Mexican bottle gourd bird house craft projects

On a family visit to a local apple orchard and pumpkin patch, I discovered a great 'green' nature craft: a gourd bird house made from a Mexican bottle gourd. Gourd bird houses are easy, inexpensive, eco-friendly crafts, perfect for classroom or homeschool. Gourd bird houses make excellent crafts to make with senior citizens, also. Especially crafty folks may want to consider making an assortment of gourd bird houses and selling them at local craft fairs or online at etsy.com.

 You will need a green bottle gourd or any other large gourd, available in many produce stands, farmer's markets and pumpkin patches. The bottle gourd is sometimes referred as a birdhouse gourd and Mexican bottle gourd. It has smooth green skin and a 'goose neck' crook at the top. You can use other gourds as well. Why not make a collection of bird houses and see what feathered friends you can attract.

Before you can make your gourd bird house, the bottle gourd needs to dry thoroughly. Store the gourd in a dry area. As the gourd dries, it turns from green to tan. You'll know when it's thoroughly dry inside and out when you can hear the seeds rattling inside. If the surface gets a little mold or mildew, don't worry. It will wash off. When the gourd is dried, gently scrub the exterior with warm, soapy water. Dry off the moisture. Allow the gourd to thoroughly dry or dry with a hair dryer on set on low. Drill a hole in the lower part of the gourd as an opening for the birds. The larger the hole, the larger the bird it will allow. If you are trying to attract smaller song birds, like finch try drilling a smaller hole. Small birds seek out small nest areas.

You can decorate the gourd with craft paint. If the paint doesn't stick well, try roughing up the surface with a fine sand paper. You can simply shellac the surface also. Shellac is non-toxic and used on cooking surfaces. Try to keep the birdhouse free from any toxins that will be harmful to the birds. If you wish to decorate, try staining the birdhouse with natural dyes or food coloring. You can also decorate with marker. As for the seeds and dried membrane inside the gourd, you can clean them or leave them as a house-warming present for the birds.

Drill a small hole near the top of the gourd that goes all the way through. Tie the gourd birdhouse to the tree by passing a rope through the hole and tying it to the tree.
For more fall craft projects visit green crafts and Halloween Harvest October

Lenten decorations, Catholic Christian Easter Egg crafts, object lessons

For many a Catholic Christian, the Lenten season, which begins after Ash Wednesday is a journey with Jesus. A Catholic follows the Lord through the desert. The Catholic Church prays the Stations of the Cross Lenten devotions and goes with Jesus on his way of sorrows to the cross. During Lent, a Catholic tries to imitate Christ in humility, prayer and sacrifice. Lent culminates at Palm Sunday and Catholic Holy Week which ends in the Passion, death and resurrection of Christ at Easter. To teach kids about the significance of a Catholic Holy Week and the importance of Lenten devotions, here are Bible object lessons using Easter eggs. In these Easter egg crafts, children explore the Easter story in hands-on Bible object lessons.

Label each egg as follows and place these items inside:
Palm Sunday--a piece of palm, dry grass or a plastic donkey (to remember Palm Sunday, when Jesus made a triumphal entry into Jerusalem)
Monday of Catholic Holy Week--a piece of cracker or crouton (to remember Christ's institution of Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper)
Tuesday of Catholic Holy Week--a dime (the 30 pieces of silver Judas was paid to betray his friend Jesus)
Wednesday of Holy Week--a tiny piece of branch with thorns (Crown of thorns)
Holy Thursday--a nail (to symbolize that His hands and feet were nailed to a cross)
Good Friday--a cocktail sword or toothpick (to remember that Jesus was pierced with a sword in his side, from which poured water and blood)
Holy Saturday--a stone (the stone that was placed in front of the tomb of Christ and later miraculously removed)
Easter Sunday--Nothing! This reminds us of the empty tomb on Easter morning.
Open one egg each day from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. Light a candle for this special time. Ask a young child to explain to the family or group what this item could mean. The family can share their ideas, experiences or scripture references to the item. You might all sing a hymn or chant to remember this part of the story. Sing Crown Him with Many Crowns, All Hail the Power of Jesus's Name or Te Deum. Extend Easter egg crafts, by having children to illustrate Bible object lessons they've learned. Combine illustrations in a family memory book and use for Lenten devotions in years to come.

DIY crafts: No-sew curtains, repurposed window treatments for DIY remodeling

Does your home need a summer facelift? Are you looking for quick DIY remodeling projects that give a lot of bang for few bucks? How about DIY crafts to spruce up windows. Here are easy no-sew curtains and window treatments made from repurposed materials.   DIY crafts: No-sew curtains, repurposed window treatments for DIY remodeling

Free printable Christmas paper chain crafts and holiday countdown activities

 Remember the fun of making Christmas countdown chains? It's an easy, cheap festive child-minder craft. You can make it from recycled paper. It keeps little ones productively busy. It's good practice for math, fine motor skills, counting, writing and reading. Here's how to make a Christmas paper chain, plus Free printable Christmas paper chain crafts and holiday countdown activities

Gothic Victorian Decor Elements for Horror and Vampire Lovers

With the popularity of vampire and zombie fiction, more avant-garde home decorators are turning to neo-Gothic design elements. For edgy, sensual, eerie decor ideas, turn to the repressed (erotic) Victorians for inspiration.

