2018 Projects

We're kicking off 2018 with a fairy themed birdhouse. I'm excited about this one!  I've wanted to make a "hobbit" house for a while, it's what motivated me to put a round door in the back of the "Rustic Whimsey" house.  The fairy house has a simular vibe to a hobbit house (in my mind), so I'm getting some good practice before I begin that project.  I'm also testing wood carving. Yes, you read that right, I'm using chisels and a rubber mallet... I'm sure my neighbors are loving the noise. I definitely need to take a class, get the right beginner wood, and practice practice practice,  but as you can see below, I'm not waiting. I'm giving it a "go" and so far, it's been really fun!

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Project: Fairy Themed Birdhouse - The Front Base

Using a bowl for the curved lines, a ruler, and some large card stock that I taped together to complete my template, I drew out my pattern to prep for Greg to complete my cuts. I "try" to keep my templates and write notes on the back of them with the other wood cut measurements. I'm not going to lie. I have only reused a template once, so sometimes I put less effort in it. However, I am hoping to become better at documenting these projects, as it's so much easier if you don't have to go through the measurements a second time.

Once I drew out the design, I used the chisel set to create it. In full disclosure, I cheated with the bulk of the negative space and used my Dremel. It was a huge time saver, and since I haven't taken my class yet, I didn't think the purest would care. It was fun and that is what this is all about.  

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The Inspiration

I start every project with one piece that gives me some creative inspiration for the birdhouse.  I typically start with the perch, usually a really cool branch, or even better a "root"  from a tree or an old bush that has some sort of cool crazy shape. Lately, my recipients (friends/family) have given me more direction. For for this one, I bought a fairy I found at Hobby Lobby. She was actually perfect because she was copper colored, and I already have some similar color pieces that are perfect for the design, so that began my creative journey.

Potential Accessaries

What else are we using for accessories? I'm not 100% sure yet, but here is what I think so far:

  • Bird: Handle for the round door in the back
  • Rusty Finial: Top of Chimney
  • Straight Branch: Body of Chimney
  • Crazy Branch: Possible Perch (?)

I'm the most excited about the iron fairy hinges I purchased from Etsy that are being shipped from the UK. I researched all kinds of options to make them myself, but these were so much better, I had to splurge.

Note: Future updates on this project will be noted on the blog page until the project is completed.