About Coastal Creators

Build a Backyard Fire Pit in One Hour

It’s easy to build a backyard fire pit for fun Fall nights and hours of Smore’s enjoyment. We built our patio fire pit in just about a hour. You can buy most of the supplies you need at your local hardware store (Ace, Lowe’s, Home Depot). The supplies list is minimal and you won’t need many tools. Building a fire pit should only take you about an hour (or maybe two) to complete so it’s a quick project even beginner DIYers can complete.

Safety First! You will want to make sure your fire pit is not going to be located under any low-hanging trees. Safety is always key when setting up your fire pit.

Your first step is to decide the best spot to place your fire pit. Because you will be using Flagstone wall blocks that are heavy, you won’t be moving your fire pit anytime soon. You will want to find a permanent area to build your fire pit. Will you build in the ground or above ground? We constructed our fire pit on our patio.

Fire Pit Supplies List

If you want to build our exact fire pit, here are the supplies we used. Our fire pit measures 18 inches in diameter by 12 inches in height.

(39) Mini Flagstone Allegheny Retaining Wall Landscaping Blocks
LOCTITE Pl500 Landscape Block Adhesive Off-White Landscape Construction Adhesive
(3) Holland Red/Charcoal Concrete Pavers (bricks)
Galvanized Metal Tub
Metal Grate
Heavy duty steel file
Hammer
Concrete/Brick Chisel

About the Galvanized Tub: You can buy a galvanized metal tub from Tractor Supply, Amazon, Lowes, or even Target stores. You can substitute a galvanized tub for an actual fire ring that has been specifically designed for DIY fire pits. Fire rings are often quite large though and since we wanted to keep our fire pit smaller, we went with the galvanized metal tub.

About the Metal Grate: We had on hand an old single burner from a propane stove that we used for our metal grate. You will probably want a raised metal grate of some sort to stack the wood on to keep it from the bottom of the tub. You could use an grate from an old grill, a portable camp fire grill, or a raised fire grate. Check out the free section on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or even your local Goodwill store and you may find something that can be used and it will save you money.

About the Retaining Wall Blocks: we used mini Flagstone Allegheny Retaining Wall Blocks to put around the galvanized tub. This created the wall for our fire pit. The common size of these blocks is 3-in x 8-in and the actual size is 3-in x 8.2-in.

Determine the Number of Landscaping Blocks Needed

To determine the number of landscaping blocks you will need to make a circular fire pit, just multiple the desired diameter by 3.14 then divide by the shortest length of the block. For the fire pit pictured, the greatest diameter was 18 inches at the top of the galvanized tub. So, 18 times 3.14 equal 56.52; 56.52 divided by 6 (which was the shortest length for the trapezoid block used) equal 9.42. If one does not have a predetermined diameter, just buy the number of blocks needed to make a circle close to the size fire pit desired without having to cut any blocks.

If you aren’t good with math equations, you can also “eye” it. You may not buy the exact number of block needed but you can always return or purchase more as needed. We purchased 39 landscaping blocks and had to cut three in half to make them fit.

Adjusting the Landscaping Blocks to Fit Properly

You may have to cut a few of your landscaping blocks to fit properly. In our fire pit we had to cut several blocks as shown in the photos. To cut a landscaping block, draw a line where it needs to be cut and then score that line using either a concrete/brick chisel; a heavy duty file; or, for more accurate cuts, a circular saw with a concrete blade. Once the block is scored, place the chisel on the score line and strike it with a hammer until the block splits.

Fire Pit Drainage

It is a good idea to drill a few holes in the bottom of the galvanized tub for drainage. You don’t want rain water collecting in the bottom of your fire pit without any place to go.

Assembling the Fire Pit

After obtaining the number of landscaping blocks needed, it is time to assemble the fire pit.

Place three concrete pavers (bricks) in the center of the area where you will construct the fire pit. The galvanized tub will sit on these pavers for support and ventilation once the fire pit is complete.

