Happy Saturday from the Mitten! Today, I am talking about beach days and birdhouses! Yes, in this story they do go together! You’ll see why as soon as I show you How To Build An Easy Stone Birdhouse.
Are you ready for nice weather?
By this time of the year, I think everyone is looking for some sunshine and pretty views.
Well, everyone who has endured the cold weather.
I know I am!
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“You have to believe in happiness, Or happiness never comes…Ah, that’s the reason a bird can sing – on his darkest day he believes in Spring.” – Douglas Malloch
Gathering Stones For The Stone Birdhouse
Do you love a good family day? You can read a little bit about my family in my post The Journey.
I’m anxiously 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.
If you don’t know, Michigan is famous for the Petoskey stone. In our family quest for finding those, we gathered a huge bag of all kinds of pretty stones.
No, they weren’t all Petoskey. Truth be told, we probably only found a handful of those.
Okay, 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. To purchase them, they are usually quite pricey, so I figured it was worth a try.
Supplies For The Stone Birdhouse
Below are the items you will need for this project:
Stones
Three Easy Steps
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 were 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. 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.
Continue until you fill each side of the birdhouse.
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.
Ready For Display
That’s all there is to it. Anyone can do this, I promise!!
Isn’t it cute?? I am using mine as decorative decor in my home.
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’re at the beach. Finding rocks may not sound like fun to some, but when you share the experience with your family…it’s amazing!
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This is adorable! Your collection of stones is beautiful – I guess it’s because they are from the gorgeous lakes you have in your area! Pinned!
Those stones have been collected from our beach visits with family. Precious memories on that birdhouse! Hope your coming week is fab!
Thank you so much for sharing!!!!!!!!!
I cant wait to try it myself:)
I’m glad it inspired you! It’s such a fun project!