Six Cedar Birdhouses 2

Not Long in the Hopper

 New cedar fence slats plus rescued shakes and slats for roofs

Two of six houses sitting in my workshop require some sanding, and after that it won't take long to put them together and add finishing touches, i.e., a perch, front fence, chimney.

I suppose that's why I use red cedar fence slats on a regular basis. The wood is sturdy, pretty, easy to use (smells good too) and I can build a decent-sized birdhouse (e.g., with a 5 x 6- or 5 x 7-inch interior = lots of sq. inches for a small family) without much fuss or bother.

These two houses will soon be open for business

What do you think?

Please link to Six Cedar Birdhouses 1

Artsy Fartsy Bicycle Gear 1

Shifting to Creative Touch

What might this garbage become inside the workshop?

I walk 3 - 4 miles per day on a regular basis - a fun and fitness routine linked to The GREAT Canadian Comeback - and one day I spotted bicycle parts sitting on the curb waiting for garbage day. Within seconds I was intrigued, and thinking about an artsy project/shadow box.... to show off the shiny bits of flotsam and jetsam that make up modern life.

First, I will give rescued bike parts a bath with paint thinner

So, this fall and winter I will arrange bicycle parts - painted? varnished? gussied up? - inside a rustic cedar shadow box.... and we shall see what we shall see.

Please link to Fini: Workshop Chair and Matching Stool 4

Photos GH

Six Cedar Birdhouses 1

Winding Down

Four in a row on the old work bench

I will likely close the workshop this year by mid-November and during the last month I will finish a few more birdhouses and custom projects. Hopefully, I will have the place all sweep out, tidied up, and gussied up for a Christmas do before the snow flies.

We shall see what we shall see.

The two on the right have cedar shake roofs. Very warm colours.

Two more cedar houses need to be sanded, followed by paint and assembly time.

Coming up. Stay tuned.

Please link to The Production Line - Cedar Birdhouse Models 11

J.R. Models and a Bathouse (2)

Green Roofs and a Black Bat

I think red cedar (rescued, Home Depot*) is an excellent and affordable choice for a JR-style birdhouse. Teak, aluminum plate and chromium screws (see original JR Davidson models online) are a bit out of my league. The perch is a solid drawer handle and the trim is century old red pine. Together, with a touch of green paint, my GH models will stand out well, on a fence post or side of a tree.

GH model is ready to be attached to a sturdy pole or tree trunk

 The bathouse, made from white pine barn board (new, from Home Depot), is another solid model and helps the bat population increase over the years. Old South in the Wortley Village area dropped in numbers a few years ago but are again - gradually  on the rise.

Batman - at your service!

*If I spot red cedar boards w damaged edges I ask for them.... at half price. Fits into the 'rescued' category, in my opinion.

Please link to J.R. Models and a Bathouse (1)

Photos GH

J.R. Models and a Bathouse (1)

Western Cedar and White Pine Barnboard

The list of birdhouses I will build before closing time (Nov. 30) is getting shorter. And for my last few efforts I was very pleased to find some lovely lumber waiting in the wings.

The western cedar (from 1" x 8" slats), looking very clean and rustic at the same time, will make sturdy J.R.-style houses*. (Link to J.R. Davidson for details.) And the pine barnboard, once sanded, will make a sturdy bathouse for someone to attach to a tall pole or under the roof edge of a barn or out-building.

Green roofs are drying. Stock for a bathouse wait for sanding.

I need to sand the many pieces, then scroll a bat!

Please link to Harrison Specials - Trending (7)

*I call my JR-style houses the GH model. Extensively modified.

Photos GH

Harrison Specials - Trending (7)

Never Too Late for Slate

Last but not least of the Specials

Birdhouse production can slow down a bit now that eight Harrison Specials are finished, with the last two looking a wee bit different than others. On most I covered the side apartment with an ever-so- stylish and sturdy cedar shake roof, but on the last two I used pieces of ancient slate (debris from a local church reno).

I'm thinking, they're looking AOK.

I think the slate adds a touch of upper class

Upcoming projects include my last three birdhouses (hopefully) for 2016, a rustic table and an art piece featuring some of the same ancient slate.

Always busy in the shop!

Please link to Harrison Specials - Trending (6)

Photos GH