For the Birds
Here are some really fun and whimsical garden projects to attract birds to your garden. If you have any problems or questions please email me.
Apple Bird Feeder
Isn't this adorable? It is made from a 2 liter plastic soda bottle that is painted white for the core in the center and red like the peel on each end with a hole cut into the side to fill the bottle with seed and feed the birds from. A few black apple seeds are painted around the hole. Then silk leaves are tied on around the bottom of the cap with some raffia. A firm wire is place below the hole for the birds to stand on as they eat. This is hung from the branch of a tree with some rope or wire and will be admired and copied by all who see it! I can imagine some other fruits that would be very cute too. Try oranges, lemons, watermelon, green apples, plums, or peaches. Let your imagination create some fun new ideas!
Tea Cup Bird Feeder
This is easy and fun to do. There are hundreds of variations
too. You can paint your teacup any way you'd like. Garage sale finds are welcome
and a very economical way to get this project done cheaply.
You need:
Cup and saucer
A wooden dowel
Strong adhesive glue (such as Liquid Nails
brand)
Glue the dowel to the bottom of the saucer. Glue the cup onto
the top of the saucer. Let the adhesive dry and set for the amount of time
suggested on the package directions. Then when the glue is firmly set stick the
dowel in the ground and fill the cup with bird seed and enjoy the tea party!
Terra Cotta Pot Bird Bath
Terra Cotta Pot Bird Bath
Maybe you have seen these before. They sure are a popular hang
out for the birds! It is easy
to make and you have so many decorating choices to make in your design. Have
fun!
You will need:
1 each: 12", 14", 16" terra cotta flower
pot
1- 20" diameter clay saucer that is waterproof on the
inside
(for the Kitty Kat feeder/bath you will also need the smaller
pots for the ears. Be sure to glue them on securely!)
Exterior paints in assorted colors for your design along with
stencils, stamps or decals.
Patio Paint clear gloss or oil based sealant to seal the pots
before painting
Paint brushes and sponges
Liquid Nails Adhesive
Water based polyurethane
Sand Paper
To begin, sand any rough spots or loose clay particles from the
rim and edges. Stack the pots starting with the largest upside down on the
bottom then the medium and then the small. Mark a line below the rims where the
pots meet together so you will know where they overlap and your design won't be
hidden.
Unstack the pots and seal the inside of the pots and the saucer
(if you didn't buy a waterproof saucer) and seal the rim of the large 16" pot
that will be sitting on the ground. Seal and then let the pots sit in the sun to
"bake" the sealant in so it will set quicker. Then let them dry
completely.
Paint your design and decorate to your desire. Use stamps,
stencils, animals, flowers whatever you like. Let dry. When completely dry, seal
with three coats of the water based polyurethane on all areas, letting each coat
dry in between. Water based polyurethane will leave a clear coat where as an
oil based polyurethane will cause a yellow or amber tint which will discolor
your design.
Glue the saucer to the small 12" pot so the critters won't tip
it off and break it as they climb up to get food or water. Run a bead of Liquid
Nails on the pot where it will be attached to the saucer. Turn the saucer over
on the floor and place the small pot in the center and let dry according to the
Liquid nails package directions.
Starting with the largest pot carefully stack the pots into
position. If they wiggle place some weather stripping or small pieces of foam
hidden in between the rims of the pots to stabilize the wiggle. Gently place
the pot with the saucer glued to it on the top of the stack. Fill the saucer
with water for a bird bath or bird food for a bird feeder.
Bird Feeder Wreath
Bird Feeder Wreath
To Make a wreath that the birds will love to eat you will
need:
A straw wreath
Glue gun or Elmer's brand glue
Some edibles for the birds are:
* dried whole sunflower seeds
* popcorn cobs
* bird seeds of all types
* pine cones
* dried flowers
* herbs
* wheat
* acorns (wood peckers favorite)
Once the birds have eaten the things glued to the wreath you
can usually glue more on it and reuse the wreath over and over. The birds will
be looking forward to it!
