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Birdhouse Project (for ages 8 and up)
In The Carpenter’s Gift, young Henry uses his hammer to build many projects. When his
wish for a warm and decent house for his family comes true thanks to new friends and
volunteers, Henry is inspired to become a good carpenter, too. With a little bit of help,
you can build a birdhouse like Henry does. Here’s what you will need.
Diagram A
Building time
2-3 hours
Materials
• Wood scraps to be cut to dimensions in chart below
• 1 box of 5d nails
• 1 1/2-inch hole saw for drill
• Circular or hand saw
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Sandpaper
• Paint/stain to decorate
Instructions
1. Cut all pieces of wood before starting.
Diagram B
PIECE NAME
Front/Back
Sides
Bottom
Top
Completed birdhouse
QUANTITY
LUMBER
SIZE
2
2
1
1
1 x 4
1 x 6
1 x 6
1 x 8
10 inches
10 inches
6 inches
8 inches
2. On the front piece, measure 2 inches across and mark. Measure 3
inches down and mark. This will be the center of your hole.
3. Use the hole saw to drill a 1 1/2-inch diameter hole. (See Diagram A.)
4. Using nails, assemble front, sides and back. (See Diagram B.)
5. Using nails, attach the 6-inch bottom piece piece to the end farthest from the hole.
6. Using nails, attach the 8-inch top piece. Make sure to leave a 2-inch overhang on the front and both sides. The back should be flush. (See Diagram C.)
7. Use your sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
8. Paint or decorate your birdhouse as desired.
Diagram C
Tips for hanging your birdhouse
Drill a small hole near the top of the back of the birdhouse so that you can use a nail to
hang. Research the types of birds that might like your birdhouse. Hang it in an area of
your yard where you have seen those birds. Enjoy!
Illustrations from The Carpenter’s Gift by David Rubel, copyright ©2011 by Jim LaMarche. Reprinted by permission of Random House Books
for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Random House Inc.