Birdhouse Ornaments

Each ornament stands 3 inches tall.

• 1-1/2-inch-diameter tree branch at least 4 inches long
• 1-1/2- to 2-inch-long piece of 1/4-inch-diameter twig with small fork (perch)
• 2-1/4-inch square of lightweight galvanized tin
• Ivory-color spray enamel
• Three small nails; small screw eye
• Spanish moss
• 1-inch-tall artificial bird
• 1/2 yard of 3/8-inch-wide pastel grosgrain ribbon (hanger)
• Hacksaw, band saw, small vise
• Drill, 1/2-inch drill bit
• Grinder or coarse sandpaper
• Hot-glue gun, glue sticks

Hang different colors of these natural ornaments to decorate a tree.

1. Use a saw to cut one end of the 1-1/2-inch-diameter tree branch at a 15-degree angle. Measure 3 inches down the branch from the top of the slant, and cut the remaining end of the branch level. Secure cut pieces in a vise. Use a 1/2-inch bit to drill a 3/4-inch-deep hole in tallest side of branch, 1-1/4 inches below top of the slant.

2. Sand any sharp tin edges smooth. Spray all sides with ivory-color enamel; let dry. To attach, make three small holes in tin, one centered and one 3/8 inch on either side of center. Nail tin to slanted end of branch for roof, putting nails through the two outside holes. Insert screw eye in center hole. If desired, cover nailhead with paint.

3. For perch, hot-glue forked twig to branch just below hole. Glue small amount of Spanish moss to perch; glue bird to moss.

4. For hanger, thread ends of ribbon through screw eye and tie, leaving a 3-inch loop. To anchor ribbon, wrap ends around and through screw eye again, and tie into bow. Trim ends; glue bow in place, if necessary.