Build a Bird Paradise

Building a birdhouse isn’t just for woodshop class. It’s a relatively simple craft that can bring a touch of charm to your yard, and help you attract all different varieties of feathered friends!

Directions:

1. Lay the 8½-inch piece of wood flat on a drop cloth or piece of newspaper for protection, and, using the hammer, nail one of the 7¼-inch pieces to the back of the longer wood piece. Take the 4¼-inch wood pieces, and nail one to each side of the house-shaped piece to form an open box. Set aside.
2. Take the other 7¼-inch piece, and, using the drill and 1½-inch bit, drill a hole toward the top of the piece for birds to fly in and out. Sand the rough edges of the hole with sandpaper.
3. Nail the remaining front piece of the house onto the front side of the box shape to close, and then lean one of the remaining 8½-inch wood planks lengthwise against one side of the house, and nail to secure. Repeat with the last 8½-inch wood piece to form the roof.
4. Put on your protective eyewear, and using the hammer, begin to break up the tile into small pieces. Using tile adhesive, glue the tile pieces to the roof about 1-inch apart. Once dry, fill in the spaces between tiles with tile grout, and let dry.
5. Once the grout has hardened, wipe of any excess on the tiles with a damp cloth, and paint the rest of the wood, if desired. When the paint is dry, nail the birdhouse onto a tall wooden post to place in your yard, or hang from a tree.

Make this house for the birds for your backyard, and be sure to snap a photo of your project to share on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #ALMcreate.

For more fun craft ideas, visit www.americanlifestylemag.com/create.