Today’s craft

When it comes to decorative painting, everyone loves birdhouses. Perhaps it’s the idea of creating a whimsical retreat for our fine feathered friends, or maybe it’s the fact that a painted birdhouse is literally a “dream house,” limited only by imagination. Whatever the reason, few objects lend themselves to painted designs as well as birdhouses.

What you do

You can find a whole community of painted birdhouses in a new, 56-page guidebook, “Village Birdhouses.” The book features step-by-step instructions, materials lists and full-size patterns for nine original painted designs that will make charming accents for your home or great gifts.

An illustrated guide to basic painting techniques will help you get started (even if you’ve never painted before), and big, full-color photos of each project will help you stay on the right track. Although the book doesn’t include directions for building birdhouses, a section of general instructions covering all of the necessary supplies comes complete with a list of sources.

The seaside-themed designs, easily modified and adapted to your own projects, make it something for everyone.

How to order

The “Village Birdhouses” guidebook, No. LA22570, is $11.95. You can find 34 other decorative painting projects in a 35-page guidebook, “Painting on Metal Accents,” No. DO5076, also available for $11.95. Please include $3 for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, Stagg St., Van Nuys, CA 91405. To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at craftbook.com.