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Simple Potting Bench


Sturdy Work Bench

Rustic Shelves

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These simple to build rustic shelves are sturdy and beautiful.  Build them in just an hour with no special tools or materials.  Just cut, screw, stain and hang!

We built these rustic shelves for our kitchen (see the whole tour here), but I could see them used in any room of the home.

They add such a nice break from the wall cabinets.

 

 

Other Shelving Options

We did consider quite a few different options for our kitchen shelving, but non quite worked out.

 

Floating Shelves

I had originally wanted floating shelves (plans here) - but the space tightwad in me can't stand all the wasted space inside the floating shelves... ridiculous, I know. 

 

Shelves with Support Brackets

So then I thought long and hard about shelves with brackets underneath (plans for these shelves here).  But the brackets would have to be mounted over our tile backsplash, meaning we'd have to drill through the tile to hang.  And we'd be dependant on where studs are located as to where the brackets would have to be placed.  

 

$10 Ledges

Next, I thought about the $10 ledge shelves (plans here).  Those would be perfect.  But the weight limit isn't suitable for glass jars full of flours and rice ....  and the depth isn't there .... 

 

So we came up with these rustic shelves - basically just a $10 ledge with more depth, more strength, and a pretty front.

Each 41" long shelf is just one 8 foot 1x8 board - between $8-$12 a board (depending on where you live).

The front is a piece of flat metal stock (available at pretty much any hardware store).

The stain I used is Varathane Weathered Gray. 

Isn't she beautiful on these shelves!

Ok, your turn!  Where would you use these shelves?  Let me know in the comments.

The free plans follow.  Enjoy and please do share if you build, we love seeing your projects - it's a big deal to us!

Have a great one!

Ana

 

 

 

Doll Farmhouse Bed

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The Ram called from work yesterday and the conversation went something like this:

"I can barely hear you." (Ram)

"Oh, I'm out in the garage." (Me)

"Are you building something?" (Ram)

"uh, yeah . . . me and Grace just built a Farmhouse Bed." (Me)

slight pause . . . "who is the bed for?" (Ram)

How we got to the point where building a bed is no longer a big deal, I'm not quite sure.  But the Ram was quite relieved when he came home and found out who the bed was for.

Grace's doll . . . that she might get for Christmas.

And then the Ram looked over my shoulder and chuckled . . . Hey!  That looks just like our bed!

But best of all, Grace (it's not a surprise when she helps build it) absolutely loves the bed.  Grace has never had much interest in toys, so we were quite surprised to see her making the bed, putting her dolls to bed, even trying to sleep in the bed herself.  She also helped me make all the bedding from the adorable vintage fabric that I found at a local fabric store. We just bought a little bundle of precut squares and sewed it all together - not perfect, but it was something that Grace and I could do together and appreciate.

I'm really enjoying my daughter being old enough to help and have an interest in crafts.  I hope you make this bed for your daughters for the Holidays.  But most of all, I hope you make the bed together - the memories and knowing what and how something is made is more valueable than the end result.  She'll outgrow the bed, but she will not forget the experience.

The main motivation for building this bed was from the frequent request from moms everywhere.  We all want the best for our children.  But also, the pile of scrap boards sitting on my saw stand just kept nagging at me . . . make me into a doll bed!

Easiest Industrial Cart

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Hi everyone, Jen here today!

This is a fun simple project with big impact! I love the mix of wood and metal.

Oh did I mention it only took 2 hours from start to finish, one board, one stick of “angle aluminum” and some screws!

Well, it actually goes finish first on this one!  The first step was to cut down my 2 x 12 into 3 pieces at 31 1/2” (so I could get three shelves out of one 8 foot long board). I gave them a good sanding and stained them.

I used Carrington by RustOleum - it's got a slight reddish tint, very pretty!

Now for the aluminum angle.  You can find it at most any hardware store, and it's pretty inexpensive -

Aluminum angle comes in precut sizes, but mine were 48" in length, so I decided to cut them in half.  

The best way I've found to cut aluminum angle is with a jigsaw with a metal blade.

Just clamp the aluminum angle down,

And it cuts like butter!

