Project

Modern Birdhouse

Invite feathered friends to your yard with this little handmade home. The triangular A-frame shape is easily crafted with lightweight wood and assembly only requires a few basic tools.

Photography: Anusha Rajeswaran

Source: Martha Stewart

Introduction

Placed next to a bird feeder, this simple birdhouse becomes an oasis for your feathered friends that they'll never want to leave. The triangular A-frame shape is easy to make with lightweight wood veneer sheets, and assembly only requires a few basic tools. This project comes from our contributor Anusha Rajeswaran.

materials

Birch wood, two pieces: 5 1/2 by 6 inches, three pieces: 3 by 6 inches

Balsa wood, 4 by 12 inches

Wooden dowel, 3/8 by 6 inches

All-purpose craft knife ($8.49, michaels.com)

Ruler

Pencil

Super glue

Cutting mat ($22.99, michaels.com)

Handheld drill and 3/8-inch drill bit ($99, homedepot.com)

Cotton rope

Fine-grit sandpaper (optional)

steps

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 craft knife along the traced lines using the ruler as a guide. Continue gently scoring the wood several times until it cuts through completely. Repeat to create an identical back piece.
In the center of the front piece, mark and cut a 1-inch square for the birdhouse entrance hole.
Cut three pieces of wood for the sides and bottom, each measuring 3 by 6 inches.
With the handheld drill and 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.
With super glue, carefully secure all of the pieces together except for the back piece; set aside to dry.
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.)
Starting with the bottom row, glue the roof shingles on the side pieces ensuring that you leave the drilled hole uncovered.
Once dry, trim the shingles hanging off the side edges with the craft knife.
Insert the rope through the two side holes and knot on the inside.
Finish by gluing the back piece onto the birdhouse.
If desired, use the fine grit sandpaper to smooth down rough spots like the drilled holes.