Spring is here and I’m on a gardening kick! I love lots of color and whimsy in my backyard, and I’m slowly putting together a garden area that’s inspired by the Mad Hatter’s tea party in Alice in Wonderland. When I saw this garden sculpture at Anthropologie, I knew it would fit in with my “fantastical” garden. The price tag ($498!!!) was wayyy out of my range, however. So, I did what any other determined crafter does – made my own for a whole lot less.
Here’s how I did it.
Supplies needed to make your own garden art of bird houses:
- Various Bird Houses. I used:
- Five 5.5 inch Simple Wood Bird Houses
- One Double Decker Wood Bird House
- Two Wood Church Bird Houses
- One 5.7 inch Primitive Wood Bird House
- One 5.43 inch Primitive Wood Bird House
- One Wood Lighthouse
- One Wood Model Birdhouse Kit (not assembled)
- Acrylic Craft Paint (I used Wild Green, Citrus Green & Peacock Blue)
- Wood Stain
- Wood Glue
- 12×12 inch Wood Art Panel
Step one: Paint the bird houses in various colors. I used blues and greens to mimic the Anthropologie piece. Paint the wood panel and small wood pieces (from this kit), as well.
Step two: Brush a dark stain on the bird houses and wipe back. I mixed Americana Stain Antiquing Medium with chocolate brown paint to make my own stain.
Step three: Place the bird houses on the wood board to make an arrangement that you like. I tried various options and took pictures to decide which one I liked best. To stack the houses, I used some of the small wood pieces from the bird house kit to prop them up or to fill in empty spaces (see the arrows in the photo for placement).
Step four: Once you’re happy with the arrangement, use the wood glue to adhere the bird houses to the board. I started with the pieces that were glued directly to the board. With some, I had to add wood shims to the back to keep them level. Then I glued the birdhouses that “pop” out on top. Let the glue dry for 24 hours.
Add a photo hanger to the back of the wood panel, and find a place outside to show off your garden art!
My piece will be in a covered courtyard, protected from the elements, so I didn’t seal it. It’s a fun, unexpected piece that’s sure to generate lots of conversation!
About Morena
Morena Hockley is the crafty mind behind the tutorials at morenascorner.com. Morena is a stay at home mom to four young children, and crafting is what helps her maintain her sanity. It’s a wonderful outlet and it’s how she gets her “me” time. In a past life, Morena was an elementary school teacher and an assistant principal. She misses teaching, so her blog is in a sense a virtual classroom. Swing by and check out Morena’s Corner!
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Probably a dumb question. Is this for looks only or are you going to rent out rooms to birds? Lol
I love the bird houses if I make them I think I will have to put fly wire inside the door hole as we have wasps also I live on the north coast of New South Wales in Australia I love all sorts of craft
I love your birdhouse sculpture. I just bought a dozen or so birdhouse planters a few days ago for 99cents each. I will be using your copycat idea to construct multilevel birdhouse planter. Thank you so much for sharing!!
This is such a cute and fun idea! The only problem we have here in Oklahoma is wasps take over everything, but I’m tempted to try it anyway.
Maybe you could fill the houses to keep the wasps out?
A M A Z I N G !!!!!
Thank you!
I really like this. Where did you get the bird houses ? Please don’t tell me that you made them. I’m not that talented..
Ha! No, power tools and I don’t go well together. 🙂 I ordered all the birdhouses from Consumer Crafts. Click on the supply list to see the exact items I used.
How many bottles of each color paint did you use?
I used one of each. Great question!
I love this bright colors and unique in your own way. Something your able to do with the grandchildren also. 🙂
Thanks! I promised my kids I’d make another one with them, since they really wanted to paint the birdhouses.
So pretty! This would make a beautiful ornament in the garden 🙂
Thank you very much!
Love this idea.
Thank you!!