How to Make a Soda Bottle/Cd Birdhouse

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Creating a birdhouse from a plastic bottle is a fun and environmentally friendly project that transforms everyday materials into a cozy home for your feathered friends. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own charming birdhouse.

Materials Needed:

• Plastic bottle (2-liter size, label removed)
• Sharpie marking pen
• Circle template (for 1-¾” circle)
• Drill with ¼” & 1/16” drill bit
• Needle nose pliers
• Craft knife
• Dowel stick (3” x ¼”)
• Acrylic paint (brown, light brown, black, moss green, ivory)
• Cosmetic sponge (for applying paint)
• Brush (fine line for window detail)
• Plastic for stencil (opaque shrink plastic recommended)
• Repositionable adhesive for stenciling
• CD’s
• Heat gun
• Scissors
• 18-gauge wire (6” piece)
• String (for hanging birdhouse)
• Glue
• Wax paper
• Masking tape
• Sealer finish (for outdoor protection)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bottle:
   • Clean the plastic bottle thoroughly and remove any labels.
   • Use a Sharpie marking pen and a circle template to draw a 1-¾” circle on the side of the bottle. This will be the entry hole for the birds.
2. Cut the Entry Hole:
   • Carefully cut out the marked circle using a craft knife. Be cautious to avoid cutting yourself.
3. Drill Holes:
   • Drill a ¼” hole about 1” below the entry hole for the dowel stick perch.
   • Drill several 1/16” holes in the bottom of the bottle for drainage.
4. Insert the Perch:
   • Cut the dowel stick to a 3” length.
   • Insert the dowel into the ¼” hole to create a perch.
5. Create Ventilation:
   • Drill a few 1/16” holes near the top of the bottle to provide ventilation.
6. Decorate the Birdhouse:
   • Apply acrylic paint to the bottle using a cosmetic sponge for the base coat. Paint the background in brown and light brown.
   • Use the plastic stencil and repositionable adhesive to apply designs with moss green, black, and ivory paints.
   • Add fine details like window trims using a fine line brush.
7. Craft the Roof:
   • Cut CDs into small pieces using scissors. Be careful as the pieces can be sharp.
   • Use a heat gun to slightly bend the pieces for a more natural roof shape.
   • Attach the CD pieces to the top of the bottle with glue, creating a shiny, weather-resistant roof.
8. Assemble the Hanging Mechanism:
   • Use needle nose pliers to twist the 18-gauge wire into a small loop.
   • Glue the wire to the top of the bottle for hanging.
   • Attach a piece of string to the wire loop.
9. Apply Sealer:
   • Once all the paint is dry, apply a sealer finish to protect your birdhouse from the elements. Lay the birdhouse on wax paper while the sealer dries to prevent sticking.
10. Hang Your Birdhouse:
    • Find a suitable spot in your yard or garden to hang your birdhouse, preferably in a location that is safe from predators and has some shade.

Conclusion

This birdhouse project is not only a great way to recycle a plastic bottle but also provides a cozy home for birds in your garden. By following these steps, you can create a durable and attractive birdhouse that birds will love. Enjoy your new birdwatching opportunity!