Place the galvanized tub upside down over-top of the pavers (bricks). By placing the tub upside down, you ensure that the first layer is the widest and will accommodate the largest widest of the tub when it is turned upright.

Lay the first row of blocks in the desired pattern.

Apply Landscape Construction Adhesive to the top of each block and then add the second layer of blocks. Continue these steps until the desire height is reached.

Place the metal grate inside, stack the wood and your fire pit is almost ready for use. We do suggest at that you give the Landscape Construction Adhesive 24 hours to completely dry.

Who will you share your fire pit with?

Face Mask Storage Pouch to Make and Sell

Here’s a fun project you can make and sell. I will teach you how to make a face mask storage pouch that you can sell on Etsy, your own website, on Facebook, Instagram and in local shops where you live. With so many people are sewing face masks so why not sew a storage pouch to go with the face masks you make. (See how to make a 3D kids face mask)

You will need a variety of supplies and fabric on hand to make these face mask storage pouches. You don’t need a lot of fabric. You could use coordinating fabric from the face masks you are already making.

Note: this sewing project assumes you know the basics of sewing. I am not teaching how to sew, just how to make this specific project.

Alternative Uses

These face mask storage pouches can be used for other things as well. We may not be making and selling face masks in the future but you could still make these little pouches and sell them for other uses. Just change the wording on the package and voila, you have a completely new product. A lot of times, the way you market a single product makes all the difference.

Since these pouches have a swivel hook added on one side, they can easily hook on the outside of a backpack or a purse handle. They could be hooked inside of a purse or tote bag as well. Here are some things you could store inside of these pouches besides a face mask.

Tampon or Feminine care pads
Hand sanitizer and/or individual wipes
Coin and bills (lunch money for kids?)
Gum and mints

You could even add a gift card and give the whole thing as a gift. The recipient gets a cute little pouch to use for various reasons plus a gift card or cash for shopping.

Supplies List

Cotton fabric
Thread
Pellon fusible Fleece 987F (see alternative below)
3/4″ swivel hook with lobster claw
Plastic snaps
KAM Snap Pliers tool
Awl (comes with KAM Snap Tool)
1/4″ presser foot (optional)
Point Turner (optional)

Instead of the Pellon fusible Fleece you could use a lightweight interfacing. I like the Pellon Fleece because it makes my pouch feel more professional. You definitely need some type of interfacing to give this pouch some body and form. I use fusible because it keeps it in place and makes it much easier to sew.

Sewing Instructions

1. Cut the inside fabric and the outside fabric 4-1/2″ wide x 11-1/2″ long.

2. Cut the Pellon Fusible Fleece 3-3/4″ wide x 10-3/4″ long.

3. Cut the strap fabric piece 2″ wide x 3-1/4″ long.

4. Position the fusible fleece on the wrong side of the inside fabric. Because the fleece (or interfacing) is slightly smaller you will have an approximate 1/4″ space, or should have, all the way around. I do this so it won’t get caught when sewing the seam and when you turn it isn’t too bulky. Iron the fleece in place.

5. Put the two fabric pieces, rights sides together, and sew a 1/4″ seam all around, leaving a 3″ gap for turning. I like to make the gap on one of the long sides and not on the short side. Make sure to back-stitch when you start, finish and also at all 4 corners (before and after each corner).

Tip: Make sure you are careful to sew a straight seam. This makes a difference in how the corners look. The corners need to be perfectly straight so they line up when you fold the piece. You want to make sure the corners do not angle out at all. I use a 1/4″ presser foot that helps me get that perfectly straight sewing line.

6. Trim the corners to get rid of the excess fabric, being careful not to cut too close to the sewing.

7. Turn the piece, poke out the corners with a Point Turner and iron flat. You can even use a chopstick if you have it. Just make sure not to use something with a sharp point to poke out the corners or you could blow them out.

When ironing you will turn under the fabric at the opening. Make sure you iron this as straight as you can. Because, once again you want all sides to match up when you fold the piece to make the pouch.

