Akua Lezli Hope’s dainty crocheted birds — peace doves — were inspired by the TikkunTree project, “a community knittivist art project” to create a giant peace tree, to spread public awareness about the continued hostilities in the mid-east, and to support the livelihood of West Bank shepherds by encouraging the use of Peace Fleece yarns in the cooperative craft project.

Akua’s a remarkable young woman in many ways, in fact. You can read more about her creative spirit at Zen Crochet, and download her free crochet birds pattern at Lulu.com.

By the way, she’s giving away this original crochet pattern without charge because she wants to encourage its use in peace projects of any kind. Please respect her intentions, and don’t resell her pattern or the doves you make from it? Karma, baby… and the peace doves will love you for doing the right thing.

Now here’s a clever idea for a Christmas decoration!

LOVE DOVE is a greeting card which transforms into a hanging decoration. The red heart and white dove from the front of the card pop out and lock together forming the body and the wings of this 3D dove.

The pretty birds are just one of the inventive paper-based designs from Polli’s range of modern Christmas ornaments, designed for tabletop or tree.

Celebrate spring with a bird motif!

Here’s a little round-up of free patterns for crocheted birds, in a range of styles to suit any taste in decor:

1. 
   The three-dimensional Peace Dove [updated link], to crochet and stuff in two sizes, makes a unique accent for your table centerpiece.
2. Country style calls for a cute Welcome Chicken sign with a heart motif, a cheerful way to greet your guests.
3. The 1920s Filet Crochet Bird looks like a Swallow, although I’d prefer to think it’s a Bluebird! Very elegant, in any case.Remember, too, that a filet chart can be used for cross-stitch or petit-point, too, if that’s your preference in needlework crafts.
4. Chubby little soft sculpture birds are quick to crochet with scraps of leftover yarn.
5. Another nice bit of retro filet crochet is a Standing Crane, or is it a heron? or possibly a flamingo?
   No matter… it’s lovely.

Enjoy!