Even easier than cutting wood!

Then it was time add the aluminum angle to the boards.

 I set my 3 boards on their side on a couple sawhorses, set the first aluminum piece flush with the top and bottom board. 

Then I predrilled through just the aluminum where I wanted to place my self tapping screws, 

One on each side of the angle piece. 

I did the top board first and then the bottom.  I measured and marked the middle of the angle piece and set the center of the middle 2 x 12 board and did the same, predrilled and sunk my self tapping screws.

I did the same for all four sides. Almost done.

Then I just needed to add these sweet casters! I used 1 1/4” self tapping screws here.

I flipped it up and stood back to admire. 

AMAZING! It's really is amazing what 2 hours and few materials can make! 

Would look amazing in the kitchen as a baking cart,

Or if your kiddos are heading back to school, a great place to store art and school supplies that will easily wheel into a closet or bedroom.

Now it's your turn, just do it!

Adirondack Stool or End Table

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These days, it's not uncommon for me to wonder if perhaps we've taken on too much this summer. You know we are building our mothers a Duplex dubbed the Momplex, while writing a book due out next year, and doing my best to keep up with my dear blog as well.  I am so grateful to have these opportunities, but sometimes we just get so busy, I can't step back and appreciate it.

So I really needed this day.
This day of realizing how big our daughter is, who has grown up so much on this blog.  So many of you have consoled me as a parent, offered advice, told me to let the hair brushing thing go.  Thank you for being there.  Parenting is much more enjoyable when you are okay with "good enough" and I'm wiser from your friendship.
Can you believe our little Gracie can hit a ball, ride a bike with no training wheels, use a measuring tape, and make herself breakfast?  How time flies!
But this day was about letting kids be kids, remembering the enchantment of seeing fish under the dock.
Finding frogs
And not getting too upset when your littlest girl cousin smashes it.
Once, we asked Grace why she loved camping so much.  And she said quite simply, "Marshmellows." Children really do have their priorities right.  
Then the jokes started.  Isn't he cute?  This is Grace's cousin Braden.
He REALLY knows how to make the laddies laugh.
What a day.  While the kids played, I took photos for the book.  Because for me, it's not just about the furniture.  It's about how the furniture improves the lifestyle of our families and friends. 
I can't show you all the photos - I'm really hoping for a book tour so I can meet everyone in person! - but I brought along some pieces that won't be in the book to help fill the photos.  And this end table is one of them.  It actually is stool height and sturdy, so could be used as a stool too.  
Hope the work that you are doing is impacting your family as positively it is mine!

Folding Deck, Beach or Sling Chairs, Child Size

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We've been on the beach this week, and my daughter has been enjoying her very own beach chair, also called a deck chair, sling chair, and if you were to ask me, the most simple chair ever.

I started working on this chair a few weeks ago. For a child's chair, I wanted to build something as simple and easy to use as possible, but sturdy and cute at the same time.

As it turns out, it takes a lot of time to make something this simple. In fact, I spent three days thinking about this chair, building prototype after prototype, sitting in it, having Grandma sew sling after sling . . . and finally, I believe that we have created the best child's sling chair or deck chair possible. And this is why:

Cheap to build. A couple dollars in lumber, a yard of fabric, two bolts, six washers. A three foot long dowel. Each chair in totally should run you under $10. Build four, and you've saved $200 from Pottery Barn Kid's Sling chairs.

Fast. You won't believe how easy to build these chairs are! We built all four in about an hour. Grace's Grandma sewed the slings, and she estimates each sling to take about twenty minutes to sew.
 

 

 Simple. I spent hours and hours trying to create a means for these chairs to open simply, without latches or catches or other things that might discourage a toddler from using the chair. This chair simply folds open, and that's it. When your done, it folds flat.

Removable slings. Beach chair + Kids = must have easy to remove slings. With this chair, we used dowels so that keeping the fabric fresh and clean is fun and easy to do. Just remove the dowels, and the slings are free to wash or change!

The Ram sat in it. And Grace climbed on top. I'm not putting the weight limit at 250 pounds, but the little chair did hold up to it!

