VW Hippie Bus - Felt Birdhouse
This magic bus will make any bird feel totally groovy. Hand-felted wool resists the elements, while a purple peace sign and orange flowers make this 7" tall van look far out.
Is it really safe to use outdoors when it rains and snows?
The body is made of 100% naturally water repellent wool and rarely gets wet inside. Surface moisture from dew, rain or snow quickly dries in the open air. Wool is also naturally dirt and mold resistant.
How long will it last outside?
Will last forever in a protected place such as a porch or inside where its highly decorative qualities are sure to bring a smile to everyone. Use it as a door greeter, a porch ornament, or to enliven a kitchen, bath or bedroom! If placed in direct sun colors will begin to fade within a month as with any dyed fabric, but the opening and body will keep its shape in even the hardest weather.
What is it made from?
Made with sustainably harvested materials including wool, hemp for the hanging cord and a bamboo perch.
Meet the Artisans
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Sheep’s wool is an amazingly adaptable fiber. It can be dyed any color and when hand felted using warm mildly soapy water it can be molded into any shape, or then cut and sewn together as per your imagination. Because the felting and most of the stitching process is all done by hand with natural materials that can be sustainably harvested, hand felted products have a relatively soft impact on the environment. Commercial exports of felted products from Nepal have grown exponentially since around 2000, benefitting thousands of mostly women workers, production managers and family businesses who help support their families and educate their children with their earnings. |
Walking into the Kathmandu production center’s reception you are immediately greeted by a cheerful ‘Namaste’ (‘I Salute the God Within You’) with hands pressed together in a prayerful expression. Proceeding into any of the production halls you’ll be greeted by a complete chorus of the same as dozens of ladies press felt into a variety of shapes, while others stitch, needle and applique to finish hundreds of different styles of decorative items for export.