Spring is the perfect time to bring a touch of nature indoors, and what better way than with a cozy, oversized DIY bird nest? I stumbled upon a beautiful, large nest at an antique market, and it sparked an idea: why not make my own?
This easy DIY project turns basic craft supplies into a charming centerpiece for your Easter table or a whimsical wall hanging. It’s rustic, textured, and full of natural vibes—plus, it’s versatile enough to use year-round. Let’s dive in and build one together!
What You’ll Need
You won’t break the bank for this project—most items are affordable staples from your local craft store. Gather these:
- A grapevine wreath (about 18-24 inches for an oversized look)
- A smaller grapevine nest (or coiled grapevine garland to form one)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Assorted stems and branches (faux or real, for texture)
- Raffia ribbon (natural or dyed for color)
- American moss (also called excelsior) and sphagnum moss
- Feathers (in soft whites, browns, or pastels)
- Craft eggs (paper-mâché or speckled wooden ones—about 6-8 small to medium sizes)
- Optional: Acrylic paints for customizing eggs, wire cutters for trimming stems
That’s it! Total time: About 1-2 hours, depending on how detailed you get.
Step-by-Step: Building Your Bird Nest
Follow these five straightforward steps to create your nest. Work on a protected surface to catch any glue drips.
- Attach the Nest to the Wreath Base Start with your grapevine wreath as the sturdy frame. Place the smaller grapevine nest (or coiled garland) in the center and secure it firmly with hot glue. Dab glue along the edges where they overlap—this creates a solid foundation that looks like a real nest spilling over.
- Layer in Stems and Branches Add some wild energy by fanning out stems and branches around the outer edge of the wreath. Trim them to different lengths with wire cutters if needed, and glue them in place, pointing them in a loose, unified direction. This builds depth and makes your nest feel alive and full.
- Weave in Raffia for Soft Texture Cut raffia into manageable sections and tie them loosely around the wreath’s edges. Hot-glue the knots to keep everything secure, then tuck in extra strands for a fluffy, woven look. Do a second pass to wrap any loose ends—this hides the glue and adds that soft, grassy nest vibe.
- Fill the Heart of the Nest Now, make it cozy inside! Layer a base of fluffy American moss (excelsior) in the center, then top it with wispy sphagnum moss for contrast. Gently tuck in a handful of feathers here and there—they’ll peek out like they’re part of the scenery.
- Add the Eggs for the Finishing Flair Pick your eggs and get creative: Paint paper-mâché ones in robin-egg blue or soft pastels if you like, or use ready-made speckled craft eggs. Dot hot glue on the bottoms and nestle them into the mossy center. Arrange them in a natural cluster—some upright, some nestled low—for that authentic bird’s brood feel.
Styling Ideas: From Table to Wall
Once your nest is ready, it’s showtime! For a spring tablescape, place it in the center of your dining table surrounded by fresh tulips, candles in glass holders, and woven placemats. The eggs add an Easter nod, but swap them for faux berries in fall for seasonal shifts.
Hang it on the wall as a rustic wreath alternative—loop twine or ribbon through the grapevine for easy suspension over a mantel or entryway. For a layered look, prop smaller nests nearby or add silk flowers peeking from the edges. It’s bold yet subtle, fitting farmhouse, boho, or modern neutral spaces.
Quick Tips for Success
- Keep It Budget-Friendly: Stick to basics like wreath forms and moss—you can often find them on sale.
- Layer for That Natural Magic: Mixing grapevine, moss, raffia, and branches creates unbeatable texture. It’s all about the cozy, imperfect feel.
- Play with Size: Go big for drama on a console table, or scale down with a mini wreath for a shelf vignette. Multiple nests? Even better for a clustered display.
- Make It Yours: Tone it neutral for everyday decor, or add pops of color with dyed raffia. Experiment with floral sprigs instead of eggs for a garden-party twist.
This bird nest isn’t just a craft—it’s a little piece of woodland wonder you can enjoy all season. Grab your supplies and get nesting; your home (and guests) will thank you! What’s your favorite way to style it?
