Alexei Volkov
Plastic coffee containers can be repurposed to make a birdhouse. This is a fun and easy craft for kids and adults alike. It is also a great way to recycle old coffee containers and bring birds to your yard. Before starting, ensure that your coffee container is thoroughly washed and dried. You can also paint the container to add a bit of charm. To make the birdhouse, you will need to cut an entry/exit hole for the birds and drill holes for ventilation and drainage. You can also add a perch outside the birdhouse and use glue to attach twigs or wooden dowels. Nesting material, such as straw or mulch, can be added inside the birdhouse, and birdseed can be placed in a tray on top. Finally, attach a chain, hooks, or wire to hang your new birdhouse, and enjoy watching your feathered friends!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic coffee container with a snap-on lid, wood, screws, acrylic paints, paintbrushes, polyurethane, hot glue gun, small twig, sandpaper, wire, chain or hooks |
| Preparation | Wash the container with soap and warm water, and ensure it is thoroughly dried |
| Creation | Cut a hole for the entrance/exit, decorate the wood and container, assemble the birdhouse, add nesting material, attach a chain/hooks/wire for hanging |
| Purpose | Bird feeder, shelter from the elements, learning experience for children |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and sourcing materials
Before you begin constructing your birdhouse, you will need to clean your coffee container thoroughly with mild soapy water, rinse it, and let it dry. To get rid of the smell of coffee, fill the container with water, add 4 tablespoons of baking soda, and let it stand overnight. Repeat this process if the coffee smell persists.
You will also need a wooden surface to work on and cut your entry/exit hole out safely. Scrap wood can be sourced from leftovers found around the home. You will need two scraps of 3/4-inch-thick pine board, measuring at least 4-1/2 inches square, and two 1/4-inch-thick plywood or wood paneling scraps, measuring at least 6 inches by 9 inches each. If you plan to decorate your birdhouse, you can sand and paint the wood pieces before assembly. Acrylic paints work well for this purpose.
Other materials you will need include a hot glue gun, glue, a twist drill bit, a drill, a small piece of sandpaper or a handheld sanding block, and a pipe or stick to hang the birdhouse. You can also add nesting material, such as straw or mulch, and birdseed to the finished birdhouse.
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Cleaning and preparing the container
To make a birdhouse out of a plastic coffee container, you'll first need to clean and prepare the container. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
- Start by thoroughly washing the plastic coffee container with mild soapy water. Make sure to clean both the container and its lid, paying extra attention to removing any residual coffee stains and odours.
- Rinse the container and lid with warm water to ensure all soap residue is removed.
- If there is still a strong coffee smell, you can use a baking soda solution to neutralise it. Fill the container with water, add 4 tablespoons of baking soda, and let it stand overnight. Repeat this process if necessary until the smell is gone.
- Once the container is clean and odour-free, dry it thoroughly. You can use a towel or cloth to speed up the drying process.
- If you plan to paint the container, lightly sand the surface to create a rough texture that will help the paint adhere better. You can use a small piece of sandpaper or a handheld sanding block for this step.
- Before assembling the birdhouse, it's a good idea to mark the placement of the container on the wood. Line up the coffee container where you want to place it and lightly mark the outline with a pencil. This will help you visualise the space needed and ensure proper alignment during assembly.
Remember to take the necessary safety precautions when working with tools and always supervise children if they are assisting with the project.
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Cutting the entry/exit hole
To cut the entry/exit hole for your birdhouse, you'll need to start by setting up your plastic coffee container on a suitable surface. This could be a wooden surface, as suggested by one source, where you can securely hold the container in place with one hand while cutting with the other. It's important to ensure your own safety during this process.
Before you begin cutting, you should decide on the size and placement of the hole. The size will depend on the type of bird you want to attract to their new home. If you're aiming to attract small birds and keep squirrels out, a smaller hole with a 2-inch diameter might be best. You can refer to nest box diagrams to see the ideal placement of the hole for the type of bird you want to attract. Some nests require more depth to allow birds to build adequate nests.
Now, it's time to start cutting. Using a permanent marker, draw out the outline of the hole on the container. This will guide your cutting process and ensure a precise result. If your plastic coffee container has an indented line or an area with an embedded word or logo, you can use this as a guide for your marker outline. Running a knife along this indented line can help create a clean opening.
When you're happy with the placement and size of your outlined hole, it's time to cut. Using the appropriate cutting tool for your container, carefully cut along the outline you've drawn. Take your time and be cautious during this step to achieve a smooth and even edge. If you're using a drill with a hole cutter attachment, firmly hold the container with one hand and use your other hand to operate the drill.
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Painting and decorating
Before you start painting, it is important to clean your plastic coffee container thoroughly with mild soapy water, then rinse and dry it. You can also use baking soda to remove the smell of coffee. Put 4 tablespoons of baking soda into the container, fill it with water, and let it stand overnight.
If you are using scrap wood for your birdhouse, sand the surface of the wood to help the paint bond to it. You can then paint your chosen design on the wood. Acrylic paints work well for this. If you are exposing the painted wood to the elements, use polyurethane to coat the painted area. Make sure to apply the polyurethane outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and take precautions to avoid inhaling the fumes.
You can now paint the plastic coffee container. Paint the exterior of the birdhouse as desired. You can get creative and decide on a colour scheme or pattern that you like. You can also encourage children to join in and paint a welcoming design on the birdhouse.
Once the paint is dry, you can add further decorations to your birdhouse. You can attach dried sticks to the exterior of the container using a warm glue gun. You can also add a roof to your birdhouse by cutting a round-shaped roof out of a plastic placemat and gluing it to the container.
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Hanging and placing the birdhouse
Once you've crafted your birdhouse, it's time to hang it up and choose a spot for it. You can use a chain, hooks, or wire to hang your coffee can birdhouse. You can also pass a wire through the can and snap on the lid, then hang it from a branch. If you're using a pipe stand, stick a 7-foot pipe in the ground and place your birdhouse on top.
When choosing a location, consider the type of birds you want to attract and their nesting habits. Different bird species have different preferences for their surroundings, so do some research on the birds common to your area.
It's also important to ensure the birdhouse is secure and stable, especially if you're hanging it from a tree or mounting it at a height. Use appropriate tools and take safety precautions, especially if you're using a ladder.
The height at which you place your birdhouse will depend on the bird species you're targeting. Different birds prefer different heights, so consider the specific needs of the birds you want to attract.
Additionally, think about the direction your birdhouse will face. Birds generally prefer houses that face eastward, as the morning sun can help warm the nest. Avoid locations that receive direct sunlight throughout the day, as the excessive heat may deter birds from nesting.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash the container with soap and warm water, then rinse and dry it thoroughly. If there is still a smell of coffee, fill the container with water, add 4 tablespoons of baking soda, and let it stand overnight. Repeat if necessary.
Place the lid on a wooden surface and use a drill to cut out the main entry/exit hole. You can use the hole cutter attachment on your drill for this. The size of the hole will depend on the type and size of bird you want to attract.
Use a twist drill bit to drill a small hole below the larger entry/exit hole. Find a small twig and wedge it inside the hole. You can also use a glue gun to attach a twig or a mini wooden dowel.
Sand the surface of the wood to help the paint bond, then paint your chosen design using acrylic paints. If you are exposing the painted wood to the elements, use polyurethane to coat the painted area.
Attach a chain, hooks, or wire to the birdhouse. You can also pass a wire through the can and hang it from a branch.