8. Take note of the direction of the design on the fabric. Fold your pouch with inside fabric touching to see what it will look like when it is closed. Top-stitch 1/8″ from the edge on the short side that will be the side you see when you open the pouch.

9. Fold one end up until it measures 4″ and iron. Fold the top flap down and iron. Your pouch should measure 4″ x 4″ if you have it folded correctly.

10. With the pouch still folded, measure the flap to find the center from the sides and then about 1″ up from the edge. Place your hand in between the flap + front layer and the bottom layer so the awl won’t pierce through the back. Using the awl, poke a hold through the top layer and front layer.

11. Using your KAM Snap tool, attach the female part of the plastic snap to front layer only. You will add the male snap component after you finish sewing.

We have a handy KAM Snap tool desktop stand pattern with instructions that you can build using scrap wood.

12. Fold the strap piece in half on the long side. Open it and fold one edge to the center and then the other edge to the center. Then fold over again and sew 1/8″ where the edges meet. You could back-stitch at the beginning and the end but this piece will get sewn inside of the pouch so this is optional.

13. Slide the strap into the swivel hook and make the edges touch together.

14. Place the strap with the swivel hook inside the pouch so only about 1/2″ is sticking out. You will place it about 1/4″ from the top-stitched edge. Pin or hold in place for sewing.

15. Starting about 1/4″ down from the edge, top-stitch 1/8″ from the edge, making sure the strap with swivel hook stays positioned straight. Sew to the bottom corner and back-stitch.

16. Pick up your presser foot and raise the needle, pull the piece out a bit, turn and start working from the other bottom corner. You will be sewing from opposite bottom corner all the way around until you meet up with where you started sewing. Make sure to back-stitch where the top-stitched edge meets on both side.

17. Clip the threads.

18. Now you will attach the male part of the plastic snap to the flap. Fold the flap over and use your awl again to make sure the hole you created in step #10 is still in the correct position. When you push the awl through the hole you should be able to touch the female plastic snap part. If it does not touch, just add another hole until it does. Using your KAM Snap Tool, add the male plastic snap to the flap.

Done! If all goes well you should have a completed face mask storage pouch.

How to Package

If you are going to sell these face mask storage pouches you will want to package them properly to make them look professional. Packaging can be the reason why one product sells and the same product from another seller does not sell. It’s all in the presentation. If it isn’t appealing people won’t want to buy it. The same goes for photos online. A photo can make or break a product sell.

Of course, packaging works better in person so if you are selling these online you may not want to package them in this manner. However, everything I sell whether it be online or in-person gets packaged the same because ultimately it is all about my business image. I want people to know they received a quality item and packaging is a big part of that.

Since I do not want to pay very much for packaging or buy expensive headers card, I make my own with just cardstock and my HP laser printer. Yes, I could add a graphic or make them glossy or in color but the customer is going to take one look at it and throw the packaging away as soon as they open it. Why spend the money! For this type of product, my simple black and white header card works fine. I have these face mask pouches in a high end gift shop and also in an art studio in my local area and they look perfectly fine with this packaging.

As long as your packaging has the important information on it that’s all you need. Of course, there are a million ways to do something. This is just how I do it. I don’t want to add additional cost to my product because of the packaging.

I tend to sell more wholesale than retail and remember, when selling wholesale what you earn is cut in half because the retailer is getting the other half. That means your packaging needs to be cheap. If you purchase a header card it could cost 50 cent to $1 just for one piece depending on the color and type of cardstock used. The way I make it costs almost nothing for the header card and approximately 11 cent for each bag.

Packaging Supplies

You will need some supplies if you are going to package these face mask storage pouches to sell.

6″ x 6″ Crystal Clear Zip Bags, 2 mil
110 lb. white cardstock
Printer
Stapler
Paper cutter (or scissors)
Scoring board (optional)
hole puncher (optional)

About the Bags: I suggest that you do not use poly bags. They don’t look professional for a product you are trying to sell. Poly bags are fine for a sandwich you add to your child’s lunchbox but not for products. Always use crystal clear “crisp” bags. I buy mine from clearbags.com and they come within a couple of days. They even have a discount for larger quantities. They are VERY reasonably priced. I have been buying bags from them for over 15 years with no problem. They don’t sell all of their sizes on Amazon so you do need to buy from their website.

