Custom Birdhouse 3

First-Rate Accommodation

What stated as a wee sketch is now a large birdhouse (18" long x 18' wide x 12" high). Today I will drill two holes through the front face and add first- and second-floor partitions to create first-rate living space for four families of birds. I will likely have time to secure the base and add four roof slats. Maybe even a bit of trim.

Link to Custom Birdhouse 2

Photos GH

Custom Birdhouse 2

Four-Plex in Progress

 "Grey barnboard roof will look pretty classy"

After I finished cutting four roof slats (2 per side: shiplap style prevents leaks) I thought it was time to sand the first pile of lumber and then assemble the birdhouse up to a certain point.

"How will the four-plex stack up next to a little free library?"

"It's huge! Next tasks - two partitions, paint job, roof"

Before I add the roof I must had partitions to the first and second floor, thereby creating designated space for four families of local songbirds. Lots of room for each family - over 110 square inches per unit.

Note to self - air vents required

More to follow.

Link to Custom BH on the Way 1

Photos GH

Little Library 7

Have Trim Will Travel

I have two very similar projects underway related to little free community libraries. Both are made from sturdy gray barnboard and delightful cedar, stand quite tall, and when loaded with used books (to share) they will weigh about a million pounds each.

One of their differences is as follows: I will paint all the trim on one, and very young children (and their caregivers) will paint trim on the second.

Comment - I am really looking forward to see what the wee ones come up with when all said and done!

"Trim is bundled, ready to go"

Link to Little Library 6

Photos GH

Custom BH on the Way 1

Garage Band and Birdhouse

A neighbourhood acquaintance invites local, oft-times new, musicians to play in her backyard garage. I've heard good things about the music and like the idea that local charities benefit at the same time. She now would like a large birdhouse, resembling the garage, to sit upon the concrete plinth (photo foreground).

So, I've started off with a wee sketch and have collected a few necessary materials.

Much more to follow.

Link to Barnboard BH w Twist 1

Photos GH

Wee Side Job 2

Hodge Podge

I have cluttered basement shelves, a cluttered 'paint table' and a cluttered mind. But by next Tuesday much will be resolved!

 "Oh, I see some empty spaces!"

 "Three more 'Antique Stores' will be ready soon"

"Wee side job - the last mailbox needs a new colour scheme"

Okay, maybe by Wednesday, when a wee side job is finished. Friday at the latest.

Link to Wee Side Job 1

Photos GH

Little Library 6

So the Trim Begins

Lots of trim on a water-tight roof

I have prepared a lot of trim for two 'little libraries' and will enjoy the process of attaching half of it this week. The other half will be delivered to the customer so wee children (under the age of five) can participate in the prep process by applying various colours of paint here, there and everywhere. How it will look when it returns I cannot say.

The body is new barnboard; the roof is rescued cedar

Nice contrast? I think so

I will take care of all the paint work on this model, and slowly but surely, everything should come together over the next week or so.

Busy times are ahead in the workshop.

link to Little Library Project 5

Photos GH

Antique Store BH 5

Have Signs, Will Travel

Now that the sign is attached over the door - and the Cola machine is filled w cold coke - I can welcome visitors and show them around this 'antique store' birdhouse. And speaking of visitors, if the Mother's Day Sale adverts are correct (re this morning's sale at Wortley P.S.), I may get to show over a 1,000 people the ins and outs of this model.

Today is a dress-up day (I can't wear PJs to the sale), so, after a couple of cups of coffee, I'll put on some 'Saturday-go-to-meetin'-clothes' and head out the door w a car load of fancy-schmancy BHs.

You have a good day now.

Link to Antique Store BH 4

Photos GH