45m
5+
Craft

Make a Clay Bird House

Animals aren’t the only ones who love mud. Get dirty building a clay birdhouse to hang in your yard. …

What You Need

  • balloon
  • self-hardening clay
  • water-based clear sealer
  • paintbrush
  • rolling pin
  • kitchen spoon
  • 3-foot piece of heavy string
  • water

What You Do

  • STEP 1: Blow Up Balloon

    Blow up a balloon so it is about 8 inches long.

  • STEP 2: Prepare Balloon for Clay

    Draw a circle (1 1/4 inch diameter) about six inches from the bottom of the balloon. Tie the string around the knot that’s holding the air in the balloon.

  • STEP 3: Roll Out Clay

    Use the rolling pin to roll out two large pieces of clay that are about 1/4 inch thick.

  • STEP 4: Wrap Clay Around Balloon

    Wrap the two pieces of clay around the balloon, leaving a space around the hole that you’ve drawn. Use the back of a spoon and some water to smooth out the seams. Use extra clay to add decorative elements, if desired.

  • STEP 5: Let Birdhouse Dry

    • Let air dry for several days.
    • Pop the balloon. Then apply a coat of water-based clear sealer to the outside of the birdhouse.
    • Let dry.
    • Hang your birdhouse from a tree branch in your yard. Enjoy watching its new occupants.

I’M FINISHED!