Welcome to a special edition of Fun Friday! Since embracing the tranquil life by the lake, I’ve discovered a profound interest in a pastime I barely considered before. It’s a passion my mother adored, my sister actively pursues, and even several friends who visited us recently found themselves captivated by it. Each visitor arrived with their trusty binoculars and detailed guidebooks, eager to embark on the delightful journey of… bird watching. This newfound hobby has also sparked a wonderfully creative side project for me: birdhouse decorating! It’s a perfect blend of connecting with nature and expressing my DIY spirit.
Living on the serene shores of a vast lake, surrounded by an abundance of mature trees, grants us a privileged front-row seat to nature’s magnificent spectacle. From the graceful movements of fish and ducks, to the slow amble of turtles, the majestic presence of great blue herons, and the darting dance of tiny hummingbirds – every creature has seamlessly integrated into our daily rhythm. Some, with their regular appearances and endearing antics, have even begun to feel like extensions of our own family.
Last June, for my birthday, my husband Ed presented me with a thoughtful gift: a high-quality pair of binoculars. This allowed me to observe the diverse birdlife around our home and across the lake in exquisite detail. They’ve since become an indispensable part of my daily routine. I vividly recall a recent Christmas morning when, during breakfast, we were all mesmerized by a heron skillfully catching and feasting on a fish right outside our window. The binoculars were passed eagerly around the table, allowing everyone to witness this captivating display of nature’s raw beauty. It felt like watching a live National Geographic documentary unfold right before our eyes, a truly unforgettable experience.
After we finalized the purchase of our lakeside home last year, I spent some time exploring the property. I quickly noticed an interesting detail: several birdhouses were scattered throughout the yard, nestled in various trees. The previous owner had also left behind a rather charming bird feeder. At the time, I didn’t give it much thought. However, just a week later, one of our new neighbors stopped by. He politely informed me that our bird feeder appeared empty and offered to refill it. My initial reaction was a surprised, “Oh, really?… Okay, thanks!” I instinctively assumed he was simply seeking an opportunity to introduce himself and get to know us better. I soon realized how wrong I was. He understood that the local bird population had come to depend on the consistent food supply from neighborhood feeders, and he was genuinely committed to ensuring their continued presence in our community. His thoughtfulness was truly heartwarming and opened my eyes to the established ecosystem right outside our door.
Now, I thoroughly enjoy the weekly ritual of filling our bird feeders, and through this simple act, I’ve gained considerable knowledge about the various bird species that frequent our area. Even during the colder winter months, we are regularly graced by the vibrant plumage of Cardinals, the striking blue of Bluebirds, the impressive presence of Pileated Woodpeckers, and a host of other feathered friends. Each season brings new wonders. Last spring, for instance, we observed our resident herons expand their family. Where once there were two, now three gracefully patrolled the waters, with one being distinctly half the size of the others – a delightful addition to the family unit. The same held true for the ducks; a pair soon became ten, and those eight tiny ducklings were undoubtedly the cutest sight imaginable. During quiet moments, we would often see the baby ducks and their protective mother waddle all the way up to the bird feeder, diligently pecking at the discarded seeds on the ground that the smaller birds had overlooked. Of course, the moment I’d open the door for a closer look, they would scurry off in a perfectly aligned queue, doubling their speed back to the safety of the water. Their cautious instincts were as amusing as they were admirable.
That same thoughtful neighbor, who initially filled our bird feeder when we moved in, is also an incredibly skilled woodworker. Among his many delightful creations are bespoke birdhouses, crafted entirely from scratch. He even fashioned a unique one for Ed, proudly emblazoned with the emblem of his alma mater, the Naval Academy. It’s particularly fitting that a family of beautiful Bluebirds has since taken up residence in it, a perfect match, don’t you think? Their presence adds another layer of charm to our bird-friendly sanctuary.
Over the summer months, I also invested in a hummingbird feeder. While these tiny, iridescent jewels have temporarily migrated for the winter, I eagerly anticipate their return with the arrival of spring. Watching their incredibly rapid wingbeats and graceful aerial maneuvers as they sip nectar is an endless source of amusement and wonder. Their vibrant presence brings such dynamic energy to our garden.
With such a rich array of birdlife around our home, we also inevitably witness the unvarnished “circle of life” unfolding right before our eyes. The pursuit of smaller birds by majestic hawks is a frequent sight. Tragically, in their desperate attempts to find safety, some smaller birds occasionally fly directly into the sliding glass doors on the lake side of our house, often resulting in instant, heartbreaking fatalities. This has occurred more than once, serving as a poignant reminder of nature’s harsh realities. Conversely, we also experience moments of pure joy, like discovering baby birds that have fallen from their nests, or observing resourceful birds building nests in unexpected places – such as the baskets where I store my hats and gloves. One memorable instance involved finches constructing a nest in a wreath I had just hung on the front door, complete with beautiful turquoise eggs nestled within, all within a matter of hours! I patiently left the wreath undisturbed until I was absolutely certain all the eggs had successfully hatched. These experiences, both bittersweet and joyous, deeply connect us to the wild world surrounding our home.
