If you are looking for a fun DIY project to spruce up your backyard and welcome some feathered friends, this modern birdhouse is the perfect weekend task. Using simple materials like birch and balsa wood, you can create a stylish home for local birds.
Materials:
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Birch wood: Two pieces (5 1/2 by 6 inches), Three pieces (3 by 6 inches)
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Balsa wood: 4 by 12 inches
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Wooden dowel: 3/8 by 6 inches
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X-acto knife
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Ruler
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Pencil
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Super glue
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Cutting mat
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Handheld drill and 3/8-inch drill bit
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Cotton rope
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Fine-grit sandpaper (optional)
Steps:
1. Cut a rectangular piece of birch wood that measures 5 1/2 by 6 inches. With a pencil, mark the middle point of the rectangle and draw two lines down from the top middle point to the bottom corners to create a triangular shape. Lightly drag your X-acto knife along the traced lines using the ruler as a guide. Continue gently scoring the wood several times until it cuts through completely.
2. Repeat step 1 to create an identical back piece.
3. In the center of the front piece, mark and cut a 1-inch square for the birdhouse entrance hole.
4. Cut three pieces of wood for the sides and bottom, each measuring 3 by 6 inches.
5. With a 3/8-inch drill bit, drill a hole in the front and back pieces for the dowel. Then, drill a hole in the top two side pieces where you will insert rope for hanging.
6. With super glue, carefully secure all the pieces together except the back piece; set aside to dry.
7. To create roof shingles, use balsa wood. Cut 1/2-inch vertical lines on a long piece of wood. Then, flip it horizontally and cut 1-inch pieces. (In total, we used about 100 shingles to cover the sides.)
8. Starting with the bottom row, glue the roof shingles on the side pieces, ensuring to leave the drilled hole uncovered.
9. Once dry, trim the shingles hanging off the side edges with an X-acto knife.
10. Insert rope through the two side holes and knot on the inside.
11. Finish by gluing the back piece onto the birdhouse.
12. Optional: Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth down rough spots like the drilled holes.
