The Process
During 2011 and 2012, a tornado and high winds blew down trees on our property. Rather than push the downed trees to a burn pile, I began to repurpose the beautiful red cedar wood into bird houses and other creature comforts.
I rip the wood, then the shapes and wood grains inspire me. The shapes I see are the basis for most designs. An example is the heart with the bird (see thumbnail photos).
Once the wood is cut, it's laid out to cure a a few days. Then I start to build my inspirations. I never use blueprints.
The houses are well built, sturdy and covered in clear sealant to maintain the colors. Without the exterior being sealed, the wood will turn gray with time. Houses are constructed with finish nails, caulk, glue, mosses, metals, river rock, tiles, glasses and many eclectic elements. The houses are easy to hang or work well on a coffee table as a conversation piece.
NOTHING goes to waste. Cedar is said to be a natural insect repellent, therefore, I use the cedar shavings from the cut wood in my yard to repel fleas and ticks. Red cedar has a distinctive scent and sachet bags will soon be offered for sale. Cedar sachet bags work well in the closet, a lingerie drawer, your car or just about anywhere.
All birdhouses are handmade in eastern Tennessee / USA near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. |
Album by RaganRat Terrier Kennel. 1 - 24 of 24 Total. 1296 Visits. |
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Two years in a row we lost trees either to high winds or the tornado that hit Greenback TN.
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Eastern Red Cedar is a soft wood that is beautiful red and gold inside and very aromatic.
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Nothing is wasted, right down to the saw dust and shavings!
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Cured Cedar
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Once cut, the wood is laid on a flat surface to cure.
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Cedar Sachet Bags coming soon!
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Workshop
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Example of a cut cedar piece.
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Another cut piece.
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See what it becomes when put together?
I don't plan the designs or the objects, it just happens.
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Ready to go!
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All we need are the Birds!
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In the workshop.
These two houses were first sealed with a wood sealer which turns the the grains brownish. All others sealed with poly to maintain a brighter red.
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Big Red.
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Sealed with polyurethane.
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Finished product
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Cedarice Birdhouses
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Made in the USA / Great Smoky Mountains
Made of Eastern Red Cedar
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This house is no longer available since Mr. & Mrs. Blue Bird have moved in!
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Within 5 minutes of hanging this house on a shepherd's hook, during a sale, this pair of blue birds flew in to check out the real estate!
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