I’ve become a dedicated customer at our local bird supply store, and through their expert guidance, I’ve learned a great deal about avian preferences. Much like us, birds appreciate homes that are clean, secure, and comfortably cozy. They tend to shun old, dilapidated, or dirty dwellings. A key piece of advice I received was that birds are reluctant to occupy birdhouses on trees where squirrels can easily access them, as squirrels pose a significant threat to eggs and fledglings. Consequently, I was advised to remove all the older birdhouses from our property, as they appeared run-down and unsafe to prospective feathered residents. This insight directly influenced my decision to create a new, inviting, and secure birdhouse.
When my monthly Waverly Inspirations package arrived for the January creative challenge, I found myself initially stumped. The contents – navy, green, and red fabric and paints – were not colors I typically incorporate into my home décor. I pondered for a while, completely unsure of what project to tackle. It wasn’t until one chilly afternoon, as I sat at my desk and observed a diligent bird constructing a nest in a bare tree, that inspiration struck. I decided I would create a beautiful, new birdhouse, one that I could proudly display just outside the door of my studioffice. My goal was simple yet profound: to provide a family of birds with a safe, warm, and welcoming new place to call home, a vibrant addition to our natural landscape.
For those new to my blog, I am proud to be a Waverly Inspirations ambassador. This role means that, along with a select group of other creative bloggers, I receive a curated box of crafting supplies – typically including fabrics, paints, ribbons, or stencils. The challenge is to then create something decorative and inspiring, utilizing as many of the provided items as possible. We’re also allocated a budget of up to $50 to purchase additional supplies that might enhance our creations. For this particular project, I specifically purchased a plain wood birdhouse, a selection of decorative buttons, and a container of Exterior Mod Podge, along with a few other basic crafting essentials to bring my vision to life.
Here’s precisely how I transformed those Waverly Inspirations supplies and my humble purchases into a whimsical, welcoming birdhouse, blending functionality with decorative charm. This project was not just about making a birdhouse; it was about creating a piece of art that would serve a purpose, offering shelter and beauty to our avian neighbors.
How to Paint and Decorate a Wood Birdhouse: A Creative DIY Guide
Creating a beautiful and functional birdhouse is a rewarding project that combines artistry with a love for nature. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of painting and decorating a plain wood birdhouse, turning it into a charming home for your feathered friends. All the supplies I needed were conveniently found at Walmart, making this an accessible and enjoyable craft for anyone.
Supplies Needed:
- 1/2 yard Waverly Inspirations Fabric – Wv Dk Floral – Navy (for cutting green leaf motifs)
- Waverly Inspirations Premium Semi Gloss Paint – Curry and Evergreen (for custom color mixing)
- 2 boxes of green buttons (various shades and sizes for textural roof and embellishments)
- Exterior Mod Podge (for adhesive and weather-resistant sealer)
- Dap Rapid Fuse All Purpose Adhesive (for securely attaching buttons)
- Wood Birdhouse – (found in the craft aisle)
- Paint brush (for smooth application)
- 100 grit sandpaper (for surface preparation)
- Prepare the Birdhouse Surface: Begin by thoroughly sanding the entire surface of the wood birdhouse with 100-grit sandpaper. This step is crucial for smoothing out any rough edges or imperfections and for creating a slightly abraded surface that allows the paint to adhere better. Once sanded, wipe away all sanding grit with a clean cloth to ensure a dust-free base.
- Create Your Custom Paint Color: I opted for a soft, inviting chartreuse hue to complement the natural tones of the leaves. To achieve this, I mixed the Waverly Inspirations paint colors, Curry and Evergreen, in a small dish. The ideal ratio was approximately three parts Curry to one part Evergreen. Using a craft stick, I stirred the paints thoroughly until a perfectly blended, light green color emerged. This custom shade provides a unique and personalized base for the birdhouse.
- Paint the Birdhouse Base: With your custom color ready, apply one light, even coat of paint over the entire birdhouse. Allow this first coat to dry completely. A light application prevents drips and ensures a smooth finish. Once dry, apply a second light coat to achieve full coverage and a consistent color. Let this second coat dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next steps.
Attaching Decorative Buttons to the Birdhouse Roof
Adding a button-covered roof provides a unique texture and visual interest to your birdhouse, making it truly stand out. This method ensures a charming, mosaic-like effect that also offers additional weather resistance.