Free Packaging Template

I design my header cards in a Word program. You are welcome to download, print and use my header card template for free. I am only giving the free header card template to my email subscribers. You will also find a face mask packaging header card in the Template Gallery.

Subscribe below or click here to fill out the form and get access to the file.

My header card is pretty basic and only requires cardstock and a printer to make. You get 3 to one sheet. Once you print out the header card you will need to cut the cards apart. I use a rotary cutter, mat and clear ruler but you can also use a Paper cutter or even scissors. Just make sure you cut inside of the black lines.

I created a scoring line to show you where to fold the header card. You can try to just fold it on that line or use a scoring board. I just recently purchased a scoring board and I don’t know why I waited so long. It really is a time saver and your lines come out much straighter.

To package you will place your face mask storage pouch in the clear bag, press the air out, and zip it shut. Place the header card over top the zipped edge and position it evenly so no edges of the bag are showing. Staple on both sides of the header card. I do not staple in the center because the corners will flap out. If you are selling at an outdoor craft show in the summer, the card stock will definitely flap out from the humidity so staple on each side.

If you are selling these face mask storage pouches in a shop you may want to put a single hole in the center about 1/2″ down from the edge using a hole punch. This way they can be hung on a display unit.

Paint an Old Outdoor Welcome Mat and Make it New Again!

If your old outdoor Welcome Mat is faded and you are about to throw away, stop right there and grab some paints to give it a face-lift. You won’t believe the transformations you can create with some colorful paints. Painting something old always seems to make it look brand new. If you can’t buy a new door mat, upcycle it and give it new life!

For this project you will need some acrylic paints, paint brushes, and a clear spray sealer or polyacrylic clear sealer to put over the paint once it’s dry. You can use matte or glossy paint depending on the finish you are going for.

Here are some examples of outdoor welcome doormats that have been painted to give them new life to get you inspired to paint yours. Looking at the “before” and then “after” images makes you realize just how much a good coat of paint will do wonders for an old doormat.

Upcycle an Ugly Old Outdoor Welcome DoorMat — Photo Credit: Lisa Daulton

Paint an Old Outdoor Welcome Mat and Make it New Again! — Source: Athena Barz

3D Kids Face Mask with Adjustable Elastic Ear Loops

The 3D face mask is the most comfortable mask to wear, especially for children. Many face masks don’t fit your face properly so you spend a lot of time adjusting them. Oftentimes you suck in the fabric when you talk, but the 3D face masks solves these issues. The unique design creates a pocket that helps keep the fabric away from your mouth when you talk. This also helps you breath better when wearing a face mask.

While this is not the easiest face mask to create or suggested for beginner sewers, I believe your kids will like wearing it more than other face mask designs.

My 3D Face Mask for Kids pattern is based off of the Sweet Red Poppy pattern with my own variations added. Since she provided the printable pattern already I didn’t think there was a need to create a new one. You can print out the free 3D Face Mask Pattern for free from her website here and if you like the changes I made, just follow my sewing instructions.

Important! My instructions show you how to sew the elastic inside and not make a casing for the elastic. To follow my sewing instructions you will need to cut off a 1/4″ on either side of the 3D mask pattern where the elastic will be sewn.

3D Kids Face Mask Supplies List

100% quilter’s cotton fabric, 2 different designs
3 mm Round elastic
rubber bead adjusters
Metal Nose bridge strips
bone folder
sewing machine
thread
scissors

How to Make a 3D Kids Face Mask

Watch my YouTube video if you find it easier to follow the instructions. Some steps may be confusing to read and it helps to hear someone explain the process.

video

Cut Out the Fabric Pieces

Lay the two pieces of fabric on top of each other, right sides together. Using the pattern you printed from the Sweet Poppy website (make sure to cut off a 1/4″ from the sides), lay the pattern on top of the 2 fabrics. You can pin the paper pattern onto the fabrics if you like. Then cut out the two fabric pieces you need to make the 3D kids mask.

