Rustic diy Birdhouse

Whether you're hardcore handy or an everyonce-in-a-while crafty person, you probably have a small pile of scrap wood handy. Grab your tools and turn your extra materials into any house wren's dream nest box.

- CARMEN DE LA PAZ

Step 1: Create a template like the one on the next page. Then transfer it onto wood face pieces (A) by tracing over carbon paper, or simply cutting out the template and outlining it with a marker.

Pro tip: Templates don't have to be complicated; there's no need for a fancy computer illustration application. You'll be amazed how easy it can be by using the line and shape tools in Microsoft Word.

Step 2: Cut out the exact same shape for the front and back faces (A), use a small dab of hot glue or double-sided tape to secure the two pieces of wood together. Then cut them as one.

Using a jigsaw or band saw, cut out the silhouette you've drawn on your wood. Any adhesive residue left behind can be sanded back later.

Pro tip: For a more accurate shape, cut on the outside of the line, then clean up to the line using a sander with 150-grit sandpaper.

Step 3: For this box suited for house wrens, place the entrance hole 4 in up from the bottom of the face.

Using a drill with a 1-in. Forstner or spade bit, drill through the front face (A) of the birdhouse. I used a drill press. If you use a drill, be sure to clamp down the wood so it isn't moving around when you're drilling.

Pro tip: For a clean hole and to avoid blowout from the back side, place a sacrificial piece of wood under the wood you're a drilling through.

Step 4: Make cuts for roof pieces (B) and body pieces (C) to go around the sides and base. (Refer to the cutting list, or adjust according to your design.) These pieces will connect to your front and back faces (A) to create the shape.