Birdhouses

This project was plagued with problem after problem. I went one direction, only to change my mind and go another route. There were color problems, roof problems and size problems. I even left the project on the wayside for a week due to frustration. But in the end, I think they turned out cute and better than originally planned!



Birdhouse Tutorial:

The first thing I did was cut the boards to make the birdhouses. I used cedar fence slats (1"x4"x6'). The final sizes I did were 36", 30" and 24". I originally used a wider board for the biggest birdhouse that was 4' tall. This birdhouse caused me the most grief, so in the end I scrapped it and cut out a 30" birdhouse.

I cut the side boards at 36", 30", and 24". The front and back pieces needed to be longer so the roof could be pitched, so I added 5" to the measurements above on the front and back pieces and then cut them to make a triangle.


Next, I used a brad nailer to attach the boards together. I then drilled holes in the front of the birdhouses. I drilled three in the largest one, two in the middle one and one in the smallest. I also drilled a small hole below each hole and put a peg into it. I then sanded each house.


Next, I painted each house.


I didn't like the blue, so I painted it gray. For the roof I glued books on. This is how the project stood for a week. There was something off about them. Like I said, I had color, roof and size problems...


I scrapped big blue and made a 30" birdhouse the same width as the other two. I also shelved the books.


Before you make the same mistake as me, be sure to paint the birdhouse first. There is no picture for this step, but I decided to stain the roof and the pegs. I also glued spanish moss into each hole.












Happy Spring!

Lamp Birdbath

I wanted a bird bath for my yard, But I didn't want to pay an astronomical amount for it either. So I went to google and found a couple of random DIY birdbaths that I liked. Using those, I came up with my own birdbath.

Lamp Birdbath Tutorial:

Supplies:
-lamp
-bowl or wok
-Liquid Nails
-spraypaint

First, cut the cord off the lamp. I also took the long handle off the wok.

Next, spray-paint the lamp and bowl/wok. Let the paint dry before you handle it.

Once the paint is dry, dab some Liquid nails onto the brim of the lamp. Next, place the wok on the lamp so it is centered. Let it dry for 24 hours.

Lastly, find a nice place for the bird bath in your yard...

I put mine next to the bird feeder I hung up last week. Let me just say that I am the hit of the neighborhood with the birds...

This project cost me $12. I found the lamp and the wok at my local thrift store...

Sundance Birds

Sundance Birds Tutorial:

My neighbor saw these birds in the Sundance Magazine:

She loved them and wanted a set, but didn't want to pay the $150 price-tag, so she asked me if I could make some for her... so I did!

First, you need to make a pattern (not shown) then you need to trace the pattern onto some wood. I used a cedar fence slat. Then cut out the birds using a scroll saw.

After you have sanded the birds, slap some stain on them and wipe off the excess.

I then painted the birds exactly like the magazine picture. To make them grungy, dis-stress by sanding.

When cutting out the birds, be sure to cut out back boards and a bottom perch boards.

Sand, stain and paint these as well.

Next, use a nail gun and attach the perch pieces to the back boards.

Now, nail the bodies onto the back boards.

The best way to attach the legs is to glue them on with wood glue. I didn't want to try nailing it because I thought the nail would split them in half.

Now, stand back and admire your finished product.

Mr. Blue Bird

Mr. Rooster

and Mr. Cardinal

My neighbor said that she is going to have her husband attach them to posts, so she can put them in her garden...

Aviary Stuff

My entry was has given me problems since the day we moved in. It is a small, dark and enclosed area. For some reason or another, I have never been satisfied with this space... Until today!

A few weeks ago, I ordered this book on Amazon.

This book is so AWESOME! It is filled with hand drawn pictures of birds.


Since, I love birds, and this book was only $6, I decided to cut some of the pictures out and frame them.


I found these frames at Hobby Lobby for $6 a piece (80% off clearance section!!!)


I took the back off, and threw away the picture that came with the frame.


I took the picture I cut out of my book and taped it to the back of the mat in the frame.


Once I had all my pictures framed, I put them on my shelves.

Something was still missing though... After searching Pinterest and Google, I decided what I needed was a vintage looking sign.

I cut some wood. The wood plank I cut measures 5.25"x48". Since I wanted it to have nice finished edges, I decided to add some wood on the outsides. The little boards are similar to shims, but they come in 48" lengths. I got a bundle of them from Home Depot for $13. I found them by the corrugated roofing.

Once, I had all the wood cut, I painted my plank a cream color and the outside boards black.

I then stenciled the word "Aviary" onto the board in black paint.


Once it was dry, I sanded EVERYTHING.



Next, I nailed the sides on.


Finally, I added some picture hanging hardware...


Then I hung my sign above my newly framed bird pictures.


The sign turned out exactly how I imagined it!