Threads 44: More little bird houses

Since the last Threads 43,  I have been made aware of these sweet little bird houses being available to buy on the Internet. I have made a few and thought they would  be very sweet hanging in a garden,  and they probably would sell well in a craft sale.

Materials

I used a fine round reed - #3 round reed for the stakes and #2 round reed for weaving. I dyed some of the reed a darker colour. 

Cut 6 X 30” long for stakes.

Thatching with fine rush, or pine needles.

String, such as jute.

METHOD

The detailed method is described in Threads 43. Alternate three stakes over three stakes and with a folded over weaver pair out dividing the stakes into singles. Slightly shape the base, and continue weaving up the sides until it measures 3" high.Then leave a doorway between two stakes before weaving  a little further.

I experimented with different types of  materials for the thatching of the top of the birdhouse. I think the most successful was using a fairly fine rush, and then followed the principle used for the wren house. I like using the long pine needles (see the one on the right of the bottom photo) but unfortunately my supply is very low at present. After tying the stakes together at the top I turned the remaining part of the stakes back onto itself to form a loop. The can loop serve as the hanging device (see the one on the top photo). The final measurement for the nests was about 10 inches high and about 3-4" wide.

They were advertised as hummingbird houses. I will hang mine up around the garden and see what happens!

Fine willow could also be used for these nests, and possibly willow  bark could be used for thatching. Any other ideas are always welcome.