Simple Birdhouse Crafts for Kids

Tiny Birdhouse Decorations

• If a real birdhouse project is too much or not of interest, consider making birdhouse decorations for potted plants. Gather a couple of old wire hangers, wire cutters, ruler, Styrofoam, cardboard from empty cereal boxes, glue, scissors and acrylic or tempera paint. Cut 1-inch by 4-inch rectangles from thin cardboard, mark them at 1 inch, 2 inches and 3 inches and fold them on the marks into a four-sided house shape. Cut two small 1-inch triangles and tape or glue them to two parallel sides at the top of the square shape. Cut out a 1-inch by 2 1/2 inch rectangle, fold it in half and glue it on top of the house structure. Cut a small square of Styrofoam to fit inside the house and poke a 12-inch long section of wire into it. Paint the house and stick it into the dirt in a potted plant.
  
  

"Green" Birdhouse

• Green your birdhouse crafts by using recycled materials. Look around for items like empty quart juice cartons, empty liter soda bottles, oatmeal cylinders, plastic laundry soap jugs, empty plastic coffee cans or any other recycled container that will accommodate the size birds you see in your yard. Attach strings or wire to hang them in trees, cut out holes for doors and ventilation and add small dowels or sticks for perches. Be creative and save the environment while you build your birdhouse.
  
  

Wooden Bluebird Nestbox

• The North American Bluebird Society has free plans for simple wooden nestboxes on its website. Four sides, a floor, a sloped roof and a hole for entry make up these simple nestboxes that are nailed and hinged together. Paint assembled nestboxes, stain them or leave them plain before attaching them to fences or poles for the birds to use.
  
  

Bottle Gourd Birdhouse

• Dried, hard-shelled gourds take a little work to turn into birdhouses, but are worth the effort. The gourds must be dried, with an entry hole drilled into them, and cleaned out inside before they are suitable for hanging up for birdhouses. Drying can take up to three months. Paint dried gourds with enamel paint for decoration or leave them natural for a rustic look.