I have to start this post by saying that I certainly do have the most accomodating husband. I come up with an idea, no matter how cockamamie, and he figures out how to make it work.
This is the view from my kitchen window.
Let's look a little closer, shall we?
I don't recall where I first saw this done (old porch post with birdhouse on top) but I know that I've wanted to do it for a long time.
I didn't want to lose any of the height of the porch posts. Not knowing the ways of post construction I wasn't sure how that was going to work. But not to worry - Rick knew exactly how to install them.
Here's a little mosaic of the process. Now since the posts were slightly different sizes (one was from the days when a 4 x 4 was actually 4" by 4") one of them had to be modified a bit so the bracket (which is made to fit a modern 4 x 4 which is about 3.5" x 3.5").
The larger of the posts had to be chisled away a little bit in order for the bracket to fit.
He also had to reinforce the bottom of one of the posts since it was splitting. Nothing a little wood glue and some carefully placed screws couldn't take care of.
The braces in the bottom right picture were removed after the concrete set.
One birdhouse I've had for a number of years. It is actually a bird feeder/bird house (the attic is the living quarters). I got it for a song because one of the finials on the top was snapped off. I had Rick snap the other one off and put two sparkly glass cupboard knobs on top. Rick also had the idea to put decorative brackets underneath it to give it a little more visual weight.
I painted the roofs of both a slate color. One had a blue roof and the other had plain, unfinished wood.
Now I just need to wait for some birds to move in.
You did it! Those look great. I'm sure you will have "renters" soon. We're all booked over here - with a waiting line!
Posted by: Keith | April 11, 2011 at 08:18 AM
They look great!! Awesome job you two!
Posted by: Madeline | April 11, 2011 at 08:47 AM
Beautiful!! Absolutely lovely ~ I hope the birds appreciate your efforts. You did a great job ~ the distressing adds so much charm!
I love birdhouses and feeders, especially on posts and turnings (those are the only kind we can have around here-- the limb on the Doug Firs are way to high up to hang houses or feeders.) xo ~m
Posted by: Mari @ Once Upon a Plate | April 11, 2011 at 09:09 AM
Love your view! I asked my husband to scoop dog poop yesterday, he scooped the poop into the little pan, it, the rake, and the poop are sitting by the front door. Guess I should have been a little more specific!!
I'm so jealous!! Lucky you!!
Posted by: Thelma | April 11, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Looks spectacular! Like they've lived there forever. The birds will make haste to such lovely accomodations. Tell DH "great job!"
Posted by: Jayne Honnold | April 11, 2011 at 02:17 PM
Are you sure that one isn't a double car garage? What kind of car does a bird drive anyway? They are both charming!
Posted by: Karen | April 11, 2011 at 07:52 PM
So sweet!
Posted by: Donna | April 12, 2011 at 08:34 PM
A good use for an old porch post :) The birds will soon move in.
Posted by: AKP | April 19, 2011 at 08:27 PM
I found the cutest collections of birdhouses. This one is one of my favorites! http://www.youruniquehousedecor.com/FREESTANDING-VICTORIAN-BIRDHOUSE_p_1053.html It is under $20.00! Donna
Posted by: Donna | August 14, 2011 at 10:44 AM