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Birdhouse Crate
From the Bundle O' Birdhouses Collection
Country Corner Crafts 2000

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

• Wood of your choice, ½” is recommended.
• Fast acting adhesive - hot glue gun, expoxy, etc.
• Sandpaper
• Acrylic paints in shades of Burgundy and Hunter Green or your choice of colors.
• Antiquing medium of your choice, if desired.
• Spanish Moss for nest, small dowel for perch if you wish.(not shown)
• Varnish.
• Wood screws of suitable length and size for wood chosen
  (We used #4 x 5/8" threadfasts.)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Trace patterns onto wood,cut out. Heart is both pattern and placement guide.
2. Measure and cut base and side slats:(from 3/4" wide strips)
   Base is 8" long, 5" wide.
   Slats are 8" long PLUS 2xwood thickness. ie:8 + 1/2" +1/2" =9.
   
3. Measure and Cut roof pieces:
   Short sides are 4 1/2" long.
   Long overlapping sides add wood thickness. ie:4 1/2" +1/2"=5.
   
4. Sand all pieces well.
   
5. Paint all pieces as shown, or in your choice of colors.
   
6. Allow pieces to dry thoroughly.
   
7. Sand along all edges very well, and also lightly along all other surfaces to achieve an aged appearance.
   
8. Tack all pieces together with glue, making sure everything is square and properly aligned before the next step.
   
9. Carefully screw pieces together. This step is necessary for extra stability and strength, especially if the crate will be subjected to heavy weight or use.
   You may find it necessary to drill a pilot hole to avoid splitting.
   
10. Varnish entire project and allow sufficient drying time.
    
11. Use the antiquing medium to enhance the rustic look, and add another coat of varnish to seal.
    
    That’s it! This has many uses - indoors or out!
    
    
    Helpful Tips and Suggestions:
    
    Wood Preparation: Choose a quality piece of wood. Sand all pieces completely to ensure there are no burs or rough edges.After painting, lightly sand all surfaces with a brown lunch bag or very fine grit sandpaper to remove the fuzz raised by acrylic paints.
    
    Transferring Patterns: Place carbon or graphite paper on bare prepared wood beneath pattern and trace carefully. Allow room between pieces for easier cutting. Don't rub the wood too much or it'll smudge!
    
    Antiquing: There are several antiquing mediums available - look for a waterbased formula in the color tones you like and follow the instructions carefully. Leave a little more medium in cracks and along edges for a more authentic look. Apply sparingly or generously, depending on the look you wish to achieve.
    
    Finishing: A waterbased clear varnish is recommended, in either a matte or semi-gloss finish. Follow the instructions carefully, apply it uniformly, and allow sufficient drying time between coats.
    
    Country Corner Crafts 2000
    http://www.countrycornercrafts.com