How to Weave Vines Into Bird Houses

Weaving a birdhouse with vine can add appeal.

Vines are decorative accents that add interest to a chosen area of the home or garden. Vines are used in craft projects where a natural look is desired. Arranging a vine into an element can be done with a small amount of preparation and practice. Vines are purchased in bundles or by the yard. The vines are typically divided by diameter, but some size variation will occur on the same piece. Select thinner vines for weaving through birdhouses.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4-inch diameter vine
• Gloves
• Sharp utility knife
• Tub
• Warm water
• Birdhouse
• Fabric measuring tape
• Utility staple gun
• Florist wire
• Vise

Instructions

Prepare the Vine

1. Don gloves. Grasp the sharp utility knife firmly and position the edge at a 45-degree angle to a long piece of vine. Run the edge of the knife down the length of the vine. Press firmly but not hard to ensure only the green skin is removed.

2. Lay the vine on a flat surface outside for seven days. Place the vine in full sunlight. Test the vine for dryness. The vine is ready when it is hard to the touch. If the vine is not hard after seven days, leave it to sun longer.

3. Place the dried vine in a tub filled with lukewarm water for two hours. This will make the vines pliable. Check the vines after two hours. If the vine bends without breaking, remove it from the water. If they are not pliable, leave in the water until ready and recheck after each hour.

Weave the Vine

1. Measure an approximate length to cut the first piece of vine with the fabric measuring tape. Place the end of the measuring tape at the base of the birdhouse. Wrap the tape around the birdhouse in the general pattern the vine will take. This will not be exact.

2. Cut the vine 6-inches longer than the estimated length, using the utility knife.

3. Place 2 inches of the end of the vine underneath the birdhouse and staple in place, using the utility stapler. If the birdhouse is made of wire rather than wood, wrap the vine with a 4-inch piece of florist wire to secure it in place.

4. Lace the vine around the birdhouse in a pattern that is appealing to you. Spiraling the vine upward is a popular pattern. The pattern is completely optional. Continue to work the length of vine until it is completely used; then cut another to finish the pattern.

5. Twist vines by cutting two or more pieces the same length. Hold the pieces together at the ends. Wrap the ends securely with a 7-inch piece of florist wire. Place the wired end in a vise and lock in place. Hold the opposite end in your hand and twist gently. Secure the second end with wire and let the twisted vine dry for place approximately three days.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the vines under and around each other to create a natural and interesting look. Secure the vines together by wrapping them with florist wire.

• Stripping the vine will create a mess.

References

• Monica Resinger: How to Make a Grapevine Wreath