Fun's Brewing With This Coffee-Can Birdhouse

Sit down, relax and have another cup of coffee. You'll need to empty the can first to make this simple birdhouse.

Here's a terrific birdhouse that's as enjoyable as the aroma of the morning's first pot of coffee.

And it has a lot more going for it, too. The house is simple to build, costs pennies to make and is a great way to recycle coffee cans and scrap wood. As a bonus, it's a breeze to clean out after nesting season—just slip out the dowel and empty the can.

You don't have to paint it, but if you're like reader Jean Walters of Fort Worth, Texas who shared this plan, you might want to dress it up.

"These are great projects for children's groups, and they cost about $2 to make," Jean says. "Have your friends and neighbors save their coffee cans and precut the wood yourself. Then let the kids paint and assemble them. (If you plan to decorate your birdhouse, Jean suggests sanding and painting the pieces before assembly.) They're easy as store-bought pie to make, and sell faster than a cup of coffee in a doughnut shop.

Here's What You'll Need...

• Two scraps of 3/4-inch-thick pine board, measuring at least 4-1/2 inches square
• Two 1/4-inch-thick plywood or paneling scraps, measuring at least 6 inches x 9 inches each
• 1/4-inch dowel, 8-1/2 inches long
• 1-1/4-inch finishing nails
• One 11-ounce coffee can
• Hooks, wire or a chain for hanging the birdhouse

Recommended Tools...

• Table saw
• Power drill