Country Corner Crafts HOME
Birdhouse Welcome Raffia Braid
From the Bundle O' Birdhouses Collection
Country Corner Crafts 2000
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
- Wood in your choice of thickness. 5/16" to 1/2" is recommended.
- Generous handful of raffia, approximately 35"long.
- Fast acting adhesive - hot glue gun, expoxy, etc.
- Sandpaper
- Acrylic paints in your choice of country shades.
- Fine black or white liner pen for lettering and details depending on colors chosen.
- Fabric scraps or paper twist for accent ties between birdhouses.
- Antiquing medium of your choice, if desired, and varnish.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Trace patterns onto wood, cut out, and sand well.
- Cut 14 strips 1/2" wide, Seven are 2" long, the other seven 2 1/2" long for birdhouse roof pieces.
- Paint all pieces in your choice of colors.
- Allow pieces to dry thoroughly.
- Sand along all edges very well, and also lightly along all other surfaces to achieve an aged appearance.
- Using a fine black or white pen, add the details and lettering.
(Make sure the pen is waterproof and will not smudge!)
- Glue roof pieces to birdhouses, alternate overlapping long piece through the letters.
- Varnish entire project and allow sufficient drying time.
- Use the antiquing medium to enhance the rustic look, and add another coat of varnish to seal.
- Make the Braid: Fold over the top 3-4" and tie to make a loop for hanging.
- Separate raffia strands into three sections and braid. Tie a bow at the bottom to secure.
- Glue birdhouses evenly spaced to the raffia braid, leaving just enough room to tie strips of fabric or paper twist between them.
That's it! A cute country welcome that will fit just about anywhere!
See our Helpful Tips page for additional wood preparation and finishing suggestions and techniques.
Country Corner Crafts 2000
http://www.countrycornercrafts.com
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