Blanket Ladder

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Hello there!  It's winter season, so more blankets, more quilts, more throws, more scraves, more coats.  So that means blanket ladder time!

If you aren't familiar with the blanket ladder, let's go there.

 

Blanket Ladder Shopping Options

This one from Urban Outfitters $129

 

Crate and Barrel Blanket Ladder for $199

And from Pottery Barn $229-$429 for Blanket Ladders between 5 and 8 feet long.

Of course, many bloggers have found ways to make blanket ladders for much, much less.  Here's a few of my favorite tutorials for DIY blanket ladders -

 

DIY Blanket Ladder Tutorials

Reclaimed from pallets by Farmhouse Made - Blanket Ladder Tutorial here

All dowled up by Refreshed Restyle - Blanket Ladder tutorial here

 

Cross lapped rungs by Cherished Bliss - DIY blanket ladder tutorial here

 

Four dollars by Paddington Way - Blanket ladder tutorial here

This one by Naptime Decorator mixes the dainty 1x2 frame with the dowels - Blanket Ladder tutorial here

 

  

Gluesticks Blog made this one with flat rugs, perfect for quilts and stockings too.  Gluesticks Blog Blanket Ladder tutorial here.

 

And here's my favorite by AKA Designs - a simple 2x4 authentic ladder - the kind I might make if I actually needed a real working ladder, but used as a decor/storage item.  AKA Designs Blanket Ladder Tutorial here.

So I had to get in on the party and make one too!  Here's my blanket ladder tutorial in a very quick video - 

I ended up loving it as an entryway drop zone.  The log holder basket (Target clearance find) is a perfect fit for shoes underneath.  I'd like to source another basket and hang on the rungs too.

My go to finish for projects like this is Danish Oil by Watco.  I used Light Walnut, it is the perfect blend of light color with lots of wood grain.

Danish oil is very easy to apply one step color and sealant that goes on evenly and dries fast - here's a my tutorial on applying Danish Oil and when to use it (and when not to).

 

Your turn to buld a blanket ladder! Plans for mine follow (if this is the homepage, click READ MORE below).  Do share if you build - love to see how yours turns out too!

XO Ana

 


5 Board Bench

Pallet Picnic Table How - To

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Have you ever been at the point in your life when there is no extra money?  When you need something positive, some growth in your life, but you are saving (or just barely breaking even)?  Don't let that get in the way of your ability to be creative.  When Janae first shared this pallet picnic table on our Facebook Fan Page, I was equally impressed with how cute the table was AND her ability to be creative without spending much money.


Here is from Janae:

I thought about taking pictures as I was going, but I was trying to work with my son's nap schedule and didn't have extra time. Okay, who else can understand where Janae is coming from?  Not just a tight budget, but no time?

I found a few pallets for free on craigslist. I really recommend using ones that haven't been rebuilt several time. The more it's rebuilt and repaired the harder it is to take it apart. Luckily I had one beautiful pallet that came apart with ease. The only problem was by the time I decided to make a picnic table out of it I had already made a pallet shelf.


image from Janae


You can see how to build your own pallet shelves for pretty much free here.





image from Janae


So anyway, I made this picnic table out of 2/3rds of a pallet, some scrap 2x4s I found, and one or two new 2x4s stud length. (At $2 a stick, that's $4 out of pocket)




The table top is 40" long x 21.25" wide. I'm sure it will vary by pallet, but I made sure the pallet notch was centered (this is where I came up with 21.25"). I left the center pallet 2x4. I didn't want to bother removing it, and I felt like it gave the 1x4s more support.

image by Janae


I just cut it at a 30 degree angle to keep it from digging into the kids lap. I think after I cut the 2x4s there were still 3 1x4s still attached, and I just filled the gaps with 3 more (pallet boards)




For the seats, a pallet frame would work, but I had two scrap pieces of 2x4s. I got tired of tearing apart the bad pallets with tons of nails. The 2x4s are 45.5" long. The seats are about 7" wide. For each seat I used a 2x4 and two 1x4s double up. The 1x4s were from pallets. The 2x4 was new, but I could've used 1x4s if I wanted to tear apart the pallet more.









