How To Build A Stone Birdhouse

4 Materials
$15
2 Days
Easy

Happy Tuesday from the Mitten!


Today, I am talking about beach days and birdhouses!


Yes, in this story they do go together!


Are you ready for nice weather?


I think by this time of the year, everyone is looking for some sunshine and pretty views.


I know I am!


I am definitely anticipating our family days spent at some of Michigan’s most beautiful lakes.


Are you a beach person?


For the last 17 years, we have headed north to a little fish town in Leland, Michigan. It’s the most magical place on the shores of Lake Michigan. My favorite of the Great Lakes.


Michigan is famous for the Petoskey stone. In our family hunt for those, we gathered a huge bag of pretty stones.


No, they weren’t all Petoskey. Truth be told, we probably only found a handful.


Maybe one....


I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with all those rocks we gathered, but knew I would figure out something.


And guess what? I did!


I decided to make a stone birdhouse. They are usually quite pricey, so I figured it was worth a try.


Below are the items you will need for this project:


Wood birdhouse

Silicone or bonding agent

Spray paint

Urethane - semi gloss

Stones



1) I bought my birdhouse online. First I spray painted the birdhouse. I used grey, because I felt like that was dark enough in case there was any gaps between the stones. However, you can use any color you like.


Make sure to let the birdhouse dry overnight.


2) I laid the stones on a large piece of cardboard. I took them outside and sprayed them with the urethane. This brings out the true color in the stones.


You won't believe the change it makes!


I only did one side of the stones, as the back side is adhered to the birdhouse and won't be seen. Please make sure you do not spray the urethane inside the house. It smells awful!


It is important that you let the stones thoroughly dry before you begin the next step.


Using the urethane made the stones so pretty and shiny!


Now the fun starts!


3) Putting the stones on was actually a little more challenging than I expected. I started by putting some of the large stones on. I found that adding the stones was like building a puzzle. You need to try different stones before you find the one that fits just right. I did have to overlay some stones and I actually used some tiny shells to fill in the smaller spaces.



I decided to leave the roof of the house plain. I really liked the way it looked with just the stones. You can add stones, copper or another element to the roof, if you choose.


That's all there is to it! Anyone can do this, I promise!!


Isn't it cute?? I hope the birds like it!


It was definitely a fun project, from finding the stones with family to creating the uniqueness of the house.


I hope this inspires you to see the beauty, you can find, next time you are at the beach. I hope you do go and you find some beautiful stones spending time with your family. I hope it gives you the ambition to make one yourself.



Resources for this project:
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Kim Waldorf - Cottage in the Mitten
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Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Jenilynnecook Jenilynnecook on Apr 14, 2021

    I purchased a birdhouse exactly like yours and the jute rotted.....how do you propose we change to wire?

  • Pat Pat on Mar 24, 2023

    I love these stones!!! where can I get them if I don't live in Michigan?

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