Repurposed Mossy Birdhouse

I saw the cutest birdhouse made from a terra cotta pot at a flower shop. I didn't have a terra cotta pot available right now so I'm improvising and using an easy to find, small galvanized bucket for this project. 

The metal bucket I used was shiny and had a handle at the top. 

As you scroll through this post please pay attention to the bold blue links for all the details on these projects!

The first thing I did was to drill a hole in the bottom of the bucket big enough for a bird to go inside. 

I used a 1 1/2" drill bit called a Diablo drill bit like I did for this candle holder I made a while back. 

Once the hole was drilled I used a metal file to file down the sharp edges like I did for this cute birdhouse.

At this point you can leave the bucket as is, antique it with this technique, or paint it. 

I decided to paint the bucket with paint that sticks to metal similar to a mossy planter I made recently. 

I used Bayberry by Fusion Mineral Paint but any chalk paint should stick to metal very well.  

I mixed the green paint with a light green and a light brown color for dimension. 

While I was painting I sprinkled a little bit of real moss that I had all over my workshop table over my project. 

I'll add more moss at the end. 

Next, I cut a scrap wooden board into a tag shape. 

I grabbed a recycled spindle from an old chair I repurposed to use as the bird perch. 

I used wood glue and nails to attach the perch. 

Next, I roughly painted the perch and the tag in a pretty light green color called Inglenook. 

I used E6000 around the edges of the bucket and a bolt on the handle to attach the bucket to the wooden tag with a heavy weight on top.

Now it was time to seal my project. 

I used a spray matte sealer then sprinkled more moss dust on the bucket and backing. 

I think the mossy birdhouse came out adorable and I hope the birds like it this Spring! 

READ MORE: DIY BIRDHOUSES

It's so cute you may want to decorate for Spring and hang it indoors! 

To hang the birdhouse on my shed I used wood screws. 

I can't wait until it gets warmer in our area to spruce up the outdoors and get ready for Spring! 

No worries to all concerned parties… the birdhouse is in a shaded area under a big tree so there is no direct sun!

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