The Gothic period in art and architecture harks to early middle ages spoke to Victorian religious mania-cum-eroticism. Hag-ridden by restriction, the dark, demonic Goth influences fed their fears. Freud had a field ripe to explore libido repression, sexual phobia and phallic lust.

Gothic colors: black, gold, blood and wine red, silver, deep midnight blue. Metallic colors symbolize sexual prowess. Dark colors evoke night, evil, supernatural and foreboding.

Gothic patterns: paisley (sensuous curves and loops resembling sperm, represent suppressed phallic symbols) Paisley was a popular for men's smoking jackets, vests and lounge robes. Also velvet, lace and brocade.

Gothic furniture: sumptuous divans, floor pillows, chaise lounge, settees and tiny gilt tables. The emphasis is on comfort and seduction.

Gothic curtains and drapes: Curtains symbolize hidden desire, secretive trysts and bedroom activities. Curtains should be of weighty fabric--velvet, velveteen, brocade. Drapes should be lined for privacy and held back with sensual gold rope. Gothic Victorians curtained everything: doorways, alcoves, niches (in which usually resided a voluptuous Greek nude sculpture displayed on a pedestal).


Gothic decor elements: funereal plants (rhododendron, fern, ivy) wreaths, draping fronds seductively wrapped around pedestal or elevated plant stand. Evergreens symbolize sensuality, fertility and death.

Not-necessary but nice to have Gothic decor items: samovar (Turkish tea urn), hookah pipe, nargile, bong, water smoking implements.

Gargoyles: must-have. Should be carved in stone or deep mahogany of newel post or bed frame to frighten innocent maidens into a gentleman's bed. Stone gargoyle statues, with leering eyes and lasciviously lolling tongue are quintessential Victorian eroticism. For more decor visit me atwww.greencrafts.blogspot.com.

Free Printable 4th of July Decorations and Paper Crafts

Do love to decorate for 4th of July but hate to spend money? I'm with you. Why waste all that money on stuff you're just going to throw away? How about this workaround. Print paper decorations and crafts for holidays. There are loads of online sites with loads of freebies for Fourth of July and all holidays. Flags, red white and blue stuff, American themed crafts and more. Click here. Free Printable 4th of July Cut and Paste Paper Crafts and Activities 

Host a Cheap Open House, Reception or Graduation Party

Are you hosting a graduation open house for high school, college or kindergarten? Maybe you're doing a first communion reception? These parties can become very costly especially for parents of graduates. You want a nice party. I'm saying be stingy. But there are ways to cut costs on food, rentals, decorations, cake, gifts and more.  Do's and Dont's for Hosting a Cheap, Open House Graduation Party

Blue Flowers for Landscaping, Decorating, Weddings, Outdoor Parties

I love decorating with flowers, especially live plants over cut flowers. One of the most popular decorating colors is blue, but trying to find flowers in that color is tricky. With advances in growing of flowers, we have access to more artificially tinted blue flowers. But if you're a naturalista like me, you want genuine, naturally colored flowers. Here's a guide to blue blossoms and flowers in shades of blue. Use this for landscaping, home interior decorating, wedding floral arrangements and more. Best Blue Flowers for Weddings and Spring Gardening

Free Printable Vintage Easter Greeting Cards, Retro Nostalgic Clipart

I've been writing about printable crafts since I started freelancing. People love free stuff and printable things just tickle us silly. Early on, I discovered a site with printable vintage greeting cards and clipart-- Vintage Holiday Crafts. I found this little bunny clipart there. Isn't he darling? You can print nostalgic images for any holiday, but as we're in the Easter mode, I'll share the link to that page (I don't get paid anything for sending you there). Just be sure to abide by their site use rules when you print.   Free Printable Vintage Easter Greeting Cards, Retro Nostalgic Clipart

Cheap, Creative Valentine Gifts for Women: Mom, Wife, Girlfriend

Does Valentine's Day or Mother's Day find you wondering what gifts women like most? You're in good company. Many guys find It is easier to grab the usual bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates than to shop around and find that special gift for mom, sweetheart, girlfriend or wife. This year, you won't need to rack your brain thinking of that perfect Valentine present. The secret to selecting perfect gifts for a woman is to know her interests. What does she like? What does she read, collect or watch on TV? Here is a shopping guide for Mother's Day gifts that fits any budget. Some gift suggestions cost nothing more than a little time and creativity.  Inexpensive, Creative Gifts for Mom on Valentine's Day or Mother's Day