- Create a Roof Template: To ensure a precise and symmetrical button arrangement, use a piece of printer paper to create a template for one side of the birdhouse roof. Carefully line the edges of the paper with the front and top edges of the roof. Firmly make a crease with your hand along the roofline. This will give you the exact shape and size of the roof section, which is vital for planning your button layout.
- Plan Your Button Arrangement: Before applying any adhesive, lay out your chosen green buttons on the paper template. Experiment with different arrangements, sizes, and shades of green until you are satisfied with the design and how the buttons fit together. This dry run allows for adjustments without commitment.
- Begin Attaching Buttons: Starting at the top front edge of the roof, carefully apply small dots of all-purpose adhesive to the back of each button and firmly press them onto the birdhouse roof. Work in small sections, ensuring each button is securely attached and aligned with your pre-planned design.
- Complete Both Sides of the Roof: Continue attaching the buttons, working your way across and down the roof, meticulously covering the entire surface. Repeat this process for the other side of the roof until both sections are completely covered with your decorative button pattern. Allow ample time for the adhesive to cure completely, ensuring the buttons are firmly in place.
Cutting the Leaf Design from the Fabric for a Natural Touch
To infuse a natural, organic feel into the birdhouse design, I decided to selectively use only the green leaf motifs from the Waverly Inspirations fabric. This choice created a cohesive aesthetic that beautifully complemented the custom chartreuse paint and green buttons.
- Isolate Green Leaf Motifs: The provided fabric featured a busy pattern of navy, green, and red. My vision was to create a harmonious, nature-inspired look, so I focused exclusively on the green elements. Using very sharp scissors, I meticulously cut out only the green leaf designs from the predominantly navy blue and red fabric. Precision here is key to achieving clean, defined leaf shapes.
2. Attach Fabric Leaves to the Birdhouse: Once the individual leaf cutouts were ready, I began attaching them to the front and sides of the birdhouse using Exterior Mod Podge. This specialized Mod Podge is perfect for outdoor projects, acting as both an adhesive and a sealant. I applied a generous coat of Mod Podge to the underside of each leaf and carefully positioned it onto the painted birdhouse surface. I overlapped the leaves strategically, creating a natural, layered effect, until the underlying wood was completely covered in a lush, green foliage pattern. For the sides and back of the birdhouse, I utilized smaller leaves or trimmed larger leaf designs into more manageable sections to ensure full coverage and a seamless look. It’s important to note that I intentionally avoided placing fabric directly around the birdhouse entrance hole, opting to cover that specific area with layers of decorative buttons instead for both aesthetic and structural reasons.
3. Seal and Protect the Fabric: After all the cutout fabric leaves were meticulously applied to the back and sides of the birdhouse, I proceeded to apply 2-3 coats of Exterior Mod Podge over the entire leaf-covered surface. It is essential to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This multi-layer application of Mod Podge serves a dual purpose: it acts as a strong adhesive to permanently secure the fabric leaves, and more importantly, it functions as a durable sealant. This protective barrier is crucial for shielding both the paint and the fabric from the harsh elements, ensuring the birdhouse remains vibrant and intact for seasons to come. The Exterior Mod Podge provides vital weather resistance, safeguarding your beautiful creation.
PRO TIP: Exterior Mod Podge is known for its thick consistency and will dry to a noticeably shiny finish. To achieve a smooth and even sealed surface without any visible brush strokes or texture, make sure to apply each coat by brushing in one consistent direction only. Avoid back-and-forth motions, as this can create unsightly ridges once dry. A single-direction stroke ensures a professional and aesthetically pleasing finish.
As I meticulously attached the fabric leaves, I made a conscious effort to create a sense of symmetry and balance across the front, back, and sides of the birdhouse. This careful placement ensured a cohesive and visually appealing design from every angle. Once the Mod Podge had completely dried and cured, forming a protective, glossy shell, I then proceeded to glue several layers of the green buttons around the entrance hole on the front of the birdhouse. This not only added another textural element and visual interest but also framed the opening beautifully, making it even more inviting for potential residents. The layered buttons provide a charming, almost whimsical detail that complements the natural leaf pattern.
And here is the completed back of the birdhouse, showcasing the continuous flow of the fabric leaf design and the overall harmonious aesthetic. Once both the Mod Podge and the button adhesive have fully dried and hardened, your beautifully decorated birdhouse is ready to be hung outside. Find a suitable, safe location in your garden or yard, away from predators and harsh winds, and then simply wait! With its inviting charm and thoughtful design, it won’t be long before a new feathered family discovers and moves into their pretty, custom-made home. This project is more than just a craft; it’s an invitation to nature, offering a safe haven and a touch of artistic flair to your outdoor space, enriching both your garden and the lives of local birds.