I used the same measurements as the big kid's picnic table for the legs.
Bigger Kids Picnic Table Plans are here.

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I would have just sealed it, but that would have cost money. I used left over primer and house paint. It was the perfect color. Anyone could make this with one pallet and a couple extra 2x4s.

And if you would like to see a video one of our Facebook Fans L Scott shared on constructing a pallet picnic table, you can go here.

And some more pallet inspiration from other Knock-Off Wood readers for you

Bookshelf

Pallet Planter

From the Neglected Nest on our Flickr Group


With a little sweat and a lot of determination, there are no limits to your creativity.  Money need not be a deal breaker in your design dreams.  Hope Janae has inspired you as much as she has inspired me!

Kid's Kit: Doll Bed

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One Saturday on a building supply shopping trip for the Momplex, we noticed a different energy in the Home Depot. The store was abuzz with energy and laughter and little voices - like a busy playground on a sunny day.

My little girl grabbed my hand and said, Mom, let's go see what is going on! So we followed the happiest sound on earth to discover the Home Depot Kids Building workshop.

She does look good in orange, doesn't she?

They gave her a kit to make a Turkey Napkin Holder. 

The pieces were all cut out and she was given glue and a screw driver to assemble.  

Of course, Grace is no stranger to building.  But this was new to her - to have her own project, made easy for her to build all by herself.

Don't forget the glue!

Then she got to paint it how she wanted to.

And of course they had sticker too.

At the end, Home Depot gave her a little badge for her apron, and Grace was begging to come back for the next Home Depot Kids Workshop.  We certainly are going to try, but we live 100 miles from Home Depot, and can't always make the workshops, so I started thinking ... what if I made her some kits at home?  Kits that I could share with you for your kids too?

Grace's birthday is right around the corner, and I thought, maybe the birthday guests are old enough to make and paint their own doll bed at the birthday party?  So I designed this Kid's Doll Bed Kit (see plans below) out of 1x2s and 1x3s, the cheapest possible wood because when you multiply the kits by 10 things can add up fast! This kit cost about $2 for the bed, so you can afford to let her "make it her own" or a dozen kits for parties.  Or if you had multiple kids to buy for, or say you wanted to make up a bunch of kits for Christmas gifts.

We cut the pieces and opted to pre-assemble the kit to step 2 but if you have an older child, they may be able to build from the cut pieces.  

And then we decided to see if she could build it.  Here's what happened:

Yes!  She can and loved building the doll bed!

I do apologize for the poor light quality - we are just a week away from the darkest day of the year and it's pretty much dark or dusky all the time up here in Alaska.  Also, ignore my current project in the background there ... it's almost done!

So what do you think?  Should I put together more plans for kits that you could put together to inspire DIY in your kids?  I can just see a tool caddy kit under the tree with a drill!  

PS - This post is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Home Depot.  They looked at me like I was just another crazy mom taking zillions of pictures of her kid.  Which I am.

PSS - Want a tutorial on the doll quilt?  Let me know!

PS - Want to convert singles to a bunk?

Here's a quick tutorial on how to do that:

Or you could just make the legs twice as long for fixed bunks!

Brook Laundry Basket Dresser - 4 Tall and Lengthwise

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Life is too short to spend hours each day on laundry.

 
Judging from the interest in the original Laundry Basket Dressers, I think you all agree. Anything we can do to clean up the dirty laundry process is more time we could be spending tickling our kids, making the perfect chocolate chip cookies, or sneaking off to the garage to build something!
 
The Laundry Basket Dressers have done so well in my own home, taking what was a mountain - no exaggeration here - of dirty laundry right in our entryway to sorted and stack baskets neatly put in there place.  My sister uses the Laundry Basket Dressers as the primary clothing storage system in her home.  Like I said, more time for tickling the kiddos.
 
 

Different Size

Many of you have modified the original Laundry Basket Dressers to fit your needs and space better.  When my friend Brooke wrote saying she had altered the plans for a taller but deeper storage system, I couldn't thank her enough for letting us share plans.
 

