Complete the front door by trimming 1/16" off from each edge to make it 7 7/8" wide. This creates a gap between the door and sides of the house for smooth door operation.
Prepare the sides now, crosscutting their top edges to a 70° bevel. Cut the bottom member and door cleats and you're ready for assembly.
There's no fancy joinery involved in this project: butt joints, outdoor glue and countersunk screws secure everything together. First, fasten one side piece to the edge of the back panel. Be sure the side overlaps the back by 1/4". Next, join the bottom to the back and side, 1/4" up from their bottom ends. Attach the remaining side, followed by the lower half of the hinged front face. Just be sure the bevelled top edge of this part faces outward.
Glue and nail the door-stop cleats to each inside surface of the sides. The front edges of the cleats should sit one inch back from the front edges of the sides. Set the front peak support in place next-on top of the top ends of the cleats-but don't attach it yet. For now it just holds the sides exactly eight inches apart.
Cut the roof parts now, making sure to prepare one left and one right version. Bevel cuts at the peak are 20° from square. Secure one roof piece to the back, side and peak support, then add the second one. Grab the angled front pull that you cut earlier, then glue and nail it to the door, one inch down from the top peak. Add door hinges and a magnetic catch. Plug the screw holes and pare them flush, then paint, stain or clear-coat your butterfly house. Line it with bark strips and you're done!
How to build the ball top house (right)
Cut the back and front pieces to rough size, then prepare a full-size template for the outline of the bottom end shape. When you're done, trace the shape and cut the outline.
Next come the butterfly entry slots. Cut them 1/2" wide by 3 1/2" long. As with the hinged-front house, I created these by drilling 1/2"-dia. holes three inches apart, completing the slots with a jigsaw. Join one side member to the house back, ensuring the top ends are flush, then add the bottom panel. Use outdoor glue and countersunk screws to hold all the butt joints together.
Cut the decorative awning next, then secure it to the front of the house, one inch below the top edge. The lid is made of five stacked parts, beginning with the lid base followed by four lid layers. Rout an ogee profile around the outside of each lid layer, fine-sand these parts, then join them with glue and #8 1 1/4"-long screws. Begin by applying the largest lid layer to the lid base, then work up from there. Use a dowel to attach a wooden ball (available at woodcraft stores) to the lid top.
Plug the screw holes, pare and sand them flush, then paint, stain or finish the box. Line the interior, back and sides with bark strips, and the butterfly house is ready to mount!
Mounting tips
Mount these butterfly houses to a building or fence with a couple of screws through the back. Because both also have a flat bottom, it's just as easy to mount one directly to the top of a square-cut post. You can also use a metal post with a plate or brackets to secure the bottom of the house.
Read more in Woodworking Projects and Kids
You might also enjoy:
0 Comment