A Fan of D.I.Y.
A Pīwakawaka with a can-do attitude.
This is the bird that started it all. When Phil first designed this silhouette — a fantail perched proudly on a hammer — he wasn’t just sketching something clever. He was channelling the soul of Aotearoa.
‘A Fan of DIY’ is a tribute to the number 8 wire mindset: inventive, practical, quietly brilliant. It's the kind of garden décor that doesn’t just look good — it means something. Made right here in New Zealand from 3mm Corten® steel, this piece will slowly weather to a rich, rusted patina, blending beautifully into your outdoor space.
Whether you're honouring a tinkerer, a maker, a Dad who’s always in the shed, or someone who fixed your broken gate without even asking — this is the kind of gift they’ll never forget.
Every bird is part of the global Metalbird art project — a living tribute to memory, connection, and creativity.
✓ Rich in meaning... A fantail perched on a hammer, symbolising Kiwi creativity and resilience
✓ Built to impress... 21cm high x 25cm wide, approx. 300g
✓ Gift-ready... Ships in an A4-size flat box (31cm x 21cm x 1cm)
✓ Quick to send... Same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 2pm
✓ Proudly NZ made... Manufactured locally in a family-owned factory
✓ Crafted to last... Made from 3mm Corten® steel that forms a weatherproof patina
✓ Simple install... Tap into any vertical timber surface with a hammer or mallet
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A Fan of D.I.Y.
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Each Metalbird is crafted from Corten® Steel, a premium, weathering steel made to last.
When it meets the elements, it doesn’t rust like your old BBQ. It transforms.
That change you’re seeing? That’s patina. A tough, protective outer layer that seals the steel, adds character, and preserves your bird for decades.
This isn’t paint. It’s nature’s way of ageing gracefully.
The Patina Process:
At first, you’ll notice bright orange spots (we call this the teenage phase). Soon enough, the whole bird will turn a bold orange, slowly shifting into deep burnt umber. Eventually, it settles into a moody charcoal that feels like it’s always belonged.
The Result? A piece of industrial art with a heartbeat. No peeling, no fading, just a bird that gets better with age.
what’s the word on the bird?
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