We have the sweetest spring project for you. Don’t you just love all the cheeky little birds fluttering about everywhere in the springtime? Now you can invite some of that energy into your home or garden with this darling birdhouse!

Meet the newly released Sparrow’s Nest Mould—trust us, you’ll fall in love with all the enchanting details. We’re giving a simple wooden birdhouse a French farmhouse refresh with quick set resin, chalk-type paint, and a darling bird's nest and sparrow compilation from Sparrow’s Nest. The delicate vines and cheerful birds from this mould capture that fresh, springtime feeling we all crave after a long winter.

Picture it perched on a mantel or nestled into a blooming cherry blossom tree, creating the sweetest little welcome for spring. 🌸

Grab your IOD supplies from your local stockist and let’s create something beautiful together!

IOD Products Needed: 

• Sparrow’s Nest Mould 

Other Supplies: 

• Quick Cast Resin
• Thick and Quick Glue
• Wooden Birdhouse

*we used a chalk-type paint in this tutorial, but there are many brands and types of paint, talk to your stockist to learn which one is right for you!

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: CAST YOUR MOULDS

We love using resin for this project because it gives that extra strength you need when gluing onto the “perch” of the birdhouse. If you're using air dry clay, just be gentle with it, apply light pressure, and make sure it’s fully dry before attaching it to your birdhouse.

For this one, we went with quick-casting resin using a 1:1 ratio. Remember to measure by volume, not weight. Stir well and pour into your mould to create your nest and sweet little resting bird. Got any extra? Pour it into a neighboring cavity and save it for another project. Let it set completely before moving on.

STEP TWO: PREP YOUR COMPOSITION

Because of the layout of our pieces, we took out the bird while still slightly warm, and nipped off the edge of the branch with our fingers. You could also use a pair of scissors.

STEP THREE: PAINT THE BIRDHOUSE

While your castings are setting, let’s get started on the birdhouse! We’re breaking this down into stages so it’s easier to reach those tricky spots behind the castings. Start by painting the entire birdhouse in a soft, robin’s egg blue chalk paint.

Feeling fancy? The roof would be absolutely darling with a paint inlay, or you could frame the edges with a few delicate moulds for extra charm. Don’t forget to paint the back of your nest too—it’ll make things easier when it’s time to assemble. Let everything dry completely before moving on!

STEP FOUR: SECURE YOUR COMPOSITION

Time to secure our composition! We reached for our favorite, Thick and Quick glue because it has a perfect hold. Start with the bird first. We wanted her little head to be supported, so apply glue to the edges of the head and side of the body, making sure she has enough contact with the wood to sit securely. A little wiggle to get her in place, and you’re all set!

Next, we placed a nest on top of the perch for a dimensional look. Follow the lines of the perch with the glue and press down for good contact.

STEP FIVE: PAINT THE REST OF YOUR BIRDHOUSE

Once your glue is set enough that your castings don’t move around, paint your bird and the front of your nest. Let dry.

STEP SIX: ADD AN AGED PATINA

Now for our fave part! We used a premade white glaze, but you can totally mix your own—just combine 1 part white chalk paint with 4 parts water. Apply it over the entire surface, letting it settle into all those yummy details. Then, gently dab away the excess with a soft cloth or paper towel. Make sure to hit those crevices in your castings. 

And there you have it—a birdhouse that’s as sweet as spring itself! 💗

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!