DIY Birdfeeder: Use Terra Cotta Pots and Your Imagination

For my birthday, one of my presents is something I have wanted for a long time: the bird feeder you see in the photos.

My daughter worked on it while trying to keep me from seeing it which was tricky as we visit back and forth often.

It is the coolest!! I can hardly wait to see the birdies flock to enjoy it.

The directions on how to make your very own is given in this article.

Use of terra cotta pots has become a way that many have chosen to express their creativity. There are many ways to paint or cover them to turn them into attractive and unusual gifts or décor for your home.

Years ago, back in the 90s in fact, I began making DIY creations using terra cotta pots. They were rarely seen at that time.

Since then, they have become a common sight on the internet and in stores. Making your own, produces a gift or décor for your home that is from your heart. And they will outshine most you can find in any store.

These pots can be expensive. Watch for them to go on sale.

Another way to cut down on the expense is to watch for them at yard sales and flea markets.

Sometimes you can find used ones for a fraction of the cost of the ones in the store.

Often they are not clean when you buy them second hand. But it is easy to wash them and reuse them.

Just be certain that you allow them to dry thoroughly before painting.

MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED

Flat, outdoor paint

Craft paints (assorted colors)

4 terra cotta pots (these were 8 inches tall)

2 terra cotta saucers ---1-10 inch & 2-8 inch

Paint brushes (medium size for painting pots;

Small for writing names on the saucers)

Epoxy for joining pots together

Acrylic spray

Covered work space to avoid spills

»Work in a well-ventilated area; outside is best.

Paint each pot with your flat paint. Two coats is best.

Allow to dry completely.

Invert the pots. And drip one color of paint down the sides of each pot.

After you have allowed the first color to dry, repeat using a second color, and a third or fourth if desired.

The idea is to have enough paint so that it ‘runs’ down the side of the pot giving the effect shown in the photos.

After all layers of paint are thoroughly dry, 24 hours is recommended, spray with acrylic spray and let dry.

The spray dries quickly.

Then connect pots using the arrangement shown in the photo. Use epoxy to insure the pots are well glued.

Have your children dip their hands in paint and make a hand print in the saucers.

Then write (or have children) write their names and the date in the saucer as well.

To make the little abstract butterflies on the side of the pot, YOU dip your thumbs and pinkie fingers in paint and then press on the pot.

Allow to dry at least 12 hours.

Spray well with acrylic spray.

Connect the small saucer to the large one using epoxy. These saucers will hold your birdseed and water for visiting birds.

Allow both the pots and the saucers to dry for another 24 hours to set the epoxy well.

Has reading this inspired the creative YOU to decorate a bird feeder for your yard?

There is no wrong way to do this. Let your imagination run wild.

Be as conservative or as whimsical as you dare.

Perhaps make it a family project.

Get started today.

Voila…you have an imaginative bird feeder for your yard or for a gift.

Make it your own:

Use larger pots if desired.

Paint in whatever design you prefer.

Choose to paint the saucers too if you wish.

Most important of all...have fun!!