Birdhouse Gourds

I love birdhouse gourds they are the perfect combination of art and nature. I was cleaning out the shed awhile back and found a whole box of dried gourds from years past.. I need to make use of them. By the way I've planted a bunch them on the fence this year too!! Here is a how to on how to make them..Enjoy!!


Step 1: Select a Gourd

Dried bottle gourds are the natural choice when crafting a bird house. The size and shape attracts various birds, including the popular purple martin. Likewise, the gourds can be grown from seed in about five months.

Step 2: Clean the Interior

Use a drill with doorknob hole-cutter to make a 2" hole on one side (Image 1). With a long knife or spoon, scrape out the dried seeds and pulp from the inside of the gourd (Image 2).
 
use drill with doorknob hole cutter to make hole
scrape out seeds and pulp from inside gourd


Step 3: Sanitize the Gourd

Use sandpaper to smooth the exterior of the gourd and the inside edges of the entrance hole. To clean and sanitize the gourd, soak it in a solution made from one part bleach and nine parts water. Completely rinse the gourd in clean water and hang up to thoroughly dry.
use sandpaper to smooth exterior of gourd

Step 4: Paint and Seal the Gourd

Use exterior latex paint to decorate the outside of the bird house. Feel free to be creative, though a lighter color will help keep the house cooler in the heat of summer. Spray a coat of clear polyurethane on the outside of the house to protect the finish and seal the house.
decorate outside of the bird house

Step 5: Drill Drainage Holes and Hanging Holes

Use a drill equipped with a 1/4" bit to drill three small drainage holes in the bottom of the gourd. Use the drill to add two additional holes at the top of the gourd to facilitate hanging.

Step 6: Hang the Bird House

Thread a length of leather lacing through the top two holes to form a hanging strap. Hang the bird house on a sturdy tree branch and enjoy.

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