Easy to Build

You'll love that each of these storage pieces is made from a single sheet of plywood.  The cutting is easy - I've even included a layout - and it's just a matter of some screws, nails, and pretty paint!
 
 
Tell me, how much tickle time do you think these Laundry Basket Dressers would create in your home?
 

More Photos and Details

And for more photos and details, and the before shot, make sure you stop over and visit Brook.  You'll be inspired!!!
 
 
 

Kids Kit Project: $2 Birdhouse

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I just heard birds chirping outside!!!

Spring is definitely here, even if it is April and we still have a couple of feet of snow outside.  And the birds are coming back, looking for summer homes.

This week, I'm going to share with you a collection of birdhouse plans that you can make from cedar fence pickets.  Costing less than $2 each (even up here in Alaska) and naturally weather resistant, cedar fence pickets are the perfect building material for little birdhouses.

This birdhouse is so easy, your little ones can make it.  I suggest kiddos putting it together with glue (try a glue that works on oily wood like Gorilla Glue or a super glue for fast dry times) and then Mom or Dad adding some nails or screws after the glue dries to make sure the birdhouse is plenty sturdy.

American Girl or 18" Doll Sofa or Couch Plans

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Hi everyone, happy Monday!  Just a few days left before Christmas!

After I shared plans for this dollhouse, I promised you I'd get you those 18" or American Girl doll sofa plans to you before Christmas, didn't I?  I know we are cutting it close, but this project is SO simple, it's totally do-able!  I guess I should say DIY-able!

 

This doll sofa and doll chair are made of just 1x6 scrap boards with 1x2s underneath for support!  Seriously, so simple!

This living room set is perfect sized for my daughter's American Girl, and would work with most 18" dolls.

This set would make a wonderful gift, especially since you could personalize by painting different colors and using different fabrics for the cushions and pillows.

The set we made was free because we used scrap wood.  But if you were to purchase wood to make this doll sofa set - expect it to be under $10 in supplies!

I've got you covered with the free plans following.  If you build, please do share - it makes my day to see your projects!

And if you can't build now, make sure you pin to build later!

Have an awesome day!

XO Ana

 

 

 

 

 

 

Window Birdfeeder

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Spring is finally here for us, and we've been anxious to work on an outdoor project. Grace has been wanting a birdfeeder, and I've been wanting birds chirping outdoors, so we set out to make good use of our scrap pile.

I've been seeing those window birdfeeders, and thought we'd give it a try. Then we can enjoy the birds indoors too!

We had some scrap 1x8 boards in pretty terrible condition, and of course, quite a few 1x2 and 1x3 scraps.  So we were able to build this little birdfeeder for free!

I also repurposed some suction cups that I had found on an old car accessory for adhering the birdfeeder to the window.

Then we just filled up the little tray, and the hard part begins.  Waiting for the birds to find the feeder.

You can make this birdfeeder too!  I bet you have the scraps lying around.

PS - We have never had an issue with birds flying into our windows and keep our windows nice and dirty to prevent bird injuries.




Farmhouse X Desk

Barn Beam Ledges

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You are probably pretty used to me being excited about every plan that I post.  I wouldn't post a plan if I was not excited about it.

But when I actually have the time to build, photograph, and post actual photos, I'm just all that much more excited to share.  Especially when I can look at the actual product, and know that you are going to be just as happy with your shelves as I am mine.

I'm pretty happy with them!

What do you think?  Not too bad for a couple of boards, eh?  And the best part about these shelves?  They are lightweight, easy to hang, and super sturdy.  You could build them as long as you want without compromising strength.  And you could also build them wider - but I wouldn't go too much wider, perhaps at most a 1x8 (but I haven't tested a 1x8 just yet).

And the ends are all finished and boxed in!  So are the bottoms, for a completely finished bar beam look.

Yet without the weight of an actual beam.

And what do you think of the whale art?

It's yours to print out if you want.  Just go here to get the graphic, adjust the colors, and print.  I'm really loving silhouettes right now, especially animals in child's rooms.

