We used a combination of foam insulation, hardiebacker cement board and a cement paper mache mix to create these outdoor weather resistant bird houses.

Start by carving the foam into the basic shape of the fish head. Fins are cut from hardiebacker cement board and temp glued in place with a hot glue gun.

Cement paper mache is then used to coat the entire surface of the foam and cement board fins.

We used acetone to dissolve the foam creating the void for the birds home.

Next step is to coat the fish with exterior grade high gloss paint.

The shape was cut from Hardiebacker cement board with a tile wet saw.

How to easily make a fish or sea turtle shaped birdhouse with mortar based exterior paper mache.

We used foam, glued it to the hardiebacker and then carved it into the shape of the sea turtle.

Once the bird house is shaped completely let it dry completely then pour acetone through the eye hole. This will dissolve the foam which can be poured out the drain holes. (see below)

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Note the hardiebacker fins and back plate. The back plate is important because it adds strength to the surface that gets screwed to the tree.

DIY Easy Crafts Nautical Fish or Sea Turtle Shaped Bird House. Made from Foam insulation and outdoor cement paper mache.  Perfect for Nautical or Beach Themed homes.  Please check our the short youtube video (below) to see just how easy it is.

DIY Easy CraftsNautical
Bird House

Outdoor paper mache grout mix was used to completely coat the sculpture. After drying the turtle was painted and the foam dissolved from the cavity with acetone.

Another example of a nautical birdhouse crafted from outdoor paper mache is this Sea Turtle.

Last step is t paint with whatever colors you like. Be sure to use a good exterior quality paint and coat the entire surface of the fish.

We mounted the fish with wood dowels and used another piece of foam as a stand. The dowel holes will be used as drain holes for the finished product.