicago and our back yard is extremely small and drab. I would hang these in our back yard to add some cheerfulness! They’re beautiful!
Celeste B
10 years agoI would hang them in my workroom so on a gloomy day I could pretend to be enjoying the outdoors.
Mary S
10 years agoI would hang them in the kitchen,maybe not all of them, as the border around the wall will be birdhouses.
Rita
10 years agoI would hang them in my Sun room, it’s already decorated with a Bird theme.
joyce
10 years agoI would love to put one in my greenhouse window in my kitchen. Have had 3 sets of birds nesting in my garden not sure about sharing such a cute birdhouse with them.
Kristi D.
10 years agoI would hang these cute bird houses in my sewing room and front porch. They are so cute.
Penny Kitzmiller
10 years agoI would hang the beautiful houses on a fence that runs beside my house. The fence is in my front yard, everyone who comes up the road has to see them. I live in a cuddle sax. They would look so lovely in the neighborhood.
Casie Williams
10 years agoI have a friend who’s having a first baby — a girl — in October. They would be the perfect addition to the pink, soft green and white nursery that she is planning.
Jean
10 years agoI would hang them outside the front window on the porch, as the would make a great addition to my flowers and squirrel feeder.
Michelle Hall
10 years agoI was thinking about naking a couple to trim a wreath formy front door. They are adorable
Karen Poole
10 years agoI just LOVE these cute birdhouses! First I would hang a few under my covered patio then I would hand a few in my sewing room to bring some spring color into it, then I would add one or two to a wall that is above my kitchen and adjacent to my stairs, it had a “ledge” with some old style items such as a baby carriage and a wooden flower wheel barrow, and a spring mural on the wall… They would be perfect for that spot!
Lori E
10 years agoI would hang them on a cane cholla (very prickly cactus) that each spring a birds nests in. I think one of these bird houses would be much more comfortable.
Deb Patrick
10 years agoThese would be so adorable in my kitchen window.
Terry Senko
10 years agoI have a fellow bird-loving friend with a birthday next month. She is getting one of these bird houses from me as her present. I’ll let her decide where to hang it!
Bertie L Stringfellow
10 years agoI would hang them in my kitchen bay window.
Donna G.
10 years agoIn my garden and greenhouse!
Barbara Ann
10 years agoI would hang them on the mesquite trees outside my sewing room so I could enjoy the cheerful view. On the opposite side of the house, there are cactus wren that take turns going inside the tall saguaros. Maybe they would come entertain in these bird houses!
Berenice
10 years agoI would make a set to put in a dear friend’s room in her new assisted living facility. They always had birds around their house and I know she misses them.
Lynda troidl
10 years agoI think they would look cute on my Christmas tree. I would make seven. One for each of my grandchildren with their name on the bird.
Suzanne R.
10 years agoI would make them in seasonal colors, and hang them in my kitchen windows!
Brenda Benfield
10 years agoI would take them to the nursing home for some patients there to enjoy and hang them in the windows
Carol
10 years agoI’d hang them right outside my kitchen window, where I could see them while preparing meals and that also makes them visible from the deck outside my dining room! They would be such a colorful addition to cold dreary Ohio winter when that season returns.
Bonnie Gray
10 years agoI would do several of them in pastel colors and hang them from long bare branches set in a very tall vase along with the various Easter eggs I have collected for a beautiful Easter display inside by my front door.
Laurene Shewan
10 years agoIn the guest bathroom of course! Folks need something to smile and gaze at when they go in there. I would hang them on monofilament line from the skylight, which is dead space above the tub. Also, when you come in our front door, the bathroom is straight across the room, so it would be a pleasant addition to the line of site.
Barbara Siverts
10 years agoI would hang them in my guest/sewing room to accompany the birds I have stenciled on the lamp shade.
Dottie K
10 years agoI would hang these in a special corner of my living room. They would certainly cheer up that space. Perfect spot. VBG
Shari Ann fry
10 years agoI would take em to the home my grandmother was in. In her memory. She use to love to watch the birds with her fellow residents. They have so little to look forward to. Grandma said the birds were faithful visitors.
