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

1. Blow Up Balloon
   Blow up a balloon so it is about 8 inches long.
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.
3. Roll Out Clay
   Use the rolling pin to roll out two large pieces of clay that are about 1/4 inch thick.
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.
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.