Rivet Gun 101

 I picked up some cute one-gallon cans at Warrenton last week so that I could convert them into some sweet birdhouses. In the past, I connected the tin using screws. Today, my husband was home so I grabbed a quick lesson on the use of a rivet gun. OMG! They are so, so simple to use. I had absolutely no idea.

 This is what I accomplished after only 1 lesson!

 Our rivet gun belongs in a museum, but it still functions like it did when it was new.

To use the gun, simply drill an 1/8 inch hole in the pieces you wish to connect. Load an 1/8 inch rivet in the gun like the picture above. Stick the little peg in the hole you drilled, making sure that it rests snug against your project. Squeeze the handle several times until it "pops". Since they are aluminum, you could have the grip of an 80-year old and still manage it.


I am off to see what else I can rivet . . . 

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  Curated By: CedarJunction

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Paintings

I created this collection on ArtFire which features great gift ideas for bird lovers. Enjoy!

Airstream for birds

On my trip to Warrenton in the Fall, I picked up a few old 5-gallon gasoline cans and some rusty ceiling tins. Put together, they make some interesting birdhouses. They make me think of the Airstream travel trailers. To make one of these, take the handle off of the gas can so you can put it on the top of the ceiling tin. I painted the ceiling tin brown, then dry-brushed some turquoise over the top. Screw the roof to the side of the can and it is ready to put a "For Rent" sign out.

3-story birdhouse

I finished my birdhouse - finally. This one seemed to take longer to design and build than others that I have made. It stands 32 1/2 inches tall. It's not intended to go outside so unless you have birds flying around your home, it will most likely remain vacant. LOL.