Estonia's Father's Day: A Handmade "Soul Bird" as a Gift
As Estonia marks Father's Day this weekend, crafts teacher Terje Raudsepa suggests giving a handmade felt bird, or "hingelind" (soul bird), that expresses the maker's feelings.
Estonia, a Baltic state, celebrates Father's Day this weekend. Crafts teacher Terje Raudsepa says a good gift can be made at home: a handmade bird that reflects the maker's feelings and affection. The news comes from Estonian public broadcaster ERR.
Raudsepa explains that the hingelind, or "soul bird," stands for a person's emotions, thoughts and wishes. Making one for someone else is therefore a way to put personal feelings into a gift. "When you make someone a soul bird, you pour all your feelings for that person into it," she said.
How to make a felt bird
The teacher demonstrated the needle felting technique. First, draw a bird pattern and cut two identical shapes from felting fabric. Place them on a soft surface, such as a sponge. Lay thin strands of felting wool over the fabric and work them in with a felting needle. A tiny ball of wool can serve as the eye.
Raudsepa added that all the supplies are available at craft stores. The birds can also be sewn together, embroidered and decorated with leftover bits of fabric, lace and ribbons.
A bird to carry along
She said the handmade soul bird can be carried in a backpack or pocket, and the owner can talk to it. Asked what to do if a father works as a mechanic, the teacher replied that he can put it in his pocket too.
