Looking to do something nice for the avian visitors who flock to your yard? Good on you. They need shelter and with your creativity you can provide it. Maybe you've tried to do the milk carton thing with the kids, which can be fun too, but sooner or later those cartons don't last a long time. If you're like me and drink java on the reg and you save your empty cans, you have the makings of an actual birdhouse for them to roost in. Here's how I did it:

Supplies

First off-the materials:

A large coffee can - like the one-pound size is great. Also, I want to stress, it must be a plastic one, like those made by Folgers or Maxwell House. Metal cans will rust, and remember this will be outside 24/7.

An x-acto knife,permanent markers, waterproof glue, small wood dowel, and some flexible wire

Optional: some washi/craft tape.

Will come in handy: drill and small bit.

Step 1: The Label

Ok, let's get started. First of all, check the front and use rubbing alcohol to clean off the outside of the can, If it's got a label affixed to it, you can remove it with hot soapy water or Goo Gone.

If it's the label is infused into the container you can cover it up with something like decorative tape. I used sticker paper to cover up all the writing and then colored on it. You could always paint over it, too. I'd start with a coat of white first to hide all the writing better.

Step 2: Making the Entrance Hole

Get an object that is round and about 2.5" in diameter. A paper towel/toilet paper tube works great for this Place it on the middle where you want the opening to go and trace around it with your permanent marker. Use your x-acto knife to cut out this opening.

Step 3: Tidy Up the Hole

Sometimes you may have a hard time making the hole look "neat".The birds don't want to get scratched, dontcha know. The knife can cut poorly or leave "jaggies" behind. I found a hack to fix that -I used some duct tape. Tear (dont use scissors to cut duct tape in strips if you can avoid it - ) Hold it and place this piece around the round opening like I'm doing. Use the scissors to make notches around it to wrap it around.You can color over this part, too.

Step 4: Forming the Perch Rod

You can use a dowel made of wood for this, I used an old pencil. To make the hole for this you can use an awl or a cordless drill. It was tricky finding the right sized bit so I ended up using a 5/16 size - which is a hair too big, I used some solvent glue (e6000) to fill in the gap so the pencil /perch would stay in place.

Let dry. You can also apply some Mod Podge to the label or your paint job, to preserve it.

Step 5: Hanging It Up

To hang your birdhouse, you can use jute cord or wire, like i did. Decide where you want to hang it up...onto a fence? a tree trunk? From the gutter or a Shepherd's crook?

If you want your birdhouse to be flush with the surface (like a fence or tree trunk) Drill tiny holes on the back Try to put a little distance between them as it will lessen the friction on the surface of wherever you hang it Thread the wire through them, or you could just nail it directly..If you plan to hang it from something suspended you could drill the holes on either side so it will be balanced.

As long as it's stable and doesn't shift around the birds will see it as secure. I wrapped the wire around the fence posts' nail behind it as you can see here.

Voila, you have made your birdhouse. Not a whole lot of legwork but the birds will love you for it. Have fun!