We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on November 9, 2012.

Photo-main

One-of-a-kind, handmade ceramic bird ornaments by Arizona artist Betty Helman... shipped in time for the holidays.

The Goal — To produce a limited run of bird ornaments exclusively for Kickstarter backers and ship all reward levels in time for the holidays. Funds will go toward purchasing the materials needed to complete the project (such as clay, wire, paint, etc.). In recent years, artist Betty Helman has devoted the majority of her time to creating commissioned works based on the artistic vision of others. This project will give her a chance to make something she loves and share it with the Kickstarter community. Your support is appreciated!

Every bird is a work of art. Each is carefully fashioned by hand from clay using wooden clay tools and small dental tools for the finest details. The wire on the top is made from a metal that can withstand the high temperatures in the kiln where the birds are fired to cone 5  (2,200 degrees Fahrenheit). Two holes are made in the bottom of the body for the wire legs to be inserted and glued in after the firing. Four small wires are twisted together for each leg. The birds are then painted with artist acrylic paints. The toes are curled around a perch made from a real bougainvillea branch. The bird and perch are then sprayed with an acrylic sealer that gives a semi-gloss finished look. Because every aspect is done by hand, no two are exactly alike.

Each bird will be accompanied by a decorative brass hook (shown on far right), as well as a small card signed by the artist.
Each bird will be accompanied by a decorative brass hook (shown on far right), as well as a small card signed by the artist.
Intricately painted details are used to add texture.
Intricately painted details are used to add texture.
Shown with a quarter for size reference. The exact size of each bird will vary slightly since they are individually made by hand and not from a mold.
Shown with a quarter for size reference. The exact size of each bird will vary slightly since they are individually made by hand and not from a mold.

Early Bird and Postcard rewards will be shipped the week of November 18. The remaining birds will ship on December 3. The birds make great holiday gifts, but they're also fun to display year-round!

This carefree blue bird could live on an indoor plant.
This carefree blue bird could live on an indoor plant.

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter

Much consideration has gone into determining realistic shipping dates for the ornaments. Betty has been working with clay for years and is confident she can fulfill all of the reward levels on schedule without sacrificing craftsmanship.

FAQ

Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.

Ask a question
10
Backers
$404
pledged of $350 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding period
Oct 9, 2012 - Nov 9, 2012

Kickstarterprofile.medium
  • First created · 1 backed

See full bio

  • Pledge $1 or more

    0 backers

    Project updates and good karma. Thanks for your support!

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $10 or more

    1 backer

    A postcard from Arizona, signed with a personalized note of thanks. ツ

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $24 or more

    7 backers Limited (8 of 15 left)

    EARLY BIRD (Literally!) — A one-of-a-kind ceramic bird ornament. You pick the color: blue, red, yellow, or black. Comes with a card signed by the artist. Free US shipping. For international please add $10. Early Birds get their packages shipped first!

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $29 or more

    1 backer

    A one-of-a-kind ceramic bird ornament. You pick the color: blue, red, yellow, or black. Comes with a card signed by the artist. Free US shipping. For international please add $10.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $39 or more

    0 backers

    CUSTOM BIRD — A one-of-a-kind ceramic bird ornament featuring the color or colors of your choice. You're not limited to the standard blue, red, yellow, or black! You can also make requests (such as "red wings with green dots, orange beak"). Comes with a card signed by the artist. Free US shipping. For international please add $10.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $55 or more

    0 backers

    PAIR OF BIRDS — A pair of one-of-a-kind ceramic bird ornaments. You pick a color for each bird: blue, red, yellow, or black. Each bird will come with a card signed by the artist. Great for gifting! At this level, you can add $25 to your pledge for each additional bird (up to a maximum of ten). Free US shipping. For international please add $10.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $75 or more

    1 backer All gone!

    THE ORIGINALS: The four one-of-a-kind ceramic bird ornaments shown in the photos. You'll receive the blue, red, yellow, and black birds that were photographed as examples. The originals! They're very photogenic. Free US shipping. For international please add $10. Bonus: These are 'early birds' and will be sent in November!

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012