Polyurethane also provides protection from damaging UV rays. Step 5: Find the Optimal Place to Hang Your New Birdhouse Choose a spot within easy viewing distance of a window in your favorite room or your porch swing.
Purple Martin Birdhouse Many varieties of birds enjoy gourd birdhouses. Interestingly, all bird species have clear size and even hanging height preferences for their homes. Step 1: Choose the Correct Type of Gourd Birdhouse gourd is a generic term for all gourds suitable for use as a birdhouse. The pear-shaped kettle gourd, ranging from six inches to one foot in diameter, is the favorite choice for birdhouses. When choosing a kettle gourd for a Purple Martin birdhouse, select one that is 9-10 inches in diameter.
diameter. Next, use a ⅜” drill bit to drill four ventilation and drainage holes in the bottom of the gourd. Finally, use a ¼“ drill bit to drill a hole on either side of the gourd’s top. Insert a length of rawhide or leather through the holes and tie a firm knot at the top to form the hanging strap. Hang the birdhouse between 12-20 feet from the ground.
Preserving Your Gourd Crafts
If you plan to keep your gourd projects short term and create new designs each season, you can simply clean them as described above, and they should last approximately two weeks. If you want to keep and reuse your artwork, you’ll need to preserve the gourds. For indoor projects, simply apply an acrylic-based varnish. Protect outdoor projects by applying 2-3 layers of a high-quality exterior gloss varnish. If your outdoor craft is painted, be sure to use a sealer with a UV protectant to prevent fading.
Step 2: Clean and Dry the Gourd
Step 4: Paint Your Birdhouse
Follow the directions for cleaning the exterior of gourds outlined above. Allow to dry completely.
Select a paint color that suits your style, and try to choose a non-toxic blend. If you prefer the natural look, apply 3-4 coats of clear polyurethane spray. This simple finish is an excellent choice for highlighting the gourd’s natural color and inherent texture.
Step 3: Drill
Using a hole saw, begin drilling a crescent-shaped entrance hole just above the gourd’s center. The entrance hole should be 2 ⅛” in
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