Unique Fall Decor DIY

Ok, who’s ready for fall? This girl right here! {No, not in the basic girl kinda way… although I’ll never decline a pumpkin spice latte with a little white chocolate drizzle!}

I’m ready for fall in the, “I’m tired of sweating in places that I didn’t even know I could sweat from…” kinda way. Phew. You really know it’s August in Maryland.

In willing the seasons to change already, I went and bought fall flowers. Well, Michael’s was having their 50% off florals so who could resist? I decided this year my fall decor is going to break tradition! I’m going with teals, mauves, creams and browns. Ta-Da!

I’ve been dying to make some dove houses since spring. Never got around to making them. {My intentions are always good, follow through… eh. I’m working on it!}

I decided to spin the design of a dove house, and make them into my door decor “wreaths” for fall. Follow along and I’ll show you how easy it was to make a few of these for your own home!

Here's What You Need

1 – 1.5×0.5 | 4ft board
1 – 1×0.5 | 4 ft board
Nail Gun {this is the nail gun and compressor I have… I used 3/4″ nails}
Miter Saw {here’s the one I have… my favorite tool I own!}
Minwax Gold Oak Stain
Minwax Cherry Stain
Silk Flowers {don’t got forget the cute owl!}

The Process

So lets talk angles here… I tried to lay out all the pieces below. The “??” are there because I attached the bottom and then trimmed the edges even to the sides free hand. You can choose to do that or leave them. Either way they look great.

I also didn’t give you length measurements because it all depends on how large you want your birdhouse! As we go I’ll throw out what I used.

First, I glued roof together, mitered at 30º angles. This was the only piece I didn’t finish nail together. The wood glue held it together just fine. Follow your directions for whatever glue you choose. I use Titebond Premium Wood Glue {the one with the blue top!} It is some pretty strong stuff folks! Trust me. After 20 minutes it’s set and ready to go.

I measured my pieces for the roof at 8.5 inches each.

While the glue was setting, I moved on to assembling the base of the dove house. Taking the bottom, I attached the 30º ends with a little glue and then nailed them into place.

My sides were 7.5″ long and my base was 5″ long.

Next, I attached the shorter of the two front boards with a few nails.

Honestly, I didn’t measure these. I traced them so I knew they would fit snugly.

Pro Tip: When spacing boards always use a place holder. {Extra Pro Tip: Nickels work great for shiplap!} For this project, I used this stir stick I got from The Red Dresser in Edgewater, MD {…shameless plug for the ladies I buy my chalk paint from!} It gave me the perfect gap between the front boards. These gaps are traditionally found in dove houses. I wanted to make this as authentic as I could.

Lastly, I attached the roof with a few nails. Being very careful not to shoot a nail through either side of the board. Lucky, I’m a good shot!

I’m loving the “natural” wood look that’s the current trend. To achieve the perfect color, I used Minwax “Golden Oak” for the first coat of stain and Minwax Cherry as the second coat {just to warm it up a little.} I LOVE the way this combination comes out on most wood.

Hello, my little friend!

It took me a total of 30 minutes to make three of these houses for my upstairs doors. All three are decorated a little different, but so perfect all in their own right.

I just can’t tell you how much I love them! I’m really feeling the mauves, plums, creams and teals going on in these flowers. It’s really feel like fall… eh… minus the 100+ degree heat index outside! One can dream of apple cider and fuzzy socks…

Till next time!

XOXO,

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