This project was built and designed by Chris from B&O Craftsman. It’s a playful decorative bird with moving wings, crafted from simple materials and built to bring charm and motion to your yard or garden.
With just a few basic tools and some light wood, this project is approachable for woodworkers of any skill level. It’s also a great opportunity to involve kids or grandkids in a creative, hands-on activity.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Chris’s channel:
A Fun and Personal Project
Chris’s inspiration for this wooden bird comes from memories of birds his grandfather used to make. The design blends nostalgia with creativity, allowing for both function and flair.
Though simple in form, the moving wings give the project life and energy. Whether perched on a post, mounted in the garden, or sitting on a windowsill, this bird brings movement and personality to any space.
Materials You’ll Need
To start, you’ll need two types of wood: a thinner board around ¼ inch thick for the wings and body, and a thicker board, about ¾ inch thick, for the supporting blocks and internal components.
This project doesn’t require exotic lumber—softwood or plywood scraps will work fine. Chris uses templates to trace out each shape, which helps speed up the process and ensure consistency across multiple builds.
Templates are available for download on his website, which makes replicating the design much easier if you plan to make a batch of birds as gifts or for sale.
Cutting and Shaping the Bird
Once the templates are traced onto the wood, you can cut the pieces out using a band saw or a jigsaw. The body, wings, and small block components all follow smooth, curved lines that are easy to manage with basic tools.
After cutting, Chris sands down each piece to soften edges and remove splinters. Sanding is especially important on the wings and moving parts to reduce friction and improve the visual appeal.
Attention to grain direction also matters here. Laying out the pieces with the grain aligned correctly improves durability and keeps the finished bird from cracking or snapping over time.
Creating the Moving Wing Mechanism
The key feature of this project is the moving wings, which pivot on small blocks attached to the bird’s body. These blocks are cut from the thicker wood and require precise drilling for the pivot screws.
Chris drills centered holes in each block, ensuring they’re not too loose or too tight. He then glues and nails these blocks to the main body, placing them in opposite orientations so the wings can flap up and down naturally.
To attach the wings, Chris combines CA glue for an instant hold with wood glue for long-term strength. This double-glue technique keeps parts from shifting during nailing and speeds up assembly.
Painting and Customization
With the structure complete, the fun really begins. Painting allows for endless customization, from realistic bird patterns to bright, playful colors.
Chris draws on childhood memories to guide his color choices, giving the bird a look reminiscent of handcrafted yard art from decades past. You can go rustic, modern, or even cartoonish—the design is flexible enough for any style.
He recommends using exterior-rated paint to help the bird withstand the elements. If indoor paint is used, applying a layer of polyurethane helps seal the surface and prevent fading or peeling.
Mounting Options
The mounting method is up to you. Chris shows a stationary base that uses two wooden supports to hold the bird upright.
However, the design can be adapted to include a pivoting mount or even a stake that allows the bird to spin with the wind. This not only adds more motion but turns the bird into a subtle kinetic sculpture for your yard or garden.
Weatherproofing for Longevity
Since this project is likely to be used outdoors, Chris recommends sealing the finished bird with polyurethane or another clear protective coat.
Even with outdoor-rated paints, moisture, sun, and wind can take their toll over time. A protective finish helps the colors stay vibrant and keeps the wood in good shape across multiple seasons.
Occasional touch-ups may be needed, but the low-maintenance nature of the project makes it ideal for outdoor décor.
A Tribute to Family Tradition
More than just a whimsical yard ornament, this project has deep meaning for Chris. It connects him to his family’s past and keeps a tradition of handmade wooden birds alive.
This sentimentality makes the project especially rewarding—both for those building it and those receiving it as a gift.
It’s a reminder that woodworking is not just about measurements and materials—it’s also about creating something lasting and meaningful.
Please support Chris by visiting his website here: https://bo-craftsman-shop.creator-spring.com/