Spooky Birdhouses

This fun DIY project is perfect for crafters of all skill levels and can be easily accomplished in our workshop. Let’s get started on building your very own haunted avian abode!

Materials Needed: 

• Wood: Head on over to Saratoga Joinery’s lumber room to pick your favorite.
• Saw: Our shop has all kinds of saws – we can help you choose which one would be best to use for your specific project!
• Drill: For making entry holes and assembling pieces.
• Wood screws or nails: To hold everything together.
• Sandpaper: To smooth rough edges.
• Wood glue: For extra stability.
• Black paint or wood stain: For a spooky finish.
• White paint: For ghostly details.
• Creepy decorations: Think faux cobwebs, plastic spiders, or small skeletons.
• Paintbrushes: For applying paint.
• Measuring tape: For accuracy.

Tip: all of these materials can be found at Saratoga Joinery! Except the paint and paintbrushes…but you can use your Saratoga Joinery member discount at Allerdice for that!

Instructions:

1. Design Your Birdhouse

Start upstairs in the Saratoga Joinery Bench Room to sketch out a design for your spooky birdhouse. Think about classic birdhouse shapes, but add Halloween flair! Maybe a crooked roof, a haunted door, or even ghostly windows. The sky’s the limit!

2. Cut the Wood

Once you’ve finalized your design, measure and mark your wood pieces. You’ll need:

• Base: A square piece (about 6-8 inches).
• Walls: Four pieces for the sides (tall and narrow is great for a spooky effect).‍
• Roof: Two triangular pieces for the slanted roof.

Once the wood is milled, carefully cut out the pieces according to your measurements. If you aren’t sure which saw is best for your cut, ask a Safety Coordinator!

3. Drill the Entry Hole

Using one of our drill presses, create a circular entry hole in one of the side panels. Make it about 1.5-2 inches in diameter, depending on the size of the birds you’d like to attract (or scare!). You can even carve out some creepy details around the hole for added effect.

4. Sand the Edges

Smooth out all cut edges and surfaces with sandpaper. This will prevent splinters and give your birdhouse a polished look. Tip: we have a wide variety of power and hand sanders to choose from, but the best choice here will depend on your specific project. Ask a Safety Coordinator if you’re unsure!

5. Assemble the Birdhouse

Start assembling your birdhouse by attaching the walls to the base. Use wood glue and screws to secure them in place. Once the walls are up, attach the roof pieces at the top, making sure they meet at a peak. Allow the glue to dry completely. Tip: wood glue and a wide variety of screws can be found in our Tool Room – help yourself!

6. Paint Your Birdhouse

It’s time to get spooky! Use black paint or wood stain to cover the entire exterior of the birdhouse. Allow it to dry completely. Once dry, you can add ghostly details with white paint—think swirls, spooky eyes, or even a ghost flying around!

7. Add Creepy Decorations

Now comes the fun part—decorating! Glue on some faux cobwebs, attach plastic spiders, or even hang small skeletons from the roof. You can also paint a "Haunted House" sign to hang on the front.

8. Finish It Off

If you want to protect your birdhouse from the elements, consider applying a clear weatherproof sealant over your paint. This will help it withstand rain and wind while keeping its spooky charm intact. Tip: our Bench Room has a large vent our members can turn on when they’re finishing – but low-VOC and water-based finishes only, please!

9. Display Your Spooky Birdhouse

Choose a prime bird real estate location and install your birdhouse. The aesthetic of a haunted birdhouse might not be for every bird, but surely a friendly murder of crows will make themselves at home.

Safety Tips:

• Always wear safety goggles! Eyes are important. 
• Sanding creates lots of dust. Masks are recommended!
• Make sure your workspace is clean and organized to prevent accidents.
• Sorry, no birds are allowed in the workshop.

Happy crafting!