Create Adjustable Elastic Ear Loops

Watch my video to learn how to make adjustable elastic ear loops. In the video I use pony beads as ear loop adjusters. Note: this video uses 1/4″ latex elastic. If you have that on hand and not the round elastic you can use it to make adjustable elastic ear loops. I find that latex elastic is rough on the ears and has strong smell so I stopped using it and switched to round elastic instead.

Cut a piece of elastic, 9″ long. Using the metal hook that come with the rubber beads (or piece of twine if you are using pony beads), pull the elastic through the bead. Adjust the elastic to that the ends match. Tie a small knot at the end of the loop so the bead adjuster does not come off.

Create the Nose Wire Pocket

For my version of the 3D kids face mask, I create a nose wire pocket and sew it on the inside fabric before sewing the two pieces of fabric together. Watch the video to learn how to create a nose wire pocket. The fabric is cut 1-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ for the nose wire pocket. I use metal nose bridge strips to insert into the nose wire pocket. I find that they are flexible and last a long time. They will break overtime, just like any piece of metal you would use in the pocket, so buying a pack of 50 or 100 is a good idea.

Sew the Adjustable Elastic Ear Loops to the Mask

Locate the side edge where the elastic should be placed. Place the fabrics right sides together. Lift up the top fabric and lay one end of the elastic ear loop 1″ down from the edge on the bottom fabric. Leave a 1″ gap and place the second end of the elastic ear loop on the fabric. Lay the top piece of fabric over the elastic. You can pin the elastic down or hold it in place as you sew.

Adult Measurements: If you are making the adult 3D face mask the space in between the elastic ends will be wider. Just start at 1″ from the edge for the first end and then put the other end 1″ from the opposite edge.

Sew the Fabric Together

Sew across the edge where you have just placed the elastic inside. Add the other elastic ear loop to the other side of the fabric and sew. Continue sewing all around, leaving a 2-1/2″ gap for turning.

Turn and Iron

Snip each corner just at the tips to get rid of the bulk fabric. This will help you get a sharp point at the corners. Since this is an octagon shape, there will be 8 corners to snip. Using a chopstick or bone folder, poke out the corners and iron the whole piece flat. Make sure not to get near the elastic or bead adjusters with the iron because they will melt.

Top-stitch All Around

Top-stitch 1/8″ away from the edge all around the around the edge. If you are selling face masks, top-stitching is suggested to give them a professional look.

3D Kids Face Mask with Adjustable Elastic Ear Loops

Fold up the Edges and Top-Stitch

Fold the long edges up right at the corners, pin and top-stitch 1/8″ from the edge. Open, lay flat and iron.

Create the 3D Effect

Fold the long down until you see a triangle shape. Place your thumb at the corner. Use you other hand to shift the fabric to the right until it is parallel with the side. You must get this step correct to ensure the mask will have the 3D effect. Pin in place. Do this to the top side. Sew making sure to keep things even. I also like to sew the corners to create a nice triangle top-stitch on the front.

Update: I stopped sewing in between the triangle corners. I just sew each triangle individually.

This is the original view where I sewed in between the triangle corners. It is much easier to not sew in between each corner and it looks just a good or even better.

The unique 3D face mask design makes this look like an Origami face mask. It’s very artsy looking.

Sewing a 3D face mask for kids is a little bit more work but you will find that this face mask is super comfortable, especially if you make the elastic adjustable. No matter what face mask you create, I highly suggest you make the elastic ear loops adjustable because every face shape and size are different.

Build and Decorate a Broken China (Mosaic) Birdhouse

A Broken China Birdhouse is a labor of love created by adding broken china pieces to a wood birdhouse using glue and grout. We will teach you how to build the birdhouse, how to find broken china, how to add broken china pieces to your birdhouse and how to give your broken china birdhouse a good finish so it will last for many years.

