SSD Bird Projects

Spring is here and the birds are all aflutter! How about trying a few small DIY projects that are for the birds, literally! With a little creativity and a little elbow grease, you can make some adorable (AND Simple!) projects that will have all the birds tweeting! Best of all, these projects are perfect for the kids to make – with a little adult help!

DIY Bird Feeder

SSD Bird Feeder 2This simple feeder can be made with any teacup and saucer!

What You Need:

  • Teacup & Saucer (I used a mug small enough to fit on saucer)
  • Gorilla Glue (or other waterproof adhesive that works with ceramics)
  • Copper Floral Wire (optional)
  • Bird Seed
All you need for this little project!
All you need for this little project!

Directions:

Clean and remove all stickers from the teacup and saucer. Dry thoroughly.

With a spray bottle or damp cloth, moisten the saucer. Using the Gorilla Glue, draw a thin line of glue on the side of the teacup opposite of the handle. Place the teacup, glue side down, on the saucer. Hold in place for two hours. (I used a small hand weight to keep constant pressure and to keep teacup in place.) NOTE: These instructions are specific to using Gorilla Glue as your adhesive. If using something other than Gorilla Glue, follow the directions for that product.

You can use the handle of the cup as a hook, or you can create an extended hanger by using copper floral wire (optional). Use the Gorilla Glue to secure the wire in place on the cup handle.

Add birdseed and hang in location where you can enjoy watching the birds visit!

DIY Birdhouse

SSD Birdhouse 2A little clay pot, a clay saucer, a hole cutter drill bit and you’ve got one cute Birdhouse! This project requires the use of power tools (a drill), so gather your materials before beginning the project!

What You Need:

  • Clay Pot – I had several on hand in case I broke one while drilling (which I did!).
  • Clay Saucer that is a bit larger than the top of clay pot.
  • Electric Drill
  • Hole Cutter Drill Bit, or progressively larger series of drill bits. I used an adjustable hole saw by Skil – Click link to find a Skil Adjustable Dial Saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Protective Eyewear
  • Gorilla Glue
  • Eye Bolt & Nut
  • Two Fender Washers
  • Clear, Protective Coating Spray Paint (I used Krylon Fusion, Clear UV Protection)
  • Acrylic paints, small paintbrushes (optional)
Everything you need to build a simple little birdhouse!
Everything you need to build a simple little birdhouse!

Directions:

Remove all labels from pots and saucers. Soak the pots in water for approximately 5-10 minutes. This will soften the clay and will lessen the likelihood of the pot breaking into shards. (Keep a bucket of water handy while drilling – you may need to dunk the pot in the water occasionally to keep things damp.)

On a safe, flat work surface, using something to secure the pot in place on the work surface, use the drill and hole cutter drill bit to cut the hole in the pot. Be sure to use protective eyewear! Size of hole will depend on the size of the pot. I cut a hole about 1.5 inches in diameter. I also used sand paper to smooth out the edges of the hole.

Turn the pot upside down on a clean, flat work surface. Feed one washer onto the eyebolt, then feed eyebolt through bottom of the pot. Turn pot right side up, feed second washer onto eyebolt. Add the nut and secure the eyebolt to the pot.

Using the Gorilla Glue, and following the directions on the label, glue the saucer to the top of the pot. Allow 2 hours to affix completely.

If desired, paint the birdhouse with acrylic paints. Spray clear, protective coasting spray over entire birdhouse. Hang in a tree and enjoy the new visitors!

 

 

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