Start by sketching a bird similar to mine. Trace my pattern if that helps. The dimensions are 35mm x 50mm. (Approx. 1.5" x 2")

Use the 18g wire to trace the outline of the bird shape.

Notice how I've curled the wire into his wing. There must be a solid base of wire for the cabochon base.

Gently hammer the wire flat from the back and file the ends smooth.

Cut a 2" piece of 18g wire for the bail

Cut 16" of 20g wire and make the eye for the bird about 1" from one end as shown. And hammer flat the 1" tail.

Solder the bail wire to the top of the bird at the intersection of as many wires as you can to make it secure.

File or sand clean the area where you will solder on the 20g wire. Solder the wire to the frame so the eye ends up in the proper place.

Pickle, rinse, and dry the piece. At this point, the soldering will have softened the wire. Use a nylon hammer and anvil to gently work harden the piece.

Make a bail by bending the bail wire over round-nose pliers and turning up the end a bit. Trim an excess wire and file smooth.

With the 20g wire, wrap around the cabochon and then form several "wings" of wire to extend over the top of the cabochon. You can make any pattern you want but make enough that the cab won't slip through any openings. These wires will be woven to keep the stone snug.

Use the 28g wire to weave the wing wires together. Begin at the base wires.

Now weave the wires on the other side of the cab. Continue making small sections of weaving anywhere the will secure the cab in its place.

Cut a new piece of 28g wire to coil around the top of the bird and around the base of the bail. Trim all excess wires.

Use liver of sulfur to patina the whole piece. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Wipe off excess with a pro polish cloth, and then polish using your preferred method. Wash the piece with cold water and soap to remove any traces of dirt.