Known to build their nests in the pockets of clothes hung to dry on the line, house wrens inspired Kate Fox-Whyte, a professional landscape architect, to design these adorable abodes. Although her birdhouses are clad in vintage-style patterns, the technique Kate used to do this is a little tricky. To simplify the project and get a similar (and more weather-proof) result, she suggests painting your own designs on the birdhouses.
Take a look at the birdhouse measurements
You need: (makes 1 birdhouse)
• 4-foot length of 1x8* cedar
• 1/16-inch diameter stainless-steel cable (length will be determined by location)
• 3/16-inch diameter stainless-steel rod
• Exterior wood glue
• Wooden clothes pegs
• Exterior-grade clear epoxy
• 1-1/4-inch wood screws
• 1-1/2-inch finishing nails
• Wood filler (LePage Plastic Wood)
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Exterior wood solid-hide stain in desired colour
• Paint brush and tray
• 2 -1/8" wire rope clips
• 2 heavy-duty screw hooks
• Compound mitre saw or table saw
• Drill with bits (1/4-, 1/8- and 1/32-inch bits; 1-1/2-inch Forstner bit)
• Hammer, nail set; corner clamps; small clamp; measuring tape; pencil; carpenter's square; file or rasp (to smooth edges of steel rod); wire cutters; hacksaw
*Nominal sizes; actual dimensions will be somewhat smaller.
Take a look at a larger image of the finished birdhouse
Instructions:
1. Using compound mitre saw or table saw, cut all 6 pieces according to diagram.
2. Using diagram for reference, drill entry hole in front using Forstner bit; ventilation holes in sides using 1/32-inch bit; and drainage holes in bottom and holes for stainless-steel rod in sides using 1/32-inch bit.
Page 3 of 4 -- Get finishing instructions and cleaning tips on page 4
