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Make a Gourd Bird House
GOURD BIRD HOUSE
What any feathered friend would love during the winter --- a warm and cozy home!
What you need:
- Dry gourd (either grow it yourself or purchase from your local garden supplier)
- Acrylic paint (non-toxic and water-proof)
- Paint brushes
- Drill with a 1" to 1 1/2" drill bit (grown-ups only)
- Safety goggles
- Newspaper or a small drop cloth
- Smocks or old tee shirts
- Cord (for hanging the bird house)
- Varnish or polyurethane (optional)
What you do:
1. First, dry out your gourd. Gourds dry out in about a month after being picked -- keep them in a safe place while drying! (can they be dried more quickly on low heat in the oven -- month is a long time)
2. Grown-ups only: Drill a 1 to 1 1/2 inch diameter into the lower section of the gourd (don't forget to wear your safety goggles.) Different size holes will accommodate different birds. Large holes are best for martins and smaller holes work well for wrens.*
3. Now for the fun part -- choosing colors and designs. Research your favorite bird (that lives in your area) and find out if it is attracted to specific colors.
4. Place gourd on newspaper on a flat surface. Make sure the kids' sleeves are pushed up and smocks are on! Acrylic paint is not normally washable, so old clothes are the best for this project.
5. Paint your gourd (be creative!) and then let it dry. Adults can add a coat or two of (polyurethane or varnish) to help it last longer.
6. Have fun and enjoy watching your new feathered friends flock to their new “restaurant" in your backyard!
* Note: Using a smaller drill bit, drill some drainage holes in the bottom of the gourd and two at the top (for cord to hang your bird house. These small holes could also be made with sharp scissors, if the gourd is not too thick.
Craft and photo by Becky Gardner