CasaSugar

DIY: Eco Chopstick Birdhouse

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:15:12 -0700

I came across this YouTube video by eco-architect Michelle Kaufmann about how to make a birdhouse by reusing chopsticks from all those Friday night orders of vegetable lo mein. I'm actually quite impressed with the design; contrary to what you might expect, it doesn't look a thing like a kindergarten craft project. I summarized the steps for you below, but some of you may find the video helpful as well.

Supplies

Chopsticks
Non-toxic exterior glue
String or wire

To learn the steps, read more.

Here are the steps:

Put some glue in a small container or dish.
Take three chopsticks. Lay them down in a triangle, having the outer corners all connect.
Dip another chopstick in the glue, and use it to dab the glue on the corners of the triangle to adhere the sticks to one another.
Keep layering chopsticks on top, and on the two sides you're actually going to taper in just the thickness of the wood. That way, the end will be the size of the opening for the birds.
Continue layering and tapering in, but on the bottom side of the triangle, don't taper. Just stack the chopsticks on top of one another, because that will end up being the floor for the birdhouse.
Continue until the tapered opening is about one inch and a half by one inch and a half.
What you've made so far will be one half of the birdhouse. Repeat the above to make the other half.
Match up the two units. Connect them by weaving string or wire up at the top, which you can also use to hang your birdhouse from a tree.
If you like, you can also put a pinecone inside the birdhouse laced with peanut butter and birdseeds, so it can be used as a bird feeder. Fini!

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If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

CasaSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:15:00 -0700

. . . would you put this giant Zinc Top Birdhouse ($4,995) in your yard?

Steal of the Day: Terra Cotta Birdhouse

CasaSugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:00:26 -0800

I love encouraging birds to nest near my home. With sparrows, hummingbirds, and Stellar's Jays visiting the bird feeder every day, there's no way I can get lonely, even when I'm all by my lonesome. With this Terra Cotta Birdhouse ($9.99, originally $24), you can keep your feathered friends near and dear. This birdhouse will comfortably house any insect-eating small birds that want to roost in your hood. The hand-thrown birdhouse is an earthenware replica of a 17th century Dutch "bird pot." It features a trig perch at its small entrance, which deters predators, but also has a large opening that rests against a tree or post, which will make it easy to clean.

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:00:20 -0700

Shop for home accessories at Charles and Marie. - Simply Stated
Open up a kitchen without knocking down any walls. - AT:SF
These birdhouses are made from recycled roof tires. - Craft
Fix your home improvement relationship. - Charles and Hudson
Help Danny choose new bedding! - Danny Seo
Tour these unusual public gardens. - PointClickHome

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:00:20 -0700

Are you dreaming of chevron? - ShelterPop
Get your hands on some glass lamps. - Decor8
Try these easy DIY outdoor chandeliers. - Shelterrific
Do you believe in reincarnation for furniture? - Re-Nest
Whip up this no-sew banner. - Craft
Hang a minimalist birdhouse. - PointClickHome

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Get yourself into gear with 7 sharp labels for organizing.- AT:LA
Take a peek at ReadyMade mag's new digs in Iowa.- ReadyMade
Check out a cute faux bois birthday card.- Shelterrific
Hanging laundry can be an art.- Swiss Miss
The savvywrap is 100 percent sustainable gift wrap and supremely cute.- Poppytalk
Watch this video of Frank Lloyd Wright on What's My Line?- UnBeige
This birdhouse isn't fooling anyone.- Gizmodo
Put these three great flower arranging how-tos in your pocket.- AT:SF

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0800

Beautiful styling makes for inspiring interiors. - Desire to Inspire
A well-organized closet is jaw-dropping. - Making It Lovely
Landscapes are reimagined with topographical quilting. - AT:SF
Birdhouse ornaments made from matchboxes are a must-see.- Craft
Pretty porcelain will make a dreamy addition to your home. - Shelterrific
I'm stuck on these removable designer decals. - Simply Stated
The smudgy swirls of an Orphist artist offer bathroom inspiration. - Daily Dose
Feminine garlands are everywhere. - Poppytalk

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Link Time!

CasaSugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:45:10 -0800

Bloesem is chirping over cute birdhouses.
More Ways to Waste Time spotted plastic bottles turned from trash to treasure.
Decor8 shares some pretty slick before and afters.
Domino’s 2008 Green List is out, with easy ways to green your home.
AT:LA stumbled upon an interesting grass wall.
This Old House has a list of things to make the neighbors jealous.
Room and serve is turning on the lights with a broom?

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