Simplicity

"There is a certain majesty in simplicity which is far above all the quaintness of wit". Alexander Pope

RITA READE "MAMMABELLARTE"

HOST OF THE VINTAGE MARKETPLACE AT THE OAKS IN RAINBOW, CALIFORNIA
WOODWORKER AND SOLDERING TEACHER.

Aug 26, 2013

THE MAKING OF A BIRDHOUSE, PART I


How much do I love woodwork and especially building birdhouses?
Very much! and today I asked my self....."How many tools do I use to build a birdhouse and how many hours?"
 I never counted the time or the amount of tools that I use to make a birdhouse. I just do it. So, today I recorded my time and started taking pictures while working.
Day one is over. I am always so excited to see it finished but I know that usually will take me three days from start to finish...

I meet ladies and gents at the markets and I do get all kinds of customers asking for a better deal on my birdhouses and I will never forget one time a lady asked to buy one of my triple birdhouses for $20.00.
So I hope this post and the next one will show the customers how much work us artists/vendors put into what we create.



Measuring and Squaring 

I purchase big pieces of wood and after measuring I cut the pieces with a circular saw. 
Then I cut the little windows with a scroll saw

I used this kind of drill bit to start the hole before cutting with the scroll saw.

Then I sand inside the little windows.

and more sanding....

Gluing and Nailing is next. I could not survive without my air compressor nail gun.

...and this ends day one of a double birdhouse.

Ciao for now

Rita
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3 comments:

  1. Hi Rita, i spent many years creating strong sturdy birdhouses and the last of them sold on my etsy, I would add picture framing trimming them off, old furniture pieces as columns, iron brackets as perches to then sell them to customers and shop owners and my own shop to then move onto my etsy. I think bird houses will always be around they are just a timeless garden piece and the older they get the cuter they are.
    Now I am building mini French theatres but, now seeing your birdhouse makes me want to build a few :)

    Can't wait to see it finished.
    Keep inspiring the love of nature.
    Xx
    Doré

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  2. Hi sweetie! I can only imagine how much you put into your beautiful houses. My husband has done a lot of woodworking too. I have to be honest and say that I am a little afraid of the power tools :)))
    I can't wait to see more of your building skills and how you put the finishing touches on them.
    much love...

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  3. Hi Rita! OMG, a $20 offer for one of your birdhouses? A triple house no less? That is so insulting, I hate when people are really horrible and throw out such low offers for something that is obviously worth so much more, especially one of your beautiful, large birdhouses! So much time and effort goes into constructing them!

    See you at the next marketplace!

    Best,

    Kimberly

    ReplyDelete

"Sweet" it is to hear from you....