We stopped to see a friend yesterday and she gave me two birdhouse gourds. They are about six inches across and gray. I'm not very artistic so don't think I want to try to paint them. What sort of finish do they need? Do I need to sand them first? We have a hole saw to make the hole. How bid does it need to be? I need to put a perch under the hole, right. I guess then drill a hole at the top for a hanger. How high do they need to hang? I don't have trees in the back yard but have a couple in the front yard. I'll have to go look for branches that will hold them. I'll try to remember to take a picture of them tomorrow. dooley
Dh grew them one year. Got 100 from 1 packet. So I have made many.I hang to dry-put eye screw in top. When you hear seeds rattle I drill hole .I wash with bleach water and let dry again.Then paint.I got book that show how to decorate.Has transfer stencil.Some in book-real ART.
I make many bird houses from gourds. I try to make them simple. I usually paint my gourds a light color. White or cream. Light colors reflect the heat. No perch. Preditors use the perch to get to the babies. I make a 1 and a half inch hole for the blue birds. (any bird smaller than a bluebird can use it, too). I like red, white, and blue. This gourd I painted puzzle pieces on it. You can see the birds are making a nest in it. Some of their nesting material is hanging out of the hole. Don
That turned out fantastic donm! I tried to grow them one year and failed miserably. I think I'll try again this year...maybe plant them in the compost pile
Not a real good picture But has heart and stamp on stencil. Says"when I think of You a Tear comes to my eye" For sister who was killed in accident. You can copy people's picture and transfer it to gourds
gourds Remember to drill a small hole for rainwater drainage if you hang the gourd outside and not under a roof, etc. Using a good thick enamel will keep the nest dryer longer.
I also got some glue from dentist I clean for and glued a Porch on some I gave as gifts. Or made for our church auction. Doc said to wear good gloves.And to make I get it Right The first time-I would not get a second chance.
Those are really cute. My daughter has been wanting to grow some. Maybe we will try next spring. Thank you everyone for the tips.
I got some rub on stencils.Going to make one customer one for Christmas.Better get busy.Seen whee I can buy more different seeds.Like ones for dippers/
