Turning a Birdhouse Ornament

My grandfather, Dale Nish, had a special Christmas tradition. Every year, he’d craft a unique birdhouse ornament for each of his grandchildren. These weren’t just any ornaments, they were miniature works of art, each one a testament to his skill and love. The variety of shapes and styles he created was astounding, a true inspiration for anyone looking to explore the creative possibilities of woodturning. This tradition sparked a passion in me, and in this post (and the accompanying video) I’ll share how to create a classic birdhouse ornament, a design that’s both beautiful and a nod to family history.

From Blank to Birdhouse: A Step-by-Step Guide

We’ll be working with Maple for the main body and Holly for the delicate finials and perch. These woods offer a beautiful contrast and are perfect for showcasing the intricate details of the ornament. But don’t feel limited by these choices – feel free to experiment with different woods to create your own unique look!

Start at the Lathe

The process starts by mounting the 2-½” x 2-½” x 3” wood blank between centers on the lathe. The top of the ornament is roughed down, then we create a tenon to mount in a chuck. For this project, I rely heavily on my skew chisel. Its versatility shines through in creating clean, smooth cuts, especially when working on spindles. After rough shaping the top and drilling a hole for the jam chuck, we can prepare the jam chuck.

We’re Jammin’

An important step is making the jam chuck. This allows us to remount the top and shape the delicate top finial. We begin by mounting a waste block between centers, rough it round, then turn a tenon to mount in a chuck. Mount the waste block tenon in a chuck, then turn slightly tapered tenon to fit the ornament top.

Turning the Top

With the top mounted onto the waste block tenon, the finial is then carefully turned, sanded, and a small hole is drilled in the end for the eyelet screw.

Hollowing and Shaping the Body

Next, we focus on the birdhouse body. Again, we mount the blank between centers on the lathe, rough it to round, and add a tenon to mount in a chuck. After mounting it on the chuck, we hollow it out using a forstner bit. This lightens the ornament significantly, which is key if hanging on a Christmas tree branch. Next, we part off the blank and mount it in a jam chuck. The outside is then shaped, creating a pleasing curve and a tenon that perfectly matches the opening in the top.

Adding the Finishing Touches

With the main components shaped and sanded, it’s time for the details. Small holes are drilled for the perch and the birdhouse entrance. The lower half of the body is then dyed a rich chocolate brown with coloring dye, providing a striking contrast to the natural maple and highlighting the grain.

The Perch and the Final Finial

The Holly perch and final finial are then turned, sanded, and carefully shaped. The delicate nature of Holly requires a gentle touch and clean sandpaper to avoid discoloration. Each piece is test-fitted to ensure a perfect fit before final assembly.

Assembly and Finishing

With all the components ready, we’ll use CA glue to assemble the birdhouse. The perch, top, and finials are carefully attached, ensuring proper alignment. The final step is applying a spray lacquer finish. This not only protects the ornament but also enhances the natural beauty of the wood.

A Treasured Keepsake

Once the lacquer has fully cured, the eyelet screw is added, and the miniature bird is glued onto the perch. The birdhouse ornament is now complete, a beautiful and meaningful piece that embodies the spirit of family tradition. This project is more than just woodworking, it’s about creating lasting memories and sharing a piece of family history. I hope this post inspires you to try your hand at turning a birdhouse ornament. It’s a rewarding experience that can bring joy for years to come. Be sure to check out the video for a visual walkthrough of the entire process!