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Turn a Wood Birdhouse Into a Gnome Birdhouse

Gnomes live outdoors – so it only makes sense that they would turn a regular birdhouse into a gnome birdhouse. Done with Mod Podge Outdoor!

DIY gnome birdhouse

So . . . who here likes garden gnomes? Raise your hand!! Me mee meee! Am I the only one raising my hand? Gnomes are so fun and remind me of spring – as do birdhouses.

So to celebrate, I created a birdhouse for some of my family members with spring colors and a happy gnome. You’ll need a birdhouse to start, and the rest is fun.

This project goes well with the fairy garden and painted rocks I’ve also done. You’ve got lots to make for the out-of-doors this year, so you’d better get crackin’!

DIY Gnome Birdhouse

Gather These Supplies

  • Wood birdhouse
  • FolkArt Outdoor acrylic paint – Burnt Umber, Fresh Foliage, Pure Orange
  • Mod Podge Outdoor
  • Woodland themed scrapbook paper
  • Martha Stewart Gnome and Woodland stickers
  • Martha Stewart Log Alphabet stickers
  • Cardstock – yellow, brown, orange
  • Craft knife
  • Ruler
  • Paintbrush
Painting the birdhouse around the edges with green and on the roof with brown

Paint your birdhouse with the FolkArt colors. I used Fresh Foliage for the sides, Burnt Umber for the roof and Pure Orange for the perch.

This Outdoor paint is self-sealing and really durable, so you are good to put it outside. (PS – I just did the edges of the sides where I would be covering with paper).

Cutting the paper with a craft knife and ruler

While waiting for that to dry, I cut the papers to fit my birdhouse. I used one design around three sides, and another (woodgrain) design on the roof.

It takes a minute, but it’s really about measuring and cutting carefully to get the exact fit – so it’s not hard, just time consuming.

At this time I also used my Sizzix Big Shot to cut the mushroom shapes. You don’t have to do that though – you can draw and cut by hand just as easily.

Painting Mod Podge on the side of the birdhouse

Paint a medium layer of Outdoor Mod Podge on one side of the birdhouse.

Smooth the paper down with your hand

Adhere the (nicely) trimmed paper and smooth thoroughly. Let it dry for 15 – 20 minutes and repeat on all sides.

Painting a coat of Mod Podge on the roof of the birdhouse

Once dry, paint a coat of Outdoor Mod Podge over the whole birdhouse. Let dry and repeat.

Painting the birdhouse embellishments with Mod Podge Outdoor

I attached all of the embellishments with craft glue, then gave the entire birdhouse a third coat of Outdoor Mod Podge (including over the embellishments).

DIY gnome birdhouse

To finish and make sure it’s extra durable, add an Enamel outdoor sealer (this is optional). Now you can enjoy your happy gnome birdhouse.


If you enjoyed this outdoor project, I’d love for you to check out these other ideas:

Robin Bennett

Saturday 6th of October 2012

What a cute birdhouse, Amy. I love it!

Robin

Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate

Sunday 29th of April 2012

Raises hand...I love gnomes and this is so adorable. I can't keep up with all the kinds of MP there are!

Ada (new york)

Wednesday 25th of April 2012

Soooooo cute! And hey I didn't even know there was "OUTDOOR" mod podge .. holey moley coolness!

Chris

Tuesday 24th of April 2012

So adorable!

Jennifer Curtis

Tuesday 24th of April 2012

Okay, I guess I will be making a trip to Michael's to get some outdoor Mod Podge! Love the cute gnome, and this totally looks like my kind of bird house.