Do birdhouses make you think of Spring? Have you ever thought of using one indoors to decorate with? Today I’m going to show you how easy it is to transform a wood birdhouse and candlestick into vintage-inspired DIY Spring decor!
Last Fall, we attended the Renninger’s Antique and Collector’s Extravaganza!
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
While we were there, I spotted these adorable vintage-inspired pedestal birdhouses!
I immediately knew what my first DIY Spring decor project would be!
Since then, I have been on the lookout for birdhouses and candlesticks in craft and thrift stores!
I found some great pieces, and today I’m going to show you how to make a set of three pedestal birdhouses.
First, I’ll make one from wood items I purchased at Hobby Lobby.
Then, I’m going to use a combination of new and thrift store items to make two more!
But before I show you how I made mine, I have some big news to share!
The Hand Crafted Society
I’m so excited to tell you that I have joined a group of talented bloggers who will share hand-crafted items on the first Tuesday of the month!
Each month we are challenged to make an item from a particular medium.
February is a wood project!
So, after you see how I made my pedestal birdhouses, you can click on the links at the bottom of this post to see what my friends have made!
Steps to make a wood birdhouse into Spring Decor
Gather supplies
Gather or purchase the following items to complete this project:
- Birdhouse(s)
- Candlestick(s)
- Wood appliques- Hobby Lobby
- Dark paint- Annie Sloan in Graphite
- Light paint- Waverly Chalk in Snow White
- Baking soda
- Paintbrush- Zibra round paintbrush
- Stencil brushes- in various sizes from Amazon
- Wood Glue
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Silicone finger protectors
- Glass knob- Hobby Lobby (optional)
- Small screwdriver (optional
- Mallet (optional)
Prep Work
Before we get started, we need to remove some unnecessary pieces from two of our wood items.
On one of the houses, I am replacing the wood post with a glass knob.
I used a mallet to remove the post from my birdhouse.
Next, I needed to remove the center of a wood applique to fit over the post of one of the other birdhouses.
I used a small screwdriver and a mallet to pry it apart.
Adhere Wood Appliques
Use wood glue to adhere the applique(s) to your birdhouse.
Paint
I want my birdhouses to look weathered, so I will use a technique to add texture to them.
If you don’t like the weathered look, you can paint your houses white and distress them with black paint or a Sharpie marker to look more like the inspiration picture.
Mix Paint and Baking Soda
To add texture to my houses I will use equal parts paint and baking soda.
First, I measured 1/4th cup of baking soda and dumped it in a glass bowl.
Then, I poured my dark paint into the same 1/4th measuring cup, added it to the baking soda, and mixed well.
This will be the base coat!
Apply Base Coat
Apply the mixture to the birdhouse by dabbing it onto the surface with the round paintbrush.
Use a small stencil brush to get into the crevices and corners.
The dabbing motion is what gives the interesting texture.
You don’t have to cover the entire birdhouse.
Repeat this with the candlestick.
Apply Top Coat
Use the round paintbrush to dab the light paint over all of the house EXCEPT the wood appliques.
The round brush can give complete coverage to the applique and I want the dark color to show through.
Instead, use a stencil brush and remove the excess paint by wiping it on a paper plate.
Then, dab the brush onto the applique.
The paint will cover the raised areas but not the dark crevices.
Now apply the top coat to the candlestick.
Finishing touches
We have three more steps to finish our pedestal birdhouse.
- Adhere the glass knob to the front of the birdhouse with hot glue. Be very careful since the glue is hot and can burn you. We suggest using silicone finger protectors!
- Attach the birdhouse to the candlestick with hot glue. Apply glue to the top of the candlestick and center the birdhouse on top. Let dry. Run the hot glue around the top edge of the candlestick. Let dry.
- Paint the bottom of the birdhouse white.
How to Make Birdhouses from Thrift Store Finds
To keep the cost of this project low, look for birdhouses and candlesticks in thrift stores.
This birdhouse was painted to look like a schoolhouse.
I bought the candlestick the same day to make sure the size was perfect for the birdhouse.
The wood appliques are going to give it a whole new look!
I found this candlestick at the thrift store for $2.00 but never found another birdhouse.
So, I purchased a wooden one from Walmart for $5.00.
I wanted to add a finial to the top of the birdhouse, but that didn’t happen.
Instead, I added three appliques to the front.
I used the same paint technique on all of the birdhouses and candlesticks.
Now let’s take a look at the before and after pictures!
It’s an amazing transformation!
Before and After
Can you believe what a difference a little paint can make?
I’m so excited to style these DIY pedestal birdhouses to use in my Spring decor!
Style Pedestal DIY Birdhouses
Now I have to decide where I want to use them!
Perhaps on the lanai!
They would look fabulous on our black potting bench!
For now, I’ll keep them in the kitchen until I get the rest of my Spring decor out!
You’ll have to come back for our Spring Home Tour to see where they landed!