When building a broken china birdhouse you will need certain materials but they are very affordable. You’ll need some china you don’t mind breaking or tiles you purchased, pine wood to build the birdhouse and a few other supplies, that we list below.

One day, I bumped into my hutch and broke this beautiful tea cup and saucer. It literally came flying out at me and crashed onto the floor. All was not lost because I decided to turn it into the lovely birdhouse I am going to show you how to build and decorate.

Where to Get Broken China

If you own a piece of china that has chips on it and you are willing to part with it, you can use it for your broken china birdhouse. If you don’t have any broken china, you will easily find a chipped tea cup or china saucer or maybe a tea cup that is missing it’s saucer at your local Goodwill store or Thrift shop. If it is summertime, stop by some yard sales and see what pieces of china you can find.

Online you can also visit local “free cycle” or “buy it nothing” groups to see who is giving away china that you could use for your broken china birdhouse project. Check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist under the free section. Someone is always giving away china they don’t want or use anymore that would be perfect for this project.

Using Other Embellishments

You can also embellish your birdhouse with other elements such as stained glass, jewelry beads, pieces of decorative stone, Tesserae tiles, ceramic tiles, or even pieces of metal. This is the kind of project that allows you to be creative.

Supplies Needed

1/2″ plywood
1″ x 6′ pine board
2″ square piece of fiberglass screen
1 1/4″ brad / finishing nails
Saw to cut the wood (we used a compound miter saw)
Sand paper or random orbit hand sander
Drill
Tile Cutter
Pointed Tweezers
China you can break or purchased tiles
Grout Sealer
work gloves
Tile Adhesive (We use Mapei Type 1)
Tile Grout
Plastic Spatula
Tile Grout

Step-by-Step Birdhouse Instructions

1. Using the 1/2″ plywood, cut one piece to be 3-1/2″ wide by 5″ long.

2. Cut a second piece to be 4″ wide by 5″ long.

3. Using the 1″ x 6″ pine board cut a 4-1/2 ” square to be used as the bottom of the birdhouse.

4. Using the 1″ x 6″ pine board cut the two sides to be 2-1/2″ wide by 4″ long.

5. Using the 1″ x 6″ pine board cut two pieces to be 4″ wide by 6″ long. These are the front and back of the birdhouse.

6. The front and back need to have a peak. Do this by measuring in 2″ from the side of each piece at the top of the 6″ length. Using a 45 degree angle, draw a line from where the angle intersects the 2″ mark to the edge of the board. This should result in the correct length of the peak.

If a 45 degree angle is not available, still mark the top 2″ inches in, basically the middle of the board. Then measure 2″ down from the top of the board and draw a line from side to side. Taking a straight edge, draw a line from the 2″ mark at the middle of the top to the 2″ line on the edge of the board. Do either method for the left and right sides of the board. Cut on the 45 degree lines to form the peak.

7. Select one of the 4″ x 6″ pieces for the front. Drill a 1-1/8″ diameter hole, 3″ up the bottom and 2″ in from the side.

8. Lightly sand each piece of wood. (Sand paper or random orbit hand sander)

9. Before assembling, attach the fiberglass screen behind the hole, using staples.

10. To assemble the birdhouse, start by nailing the sides to the front and back. The sides go between the front and backs, so once fully assembled the body of the birdhouse will be 4″ x 4″.

11. Next, nail the 3-1/2″ x 5″ roof piece onto the body of the birdhouse at the peak with the 5″ side going across the wide of the birdhouse. The top edge of this roof piece needs to be flush with point of the peak. The sides and bottom of the roof piece should overhang the birdhouse by 1/2″.

12. Nail the 4″ x 5″ roof piece to the other side of the peak. Align this roof piece so one edge overlaps the already attached roof piece. This roof piece should also overlap the birdhouse by 1/2″.

13. Nail the bottom to the birdhouse so that there is approximately 1/4″ of the bottom showing around all sides of the birdhouse.