Betsy
10 years agoIt just so happens that I have been pondering that very question! My daughter loves crafting and one of her favorites is painting bird houses purchased at our local craft store. I received my 4th birdhouse from her last week for my birthday and I suspect my collection will be growing. I’ve decided to put floating shelves in my sewing room to display them.
Susan
10 years agoI would send one to a sweet friend in Illinois and let her decide! She loves gardening and birds and butterflies!
Christina
10 years agoI would hang them in my botanical gardens in my back yard. They would look nice with the roses.
Theresa Randolph
10 years agoI would put them in my bathroom it’s done in out door and jungle, would great in there
Linda Pratt
10 years agoI would hang them in my beautifully decorated sewing room! They would be sooo at home there
Joan Davidson
10 years agoI would hang them on my second story covered deck so they are protected or in the kitchen window so I could enjoy them everyday!
Lyn
10 years agoI would hang them in my mom’s room at her retirement center. She can no longer garden, but loves watching birds and bird feeders, birdhouses, etc.
🙂 lyn
Kimmy
10 years agoI would hang them in my kitchen bay window so they would be protected.
Joanne Banko
10 years agoThanks for sharing these behind the scene photos Denise! It is fun to see all of you in action. I am in awe of each issue produced by Designs and I admire Steve Wood’s talent as well.
Just got my issue yesterday . . . beautiful and inspiring projects as always! I think the birdhouses would sit pretty on a high shelf above my window. And, I agree they would make a cheerful decoration for anyone who’s spends a lot of time indoors.
P.S. That reflector looks like a sun shield I have for my car. Drives me nuts trying to fold it so I usually just throw it in the back hatch.
Judy C
10 years agoI would hang them in my screen house! It is my home away from home vacation every time I enter it! And having these hand from the ceiling would look awesome!!
JudiC
10 years agoWhat a fun day you all had… I actually just purchased 1 of the bird house designs & plan to place the finished birdd house in my laundry room. I have a very large dark Laundry room with lots of shelves & a few different “fancy birdhouses” already in it, it needs a lot of bright cheerful decor ;o)
Linda
10 years agoI would hang them in my enclosed front porch. I always have birds looking in. That way the birds can enjoy them, but they will be safe inside.
Janice Pratte
10 years agoMy 3 bird houses are already perched in my 86 year old aunt’s assisted living apartment in N.H. She loves them and shows them off to all her guests.
venita abel
10 years agoI would have to hang them on my porch or on those hooks that you can buy. Would love to hang them in the many trees in my yard but my husband has trimmed the lower branches so he can mow under them
Susanne Wiora
10 years agoI would hang them on my screened in porch where you can enjoy the benefits out outside but not the sun, rain or bugs!
Rita Rdocenbaugh
10 years agoI would hang them in my office window since I am there all day, I could admire them in the sunshine!
Connie B.
10 years agoOH!!!! These are ADORABLE! I would hang them in the windows of my sunroom. I have lots of bright reds and yellows in there, and these would add the perfect touch to the windows! I could enjoy summertime all year long!
Sandra
10 years agoThe birdhouses would look so lovely hanging on my patio under the thatched roof!
Cathy
10 years agoThe bird house would be a perfect addition to our patio. I also am working on the beautiful flowers from Sealed with a Stitch. I have two grand daughters who will love them.
Shirl R
10 years agoI would hang them in my home office so they could be seen through the office window but yet be a wonderful sight for my work-weary eyes to rest upon.
Kathleen
10 years agoThe ceiling in our bay window has tree branches with greenery. I decorate it for the seasons. They would be absolutely adorable hanging there to occupy the birds perched on various branches.
Weight Loss Pills Quiz
10 years agoIt is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s
time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest
you some interesting things or advice. Maybe you can write next
articles referring to this article. I desire to read more things about it!
