This project requires a few carpentry skills but the final result is worth the effort: a double-sided holder for nesting material for birds.

Here a Bewick's Wren helps itself to some dog hair that's been stuffed into the holder.

You'll need a 8 x 18 inch piece of 1 inch square wire netting and about 16 inches of 1 x 4 inch wood as well as nails and wire staples.

Cut one piece of the wood at 7 inches. The rest of the wood will be cut later - not just now.

Start by bending the wire, 1 3/4 inches from the end.
Use a vice if you have one.

Another way of bending the wire netting is using a work bench with a clamp and piece of wood as shown here.

Using the clamp and 1 x 4-inch wood board on the wire netting, make the next fold by pulling the netting up tight to the wood. Use a hammer to make a sharp fold.

Using twist ties, you can add twigs to serve as bird perches.

A small twig on each side looks good.

Be creative! A small roof made of a piece of bark can add a bit of character as well as keep the contents dry. An angle bracket can be screwed into the wood for hanging.

Push the nesting material through the netting.
Dog and human hair, laundry lint and small bits of wool can all be used.

Attach your amazing creation to a tree branch or a railing on the deck and just sit back and wait for some visitors to come by!