DIY No-Sew Swag Drapes, Curtains with Recycled Bed Sheets

Frugal is my middle name. DIY are my initials and resourceful is my main character trait. I'm always looking for ways to create expensive decor with recycled materials. Today's tip: reuse top sheets for no-sew swag curtains. When I buy a package of sheets or bed in a bag, I don't use the enclosed top sheets. For me, they are just something extra to wash and an extra step in the bed making process. So what do I do with all the extra top sheets? I have quite a few uses actually. For those with a little sewing experience and a sewing machine, you can create a lovely set of matched window curtain from one top sheet. You can also create a curtain for a closet door. Read more

Cheap Holiday Home Decor on a Shoestring

I'm the original frugalista. In home decor, I'm all about recycled, cheap and (my favorite) free. At Christmas, I save big with homemade, re-purposed decorations. Here's my guide to decorating for the holidays on a shoestring. Tasteful holiday decorations at prices even we cheapskates can stomach!  read more

Halloween Decor, Trick-or-Treat Spending Trends

Halloween is a controversial holiday. While parents are buying record numbers of children's costumes , other parents object to Halloween. Despite concerns of stranger danger, candy safety, religious issues and the fear factor, more parents are celebrating Halloween with their kids. In fact, spending on Halloween, including costumes, candy and decorations, is up. Despite unemployment, under employment and rising costs not commensurate with earnings, people are spending more on Halloween.

Before I give you the Halloween facts and figures, here are some suggestions--DIY-it. Make your own costumes and decorations and save drastically. My youngest wanted a $60 Teletubbies costume for Halloween this year. Now this was no problem when it was our money that would be spent. When I suggested she spend her own $, her tune changed fast. Now she's thinking homemade is a good idea. You can do the same with decorations. Use a few recycled sheets, some cotton stuffing from an old pillow and whip up spooky haunted decor cheap and easy. Read on. Facts About Parenting, Halloween and Trick-or-Treat Trends

Ladder Safety Tips from OSHA and Federal Workplace Safety Guidelines

Ladder Safety 101: Tips from OSHA and Federal Workplace Safety Guidelines Ladder accidents account for over 220,000 injuries annually, according High Beam Research. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) studies have shown that 100% of these accidents could have been prevented using proper ladder safety. What safety precautions are necessary when using a ladder at home or on the job? These ladder safety tips are not difficult, time-consuming or expensive to observe.

-Whenever possible, use scaffolding instead of ladders to complete jobs. Scaffolding affords a flat working surface as opposed to a tilted work surface. Scaffolding offers a place to assemble tools and supplies. If you do not own scaffolding, consider renting it for exterior home improvement projects, such as roofing, painting, installing windows and siding installation and repair. Rental services offer many styles of scaffolding to rent. Read more...

Inexpensive, Recycled Storage Containers and Space Saving Tips

When I homeschooled our four children, we lived on one income in a mobile home. Space and money was limited. Here is my diy, budget homeschooling materials list. I've included tips about organization, storage, containers and saving space. Read on

Creating Personal Inner Sanctum Spaces for Writers

Home Decor: Creating Your Own Personal Writer's Inner Sanctum Work Space
If you're like me, you spend hours creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for family and guests. But what about your personal workspace? Today we are going to create your personal writer's inner sanctum workspace.
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Ten Home Decor Accessories Under $10

10 Easy DIY Home Decor and Accessory Tips Under $10
Want to freshen up your home decor easily and inexpensively? Here are ten decor accessories under $10 that will add zest and utility to any home decor theme. As Lady Greenwise, I always recommend second hand shopping to reduce landfill fodder.
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Gothic Victorian Decor Tips

How to Create Sensual Victorian Gothic Decor Styles
With the popularity of vampire and zombie fiction, many of the more avant-garde home decorators are turning to Gothic Victorian design elements for their room decor. 'Gothic decor' is an oft searched term. Here is a DIY guide to Gothic design.
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Green, DIY Recycled Wall Covering with Maps

Green Spring Cleaning and Decor Tips: Recycle Maps, Book Jackets, Magazine Covers for Wall Covering
Spring cleaning is a great time to redecorate or remodel. While you're moving furniture and cleaning, make your work multitask. Refresh your decor with green, recycled options for wall coverings: maps, book jackets and magazine covers.
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'Green' Recycle Decor from Plastic Bags

Green, Recycled Bread Bag and Plastic Bag Basket or Rug Craft
Home decor from trash and the recycle bin? Absolutely! April is Earth Month and what better way to celebrate than with new ways to use old stuff. Here's a craft that I remember from when I was a kid using recycled plastic bread bags and grocery bags. Weave a rug, basket, coaster or mat. Here's how.
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