Thank you for all the nice comments. The birdhouses go with the kids. This is DS's back yard, and he'll find a way to make them all look nice together. This is one too many to fit across his board. I don't junk these houses too much so we can add things of interest as they grow. Linda

I don't know that it would hurt to spray clear coat. But, i wouldn't advise it - i coated birdhouses with clearcoat, and the coatings weathered and peeled, looked worse than doing nothing at all. If you do nothing, the cedar ages to a gray color, and will still last a very long time (many years). I don't bother coating mine. If you want cedar to stay a yellowish color, you can use a stain made specifically for cedar. I would check the diameter of the entrance hole. What is sold in stores as "wren houses," typically have only an inch or 1 1/8 inch hole. House wrens can squeeze in that, but carolinas need a 1 1/2 inch hole. Unfortunately, house sparrows can get in that hole as well, so you have to have the heart to tear out sparrow nests if they try your wren box.

Dollbaby is looking good again in her cozy corduroy outfit with her little cup & saucer. I remember when you got that sweet little angel...she's perfect sitting on Dollbaby's highchair! Love the new birdhouse - great design and finish. I like the added star too. Your 'Barnwood Blooms' are so creative and unique looking....you've got to show us when you set it out in your garden. Jeanne...I think if we were neighbors, our DH's would get along real good...they both enjoy woodworking projects. Seems you and I always find lots of projects to keep them busy too!! lol jane

Hi, Slow! I knew you were back when I saw all the new posts when I signed on. (grin) The grout/no grout issue...First, I was taught this no grout method when I learned. With no background, it's all I knew. The reasons now I prefer no grout (for the birdhouses) are two: First I use Tile Perfect Premixed Tile Adhesive and Grout (Sanded Antique White)to adhere my tess (when I can find it), and when applied liberally enough it kind of oozes up between the pieces and gives a kind of rough grouted look that looks good with the stones. Secondly, working with the rough stones and wood, grout cleanup would be truly difficult. The problem has now been that the Tile Perfect product has been harder to find (I found now that it can be ordered through ACE). The Mapai Thin Set sits very flat (no oozing, is very messy and the color isn't as good for this application. (The house above shows the gaps in the tess from using Thin Set and not the adhesive and grout product. (Looks fine anyway I think, but I like the other better) If I were going to build a house that could be used outdoors, I'd grout it for sure, but since they're decorative, I just haven't done it. Welcome home! Glad you had a fun time with Flag! I am sooooo jealous.