Gwynn McKenzie
10 years agoI would hang them on my sun porch. I decorate the edge of the ceiling with flower garlands and they would look awesome hanging from the ceiling.
kbo
10 years agoI would hang them in my front entry for the neighbors and myself to enjoy.
Scarlette Hobbs
10 years agoI plan to hang them all over the house and I want a set to go in each grandchild’s bedroom in front of their windows so even in the wintertime we will remember “Spring”
Pamela Beeth
10 years agoI’d have to choose or else make more of them. First choice is in the windows that look out on the bird feeders, or second, perhaps under the deck overhang to nestle with the hanging plants. Maybe a bird will take the hint.
Cindy
10 years agoI would put them in my dining room! Outside my dining room is my bird feeder with all its constant little visitors. Putting the birdhouses just inside the windows will bring the sense of a continuum between the outside and inside.
Linda W
10 years agoThe birdhouses are beautiful! I think they would be a wonderful decoration on my fireplace mantel for spring through summer.
Karla
10 years agoI already have these designs, made for my Daughter’s birthday as she collects bird houses and these were the perfect size. She has hanging in her office at work.
Nancy
10 years agoThey would be cute hanging in the plants on my office.
Charlotte Trabue
10 years agoI have a sun room, and I have done it birdfeeders. They would look wonderful in there.
Cindy
10 years agoThey would look perfect on the glass shelf of my plant window!
Nancy De Pas
10 years agoIn mt sisters room at
nursing home were she is bed ridden.
Patty Fiske
10 years agojust outside my back door I have a beautiful magnolia tree. It could blow in the wind next to our chimes
penny wilber
10 years agoI would attach this super cute flowers with wire and decorate a wreath to hang on my entry door. I would also place them randomly on a gingham tablecloth for a picnic party. Attach these sweet flowers to wine glasses to use as drink markers. I would also string them with ribbon to use as a garland. Sew many cute ideas here using these super cute and adorable flowers!
Kristine Alvarez
10 years agoI would hang them either in kitchen window or my bathroom window!
Paule-Marie
10 years agoI would hang them in my sewing room and my ‘airlock’ to greet people when they come in the front door and have yet to come into the main part of the house. Oh, what the heck, I’d just find lots of places to hang them.
Kathy E.
10 years agoI would make these adorable birdhouses to give to teacher friends to decorate their rooms this coming fall. I could add a sign that says, “Welcome back Tweeties!”.
Sharon L.
10 years agoThe little bird houses are so cute. I would hang them in the corner of my sewing room on a cut branch to make it look like it was outside.
Sharon L.
10 years agoThe little bird houses are so cute. I would hang them in a corner of my sewing room on a cut tree branch to make it look like it is outside.
Kathy
10 years agoI would hang these birdhouses in my laundry room. They are so cute!
Rosieq
10 years agoI would love to win these for Mary B who works at a drug treatment center…but, could I also have the design for myself? Pretty please….if not, and you draw my name send them on to Mary B….
Rosieq
10 years agoI forgot to say, I have a lovely Norfolk Pine in my sunroom that looks so lonely in the summer when all the other plants wander outdoors. These are so whimsical, perfect!
Rosieq
10 years agoMary posted July 9 at 12:53, just so you can find her, when we win! ;))
tina Belden
10 years agoI made them and have them hanging above my sewing machine so that I can enjoy them while I sew and embroider.
Carolyn
10 years agoI will hang them on my inside porch (because I plan to make them). I have birdhouses on my outside porch rail. And I have birdhouses and bird feeders that I can see from my front windows.
Deanna
10 years agoI would hang them in my kitchen window. They are so cute!
Kathy Schmidt
10 years agoOne in my living room and one in the kitchen windows….so cute and would love to make some as gifts
Rosemary Kelley
10 years agoI would hang them from plants in my front room.the plants are from my mother-in-law,mother,aunt ‘s graves.they were all bird lovers.If I win &I want to thankyou very much ,
mary maddle
8 years agoI would hang the birdhouses in my windows in my kitchen
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