Easiest Industrial Cart

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Hi everyone, Jen here today!

This is a fun simple project with big impact! I love the mix of wood and metal.

Oh did I mention it only took 2 hours from start to finish, one board, one stick of “angle aluminum” and some screws!

Well, it actually goes finish first on this one!  The first step was to cut down my 2 x 12 into 3 pieces at 31 1/2” (so I could get three shelves out of one 8 foot long board). I gave them a good sanding and stained them.

I used Carrington by RustOleum - it's got a slight reddish tint, very pretty!

Now for the aluminum angle.  You can find it at most any hardware store, and it's pretty inexpensive -

Aluminum angle comes in precut sizes, but mine were 48" in length, so I decided to cut them in half.  

The best way I've found to cut aluminum angle is with a jigsaw with a metal blade.

Just clamp the aluminum angle down,

And it cuts like butter!

Even easier than cutting wood!

Then it was time add the aluminum angle to the boards.

 I set my 3 boards on their side on a couple sawhorses, set the first aluminum piece flush with the top and bottom board. 

Then I predrilled through just the aluminum where I wanted to place my self tapping screws, 

One on each side of the angle piece. 

I did the top board first and then the bottom.  I measured and marked the middle of the angle piece and set the center of the middle 2 x 12 board and did the same, predrilled and sunk my self tapping screws.

I did the same for all four sides. Almost done.

Then I just needed to add these sweet casters! I used 1 1/4” self tapping screws here.

I flipped it up and stood back to admire. 

AMAZING! It's really is amazing what 2 hours and few materials can make! 

Would look amazing in the kitchen as a baking cart,

Or if your kiddos are heading back to school, a great place to store art and school supplies that will easily wheel into a closet or bedroom.

Now it's your turn, just do it!

Adirondack Stool or End Table

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These days, it's not uncommon for me to wonder if perhaps we've taken on too much this summer. You know we are building our mothers a Duplex dubbed the Momplex, while writing a book due out next year, and doing my best to keep up with my dear blog as well.  I am so grateful to have these opportunities, but sometimes we just get so busy, I can't step back and appreciate it.

So I really needed this day.
This day of realizing how big our daughter is, who has grown up so much on this blog.  So many of you have consoled me as a parent, offered advice, told me to let the hair brushing thing go.  Thank you for being there.  Parenting is much more enjoyable when you are okay with "good enough" and I'm wiser from your friendship.
Can you believe our little Gracie can hit a ball, ride a bike with no training wheels, use a measuring tape, and make herself breakfast?  How time flies!
But this day was about letting kids be kids, remembering the enchantment of seeing fish under the dock.
Finding frogs
And not getting too upset when your littlest girl cousin smashes it.
Once, we asked Grace why she loved camping so much.  And she said quite simply, "Marshmellows." Children really do have their priorities right.  
Then the jokes started.  Isn't he cute?  This is Grace's cousin Braden.
He REALLY knows how to make the laddies laugh.
What a day.  While the kids played, I took photos for the book.  Because for me, it's not just about the furniture.  It's about how the furniture improves the lifestyle of our families and friends. 
I can't show you all the photos - I'm really hoping for a book tour so I can meet everyone in person! - but I brought along some pieces that won't be in the book to help fill the photos.  And this end table is one of them.  It actually is stool height and sturdy, so could be used as a stool too.  
Hope the work that you are doing is impacting your family as positively it is mine!

Kids Kit Project: $2 Birdhouse

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I just heard birds chirping outside!!!

Spring is definitely here, even if it is April and we still have a couple of feet of snow outside.  And the birds are coming back, looking for summer homes.

This week, I'm going to share with you a collection of birdhouse plans that you can make from cedar fence pickets.  Costing less than $2 each (even up here in Alaska) and naturally weather resistant, cedar fence pickets are the perfect building material for little birdhouses.

This birdhouse is so easy, your little ones can make it.  I suggest kiddos putting it together with glue (try a glue that works on oily wood like Gorilla Glue or a super glue for fast dry times) and then Mom or Dad adding some nails or screws after the glue dries to make sure the birdhouse is plenty sturdy.

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