Things You'll Need:
- Oil-based exterior primer Pencil or wood-burning tool Hot glue gun and glue Peg or stick (optional) Paintbrush and acrylic paints Permanent markers Small sponge Oil or watercolor pencils Wood stain Drill and bits Wire
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Step 1
Prepare your gourd by painting it with an oil-based, exterior primer if you want to paint the entire thing. If you want to leave the surface looking natural, skip this step.
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Step 2
Sketch your design onto your gourd. You can do this with a pencil (and erase the lines later), or if you want deep lines, you can use a wood-burning tool.
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Step 3
Apply colors to your design. You can use acrylic paint, watercolor or oil pencils, or even wood stains. Apply with a paintbrush or a small sponge. You can also use permanent markers, although these are better used in small areas or for outlining areas.
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Step 4
Seal your birdhouse with two coats of UV-sensitive polyurethane or varnish. Let dry completely between coats.
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Step 5
Drill a hole in the top so that you an hang it from a wire. In addition, consider drilling a small hole and inserting a peg or stick for a bird to use as a perch. Secure with hot glue.
