Step Up Your Garden Game with a Handmade Masters Tournament Birdhouse

Every year, my family and I get so excited for the Masters Tournament—it’s like our Super Bowl in the spring. My son, husband, and father-in-law treat it like the biggest event of the year, and I can’t blame them. As for me, I’m not quite as obsessed as the guys, but after watching Full Swing on Netflix, I’m definitely a little more into it now! I’m not glued to the TV the whole weekend, but I do love the energy it brings to our family.

This year, though, was extra exciting. Rory McIlroy’s win had everyone on the edge of their seats, and that showdown was intense! Watching him make that final push for victory was like witnessing sports history in the making. The Masters is always thrilling, but this year’s tournament really had me hooked.

Speaking of golf, one of the things that’s been so special for me is how golf has become a way for my husband and son to bond. Now that my son is older, they’re out on the course together a few times a month, playing at some of the most beautiful golf courses in San Francisco. For my husband, it’s his way of introducing his son to a sport he’s loved for years—and creating memories along the way. We’re lucky to live in San Francisco, where the climate is perfect for outdoor activities, and golf is one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful weather. Some of our favorite courses, like the famous Presidio Golf Course and TPC Harding Park, are right in our backyard, offering stunning views and world-class conditions.

In honor of the Masters Tournament and the golf memories my husband and son are making together, I decided to create something special for our backyard: a Masters Tournament-themed birdhouse! It’s the perfect way to add a little golf flair to our space and celebrate our love for the game. I placed it on my favorite olive tree in the backyard, and it’s become such a fun, personal touch to our garden.

If you’re a golf lover or looking for creative ways to celebrate the Masters or your love of golf, this DIY golf-themed birdhouse is a simple and fun project. Plus, it’s a great way to add some personality to your garden—whether you’re in San Francisco or anywhere with beautiful weather! Here’s how you can make your own Masters-themed birdhouse.

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How to Make Your Own Masters Tournament Birdhouse: A DIY Golf-Inspired Decor Idea

What You’ll Need:

• Wooden golf cart birdhouse (purchased from Joann’s, but any similar wooden birdhouse will work)

• Green, yellow, grey, white, and red paint (I use weather-resistant paints for outdoor projects—I'll include a link to the specific brands I used!)

• Silhouette Cameo printer (for cutting out the azalea flowers and letters for the custom license plate)

• Outdoor permanent fuchsia-colored vinyl (for the azalea design)

• Outdoor permanent grey-colored vinyl (for the license plate letters)

• Rustoleum Marine Spar Varnish (to protect the finished birdhouse from the elements)

Step 1: Prep Your Wooden Birdhouse

Start by sanding the wooden birdhouse to ensure the paint adheres properly and any splintered wood is smoothed down. Wipe it down with a clean cloth to remove any dust. If there are any rough edges, now’s the time to smooth them out for a cleaner finish.

Step 2: Paint the Birdhouse

There’s no right or wrong way to paint this birdhouse—just go with what feels right to you! For the front, top, and back, I used green Rustoleum Protective Enamel paint, which comes in several colors. I actually bought almost every color because I use this paint so often in my crafting projects—it holds up so well! It takes a little longer to dry, but once fully cured, this paint dries rock hard, creating a durable finish that’s perfect for outdoor items. For the trim, bumper, and seats, I used yellow paint to add vibrant pops of color and give it that fun, golf-inspired vibe. Feel free to get creative with your own color choices—this is your chance to make it your own!

Step 3: Add the Masters Logo, Azalea Flowers, and License Plate Using Your Silhouette Cameo Printer

Now comes the fun part! While you're waiting for the paint to dry, use your Silhouette (or Cricut) printer (I have the Silhouette Cameo 4 model), to cut out the Masters logo, license plate letters, and azalea flowers, which are a hallmark of the Masters Tournament, as they’re famously featured at Augusta National. Be sure you use outdoor permanent vinyl, ensuring they’ll hold up outdoors. I have had great success using this Cricut vinyl. For the license plate, I cut out the letters GRNJKT, which stands for "Green Jacket"—a perfect nod to the most coveted prize in golf! Both the azaleas and the GRNJKT vinyl details add that special Masters touch.

Step 4: Protect the Birdhouse with Rustoleum Marine Spar Varnish Seal and Protect Your Birdhouse

Now that your design is finished, it’s time to protect your birdhouse with a durable clear coat. Since I live in San Francisco and am so close to the beach, I need a varnish that can stand up to salty air and the coastal climate. For this, I always turn to Rustoleum Marine Spar Varnish—my go-to for outdoor projects. This varnish is UV, salt, and mildew-resistant, making it perfect for coastal environments. It also expands and contracts with changing weather conditions, which is essential in areas where temperatures fluctuate. While it does add a slight tan hue, it’s nothing too drastic and doesn’t alter the colors of the birdhouse too much. Just keep in mind, like most spar varnishes, it doesn’t dry crystal clear as advertised—no spar varnish I’ve ever used does. But it still provides a great protective finish that will keep your birdhouse looking beautiful for years to come!

Step 5: Display Your Masters-Inspired Birdhouse

Now, find the perfect spot for your handmade Masters birdhouse! I placed mine on my favorite olive tree, and it adds a fun pop of color and a bit of personality to the garden. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when we have friends or family over. Everyone loves to ask about it and hear how it’s connected to our family’s love for golf and the Masters.

Watch as I speed through the process of creating this beautiful, handmade Masters-inspired birdhouse—a perfect way to bring a touch of Augusta to your backyard. It was such a fun project to work on, and I hope it inspires you to get creative with your own outdoor decor!

For more crafting ideas, DIY projects, and a peek into my life with golf and family, follow me on Instagram @HappyHappyJoyJoyCrafts. I love sharing my latest creations and giving you all the inspiration you need for your next project. Happy crafting!