Or I have an even better idea, if you enjoy the blog, please sign up for our email list so you won’t miss a post!
DIY Wood Projects From The Handcrafted Society
And now, prepare to be inspired by our friends from The Hand-Crafted Society!
Click on the image or blog name for more DIY Spring wood decor project inspiration!
Until next time, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!
Blessings, Donna and Rich
Pin It For Later
Don’t forget to pin this so you can remember it!
More DIY Inspiration
If you liked our pedestal birdhouses, we think you’ll enjoy these projects as well!
- Easy Way to Paint and Stencil French Flower Pots
- How to Upcycle an Old Picnic Basket
- Make a Floral Basket Wreath
- Repurpose a Wood Sign Into Beautiful Artwork
- How to Makeover a Table Set
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
These turned out incredible, Donna! What a way to use paint to make something look amazing! Such cute decor pieces for Spring!
Thanks Rachel! They were fun to make! I’m always amazed at how a little paint can completely transform an item!
You always find the best things at thrift stores, Donna. I love how you took all these different styles and candlesticks and completely made them your own. They’re totally fabulous! Hugs, CoCo
I was so happy when I found the birdhouse and candlesticks at Goodwill! They were perfect for this project!! Thanks, CoCo!
I love upcycle projects, and your birdhouses are giving me lots of ideas! Love the addition of wood appliques too! Birdhouses would be fun to nestle in around house plants. Pinning!
Thanks Michelle! I love how the wood appliques dressed up the birdhouses! You’re right, they would look lovely surrounded by houseplants, but that won’t happen here because I can’t keep one alive, lol!!!
You are so clever to use candlesticks for the birdhouses. I love how you unified them with your paint treatment! Beautiful! Thrilled that you are part of the Handcrafted Society! Pinned!
Thanks, Missy! I am so excited to be a part of this talented group! Thanks so much, they were fun to make!!
Hi Donna – First, I want to share that your birdhouse photo was in my Pinterest feed today. (So I pinned it). Also, I love how these little bird houses look weathered. It gives them so much character and charm. What a fun project to make for spring! I can see them used as a table centerpiece. I am so happy to be part of this blog hop with you! Wishing you a lovely week.
Wow Anna! Thanks for pinning my pedestal birdhouses! I’m so glad you like the weathered look too! We are going to have so much fun on this blog hop! Have a wonderful day!
Donna these came out great! I love how you made them look aged and weathered. What an amazing group of gals. I can’r await to see the other projects. XO- MaryJo
Thank you so much MaryJo! I’m so excited to be a part of this group! It’s going to be fun!
Donna, these are so clever, and I love that you upcycled most of the project. You turned them into such a fun decor piece for your home.
Thanks Wendy! I love to take inexpensive items and turn them into something wonderful! So excited to work with you and the other gals in the is group!
Donna, absolutely love this project. I have a love for bird houses. These are so stinky cute.
Thank you Tammy! I love birdhouses too and I think they scream “Spring”! Have a happy day!
Donna these are amazing! You have great thrifting in Florida.
The possibilities to use these in your home are endless.
Great project! Pinned!
Thanks Cindy! I’ve been finding some good stuff lately! Glad you like my birdhouses!
Oh, my goodness, Donna! These are delightful. I love how all the odd objects melded together! You have a great eye for composition and creativity!!! That glass knob stole my heart immediately. So glad you are part of this group!!!
You are so kind Diane! I love glass knobs too! So happy to be crafting alongside you and the other ladies! Thanks so much!
A weathered birdhouse is perfect for spring decor — and the addition of the pedestal is so lovely! I loved your techniques and tutorial as well. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with us.
Thank you Kelly! Birdhouses make me think of Spring and I can’t wait to add these to my decor! I love how they look on the pedestals as well! Thanks again!
These turned out so cute! I would love to make one!
So glad you like them! They were fun to make! Let me know if you make one! Thanks!
Donna, your birdhouses look amazing! I love the texture you added and your vision to turn a grouping of collected and thrifted items into a masterpiece! Beautiful job!
Thanks Kim! I enjoyed giving them a whole new look! It was a great transformation!
These are so adorable!! I just love the finish on them!! I have several small Dollar Tree bird houses that I am now thinking of doing a smaller version of this on!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
So glad you enjoyed the post Debbie! Have fun making your birdhouses. They are so fun for Spring! Take care!
These birdhouse spring decor pieces are just lovely, Donna and Rich! Love the tutorial, as well! Thanks for sharing at Tuesday Turn About this past week! I’ll be featuring your post this week! Pinned!
Hi Julie! That is such wonderful news! We’re always honored to be featured at your party! Thanks and we’ll see you there!
I love the way these turned out Donna! What great tips too, the added details really make the birdhouses stand out. I love the candlesticks you were able to find.
Hi Cara! It was fun dressing up the birdhouses with those wood appliques! I was fortunate to find such great items at the thrift store! I’m so glad you like them! Thank you!!