Now that your birdhouse is built you may want to sand it lightly. I also give my birdhouse a base coat. I use basic white acrylic paint. You could skip this step if you wish.

Cover the Opening

We use fiberglass screen to cover the opening in our birdhouse. We are not building a birdhouse that is actually going to be used by birds. Our birdhouse is a decorative art piece that we will display in the garden, to display on a shelf in our home, or even to sell.

If you are using our birdhouse instructions, you will want to add a piece of fiberglass screen behind the hole because you do not want birds to go into the birdhouse and build a nest. There are two reasons for this. Our birdhouse is small, too small for a bird to build a proper nest. Also, the hole is small and most birds will not be able to fit properly. The second reason is, if you want to make this broken china birdhouse as a decorative piece, you want to discourage birds from trying to build a nest inside. The fiberglass screen solves both.

You could use metal screen instead of fiberglass screen if you have it on-hand. We just had some fiberglass screen on hand that was leftover from the screen door project. We replaced the screen in our screen door and we had a small amount leftover. If you can use scraps for projects like these, you can make them super affordable. Fiberglass screen is also easier to work with and staple onto the wood.

Prepare the China Pieces

To prepare the china pieces you will want to break the pieces of china into pieces that are about 1/2″ in size. Each piece of china is going to be a unique shape anyway but generally keeping the pieces around 1/2″ to 3/4″ in size seems to work out the best.

Put gloves on to protect your hands from getting shards of the china in your skin. Grab the nippers and make a clean break on the edge of the china. Continue until the whole piece has been cut and you have a lot of small pieces to work with for your birdhouse design.

Create Your Design

Lay out the china pieces on the birdhouse before you glue everything down. Once you glue a piece down it will be harder to move things around. This is where the tweezers come in handy. Some china pieces may be small and using tweezers makes it easier to get them positioned just right. You may need to use the Tile Nippers to cut small edges of the tiles to fit them into your design just right.

Visit our Birdhouse Design Gallery to get some ideas.

Glue the China Pieces to the Birdhouse

Once you have your design in place, use the tweezers to pick each piece up and put some glue on the wood. Then press your piece firmly in place. If you want to skip this step, you can cover one side of the birdhouse with glue and press the broken china pieces in place, arranging your design as you go.

Let your birdhouse set overnight to make sure the glue is really firm and dry.

Grout the Broken China

Mix your grout with a spatula or plastic spreader. Using the spatula to spread the grout over the surface of your broken china, making sure to get in all of the little grooves. When you are finished with the whole birdhouse, use an old rag and wipe it down to make a level surface.

Let your birdhouse set overnight to make sure the grout is really firm and dry.

Apply a Finish

Your broken china birdhouse is now finished. You may want to add a Grout Sealer that will protect it and also give your birdhouse a more finished look. Grout Sealer is completely clear so it won’t add any color to your beautiful creation.

Sell Broken China Birdhouses

Broken China, Tiled and Hand Painted birdhouses are always in demand. People like pretty things to decorate their home and garden. Pretty things sell! If you are a craft, artist or painter you most likely make your own pretty things but there are millions of people who are not artistic or have no time to create pretty things for their home or garden. These decorative birdhouses could be sold at arts and craft fairs, online at Etsy, or your own website.

Creating these decorative birdhouse is very affordable. You can make one for probably $3 to $5 and sell them upwards of $40 each! All you need to do is invest some of your time. As a hobbiest you could work on them in your spare time. It’s good for the soul too as painting and crafting is very therapeutic! When we craft we don’t think of the cares and woes of our daily lives.

If you don’t mind taking a bit less, you could sell them directly to gift shops in your area at wholesale prices or on consignment. To sell to a local shop you usually cut your price in half so the shop owner can charge double and earn the other half. The advantage of selling to a shop owner is that you deal with one person and not individual people. Sell 40 birdhouses to 1 person or deal with 40 people. One makes you more money but you will have to figure out how to find and sell to 40 people whereas selling to a shop owner takes the pressure off of you having to find those customers.