How to Make a Wire Bird's Nest Table Decoration

Wire will replicate the twigs and grasses of a real bird nest.

Wire bird nests are an organic yet sophisticated way to decorate a table for a fall feast, spring wedding or any gathering, simple or glamorous. When you use a balloon for a basic form template, you develop a rough circular shape to build upon. Wrapping the wire in a half-hazard way around a circle creates a natural look. Fill the nest table decorations with decorative egg shapes, lights, candy or flowers to complete the look.

Things You'll Need

• 14 gauge copper wire
• Needle nose pliers
• Large balloon

Instructions

1. Blow up a large round balloon. The wide bottom part of the balloon will serve as a form to help you develop the bird nest shape.

2. Pull a yard of copper wiring off the spool. Stretch the wire a bit by pulling on it to remove some of the bend from the wire being spooled.

3. Bend the end of the copper wire back onto itself with the pliers to hide the sharp edge.

4. Hold the wire close to the bottom 1/3rd of the widest part of the balloon and begin wrapping the wire around the balloon form. Pull wire off the spool as you go.

5. Go around the balloon a few times and then begin angling the wire downward and under the balloon to begin forming the bottom of the nest. Remove the balloon.

6. Continue wrapping the wire around the nest shape, alternating the angle of application as you go to create an organic nest shape.

7. Build up the nest shape until it appears dense with wires. Snip the copper wire off the spool when the nest shape is complete.

8. Tuck the cut end of the wire into the tangle of wires that form the nest.

9. Place the nest in your hands and squeeze it slightly to shape it into an imperfect circle shape.

10. Fill the wire nest table decorations with beaded eggs, flowers or painted egg shapes.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a variety of wire colors to vary or customize the bird nest table decorations. Silver, black or brown colored metallic wires create beautiful bird nest decorations.

• String pearl beads onto the wire in a few places as you weave the wire into a nest for a more decorative look.

• Mix wire gauge sizes into one nest to create more visual interest.

• Don’t let your nest spring apart. Wrap the wire around upper levels of the nest from the bottom to help secure the shape and enhance the woven, organic design.

References

• Artistic Wire: Gauges and Lengths
• Twisted Sifter:25 Stunning Photographs of Bird' Nests

Resources

• Beadaholique: How To: Wire Bird's Nest Charm