Constructing the House

1. Download the free patterns for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat.)

House Pattern

Wall Pattern

Download Adobe Acrobat

This charming planter looks great
even before it's adorned with a
lush display of greenery.

2. Cut pieces with the table saw, and, as you go, check their fit. Make adjustments as necessary. 3. Make a pattern for triangular pieces A and B by copying the pattern to 215 percent on a copy machine. Cut out pattern; use it to draw lines for cutting scrollwork and entrance holes on A, aligning long edge of pattern with long edge of board. Cut triangular pieces A and B. 4. Using a scroll saw, cut bottom front edge of A along drawn line. Use a drill to cut a blade-start hole inside each marked entrance hole; cut the opening with the scroll saw. 5. Cut the plywood pieces C and D for the roof. Bevel-cut with table saw right side edge of C and left side edge of D at 45-degree angle to meet at the apex of the roof. 6. Apply a thin bead of weatherproof wood glue to seal beveled edges of roof at its apex; set triangular front and rear walls (A and B) under the roof as it dries to ensure proper fit for next step. Apply a line of glue all along the top edges of A and B. Use finishing nails to attach roof pieces C and D to A and B. 7. Cut E and F. Cut a rectangular notch in E (the floor) to accommodate the 2x4 mount F. Center the notch along the rear surface of the floor, where the 2x4 will extend through the floor and into the house. Drill four 3/8-inch holes evenly spaced through the floor to allow for drainage. Position F so that 4 inches of F is inside the house and 5 inches of it extends from the bottom of the house. Attach F to B by driving deck screws through the back wall into F to secure the mount. 8. Install floor E; it should fit snugly to the mount. Position front wall A to the floor with the scrollwork just below the floor edge; use 3d finishing nails to nail front wall A into the edge of the floor. Nail E to inside of house, using 3d finishing nails; nail through the front A and rear B into the edge of the floor E. 9. Nail the cedar or asphalt shingles to the roof, allowing for overlap at the apex of the roof and slight overhang on the sides. If using cedar shingles, drill pilot holes in shingles, using a 3/32-inch drill bit, as a start for each nail hole to prevent splitting the shingles. Hammer 2-1/2-inch nails to the roof 2 inches apart in staggered rows and jutting up 1 inch, for attaching the moss and plants later (repeat process for making pilot holes to prevent splitting cedar shingles, if using).