Instructions:

Soak a dried gourd in water to soften the outer skin and then scrub with a scouring pad or steel wool pad.  You want to remove the outer skin so you have a smooth surface to decorate.  Use sand paper to even out rough patches. This first step can take a bit of elbow grease and patience, but it guarantees you'll have a smooth surface to work with which is key.

To make the opening, drill a hole approximately 1 ½” in diameter.  Exact dimensions vary byspecies. Use a stick or fork to remove the seeds and residue.  You may also want to drill some small holes in the top and bottom for ventilation and drainage.

Decorate the gourd using acrylic paint or leather dye.  Let dry.  Note:  Some gourds naturally have a unique coloring and texture so you may want to go with that look and skip the painting altogether.     

Apply a coat of polyurethane to add shine and protection for outdoor use.    

To hang the gourd, attach a wire through the stem near where it meets the gourd or drill small holes near the top of the gourd and string your wire through those holes.  

Hang in a tree... and enjoy watching your feathered friends take up residence.

Birdhouse Entrance:

For wrens – 1 ¼” to 1 ½” diameter
For bluebirds – 1 ½” diameter
For chickadees – 1 1/8” diameter
For red-headed woodpeckers – 2”
For flickers – 2 ½” diameter

Robins prefer birdhouses with multiple openings so they can see in all directions.  If you are making a home for a robin, you’ll want to drill several large holes for maximum visibility.