The Birdhouse

Saturday is the annual SCBWI conference and I couldn't be more excited! I have so much to learn and what better way than to cram a bunch of that information in all in one day! Also, I can't wait to feel a little "starstruck," because you get to see and chat with published authors, editors, illustrators and agents. Woo Hoo! Can't wait!!!

This year one of the fundraisers is a silent auction for birdhouses created by the members of the Houston chapter of SCBWI. Hey, that's me! I can do one!!! So, of COURSE I volunteered. There was only one requirement when creating your birdhouse: it had to be children's literature themed. OH, MY! Here comes the lists...What should I do? What should I do? Many MANY ideas floated in and out of my head  and onto paper, but nothing really stuck.

I went to Michael's to find a prefab birdhouse that I could decorate and make my own. One spoke to me. A simple, little barn shaped birdhouse. Charlotte's Web had come to my mind, but didn't make it on my list of top three themes. Now, it shot straight to the top! Yay! And it's Charlotte's Web's 60 Anniversary this month! I don't know about you, but Charlotte's Web is definitely one of my top five novels that I read throughout childhood. The theme of life being precious but short, friendship that crosses boundaries, conquering fears and never giving up really resonate today. What a timeless piece of literature.

Anyway, long story short (because I am beyond tired tonight) it took WAY longer than it should have because of a bad paint choice, an incident where someone in my household (not naming names) thought Charlotte's Web was garbage and because my days are stolen in a classroom, but it is DONE. And I am pleased. I know it is not perfect, but it looks pretty good and close to what I had envisioned.

SO, if you know anyone going to the Houston SCBWI conference this weekend, tell them to bid on the Charlotte's Web birdhouse, here are some pictures:

Charlotte's first web for Wilbur said, "SOME PIG"

Wilbur looking up at Charlotte and Fern
watching all the farm animals

Templeton with the goose and gander's egg
The taunting sheep

A close up of Charlotte's web, yes I did cut
that out, and Charlotte herself. She is hanging
from a string of hot glue! :)

I added my business card to the bottom, in case anyone wants to
contact me regarding their birdhouse. I love the quote, taken from the book, "It is not often that someone comes along who is both a
true friend and a good writer." - E.B. White

Also, I didn't take a picture of it, but the I have Garth Williams signature (The wonderful illustrator for Charlotte's Web and many other beloved children's books) Mod Podged to the back, giving him credit for the images on this birdhouse. Let me know what you think!