Bring Whimsical Charm to Your Home with DIY Spindle Birdhouses

Are you looking to add a touch of whimsy and personality to your home decor? Look no further than these delightful DIY spindle birdhouses! Crafted with care and attention to detail, these charming shelf sitters are the perfect way to bring a bit of nature-inspired flair to any space.

In this comprehensive blog post, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating your own set of spindle birdhouses, complete with vibrant colors, playful patterns, and a touch of rustic charm. Whether you're an experienced crafter or a beginner looking to try your hand at a new project, you'll find everything you need to bring these adorable birdhouses to life.

If you'd rather watch than read you can find the video here.

Gather Your Supplies

To get started, you'll need to gather a few key supplies. Fortunately, the list is straightforward and easy to find. Here's what you'll need:

• Spindle Birdhouses Shelf Sitters Wood Cutouts - The foundation of your project, these pre-cut wooden pieces provide the perfect canvas for your creativity.
• Delta Ceramcoat Paints - Choose from a variety of vibrant colors, including white, bright yellow, tropic bay blue, hydrangea pink, and black, to bring your birdhouses to life.
• Art Institute Precision Craft Glue - This high-quality glue will ensure your birdhouses are securely assembled.
• Scrapbook paper - Select patterns and designs that complement your desired color scheme and personal style.
• Basic craft supplies - Scissors, a pencil, sandpaper, and a microfiber cloth to help with the finishing touches.

With your materials gathered, it's time to dive into the creative process and start transforming these wooden cutouts into charming spindle birdhouses.

Prepare Your Surfaces

The first step in creating your spindle birdhouses is to prepare the surfaces for painting and decorating. Begin by tracing the scrapbook paper onto the back of the wooden pieces, leaving a small border around the edges. This will ensure that the paper fits perfectly and creates a seamless look.

Using your scissors, carefully cut the paper, cutting just slightly inside the pencil lines on the straight sides and about a quarter-inch in on the upper edges. This will allow the paper to fit snugly under the border pieces without any unsightly gaps.

Next, it's time to apply the Mod Podge. If you're using a thinner paper, the heat method is recommended to prevent any wrinkling or buckling. Simply apply a thin, even coat of Mod Podge to the top section where the paper will be placed, and then carefully position the paper, pressing it down firmly to ensure a secure bond.

Painting Your Birdhouses

With the paper in place, it's time to start painting your spindle birdhouses. Begin with a base coat of white, ensuring that all the surfaces, including the spindles, are evenly covered. This white foundation will serve as the perfect backdrop for the vibrant colors to come.

One of the great things about this project is that you don't necessarily need to apply multiple coats of paint. In fact, leaving a single coat can create a more rustic, weathered look that adds to the charm of the birdhouses. Just be mindful of your brush strokes and make sure to cover the edges thoroughly.

Next, it's time to add the pops of color. Depending on your preference, you can choose to paint the larger house body in a bright yellow, the smaller house in a tropic bay blue, and the bird's wing in a hydrangea pink. Don't forget to paint the center holes of the birdhouses in a bold black for a striking contrast.

As you work, be sure to allow each layer of paint to dry completely before moving on to the next. This will ensure a smooth, professional-looking finish. And don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques, such as dry brushing or sponging, to create unique textures and effects.

Distressing and Finishing Touches

Once the paint has dried, it's time to add the final touches that will give your spindle birdhouses that coveted "vintage" look. Grab your sandpaper and gently rub the edges of the wooden pieces, allowing the paper to peek through in strategic spots. This will create a beautifully weathered appearance, as if these birdhouses have been lovingly displayed for years.

Don't forget to use your Art Institute Precision Craft Glue to assemble the spindle pieces, making sure to position the bottom piece carefully to ensure a proper fit in the base. Once the glue has dried, you can go back and sand the spindle, further distressing the surface for a truly rustic look.

Finally, use a black acrylic marker or a small paintbrush to add the finishing touches, such as the eye on the bird and any additional edge detailing. This attention to detail will really make your spindle birdhouses stand out and showcase your craftsmanship.

Displaying Your Spindle Birdhouses

Now that your spindle birdhouses are complete, it's time to find the perfect spot to showcase them. These charming shelf sitters are designed to be displayed on a variety of surfaces, from windowsills and bookcases to side tables and mantles.

Consider grouping your birdhouses together for a cohesive, nature-inspired display, or scatter them throughout your home to add pops of color and whimsy to different rooms. You can even get creative with the placement, such as perching them on a branch or nestled among other decorative elements.

No matter where you choose to display your spindle birdhouses, they're sure to bring a smile to the faces of your guests and add a touch of charm to your home decor. And don't forget to share your creations on social media using the hashtag #janetscraftcorner – we'd love to see your handiwork!

Expand Your Crafting Horizons

If you've enjoyed creating these delightful spindle birdhouses, be sure to check out the Janet's Craft Corner shop for more easy-to-make DIY craft kits. From seasonal decorations to home accents, there's something for every crafter to explore and enjoy.

You can also connect with Janet's Craft Corner on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest projects, tutorials, and inspiration. Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback at janet@janetscraftcorner.com.

Happy crafting, and we can't wait to see what you create next!