We are enjoying the beautiful days that spring brings here in southeastern North Carolina. Our azaleas are starting to bud, the grass is getting greener and I’ve been able to have my windows open for several days.
While I love all the season changes, there is something special about spring; the earth’s awakening from its winter slumber invigorates all of us, plants and animals.
And while it is cliché to reference the singing birds that accompany spring, it is no less true that spring definitely brings more chatter in the bird world. This simple Fanciful DIY Bird Feeder project is truly ‘for the birds.’
Fanciful DIY Bird Feeder
Table of Contents
With some easily sourced items, you can create unique and a Fanciful DIY Bird Feeder for you or to give as gifts this spring.
I’m sure, like mine, your local thrift, Goodwill and Re-Store shops always have a fair inventory of pre-loved silver-plate pieces. I picked up both of these pieces for $10.00.
The tags claimed they were ‘mayonnaise bowls’. I had never heard of silver-plate mayonnaise bowls, but what do I know. I guess there are, or at least there were, folks who serve their mayonnaise in silver or silver-plate bowls. Guess that’s what makes the world go around.
After picking up these pieces, I hightailed it to my Home Depot in search of some sort of something to use as a pole to place the bowls on. I settled on copper tubes…I like the mixed-metals thing. I consulted with my friendly Home Depot employee and ended up with all the items I would need to create my fanciful DIY bird feeder.
What You Need to Create A Fanciful DIY Bird Feeder:
Drill and Drill Bit…I used 1/8” to pre-drill the copper cap and a 3/16” for the actual holes
Optional: Copper Wire/Copper Garland
How To Create Your Fanciful DIY Bird Feeder:
Find the center of the bottom of your vessel. We measured the diameter and drew it on the bottom of our vessel with a sharpie. Then we marked halfway on the diameter line and drew a perpendicular line through the first line. While this method would probably not be endorsed by my High School geometry teacher, it worked perfectly for us.
The silver was soft enough that we did not need to drill pilot or guide holes on it. We used the large drill bit for the hole in the middle of the bowl.
We also used the smaller drill bit and drilled holes through the bowl and the saucer so that any rain would drain through.
Drilling through the copper cap was a little more difficult. The method that worked best for us was to place it in our vise, with wood pieces on either side to protect it from getting damaged. You will definitely need to drill a pilot hole using your smaller drill bit. Once that’s through your cap, switch to your larger drill bit. WORD TO THE WISE: COPPER HAS A HIGH THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY WHICH MEANS….IT GET REALLY HOT WHILE BEING DRILLED. Terry has a blister on his finger to prove it.
Once you have all your holes drilled, it’s just a matter of attaching the end cap to the bowl. I placed a washer between the screw head and the bowl. Then placed the end cap on the bottom of the bowl and placed a nut on the screw.
Screwing the two pieces together was a two-person job for us. One of us held the nut that was in the end cap with pliers while the other one screwed the screw in.
Then we just placed the end cap on the pipe/tube. I didn’t glue the cap on the pipe, but if I need to I can go back and add glue.
I was perfectly happy with the bird feeder at this point, but I have had this copper ivy garland for years and thought it’d be a great adornment on my bird feed. Truthfully, I think I got it the same time I got the copper topper and patina green paint that I used for my bunny. It’s been lying around all this time, trying to find its purpose. I think it finally has! I did search the internet to see if I could find a similar garland but came up empty-handed. If you would like to add something else, you could use some copper wire. You could twist it into a curly cue and attach it.
So there you go! Once you have your materials this fanciful DIY bird feeder is so quick and easy to put together. Start to finish I think it took ½ an hour to assemble the bird feeder. In half an hour you would have a great Mother’s Day gift, birthday gift, housewarming gift or a just-because gift.
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Thanks for your kind comments and we are actually of the same mind! We did drill some small holes in both the saucer and the bowl so that rain would run through. You can see them on the photos of the bird feeder under construction They are pretty tiny! Great minds think alike!
Hugs, Lynn
Hi Jenny…it was so easy to make! I love an easy project, don’t you? Hope you find some great thrift store finds to make one too.
Thanks for swinging by.
Wishing you a happy Tuesday.
Aw Sarah, you are too kind. This bird feeder was really so very easy. The hardest part was finding the the silverplate ‘vessel’ which required going to thrift stores which is really rather fun! Thanks so much for swinging by and leaving your kind comments.
This is indeed a fancy bird feeder. But why should they not have a fancy feeder if the mayonnaise does not. Actually, I’ve never heard of a mayonnaise bowl either let alone a silver-plated one. I guess they make these things up to get us to buy more stuff. I love your end result. It is beautiful and classy. And of course, the crowning glory is the patina filled garland. That alone takes it to another level. All in all a great project, even if it is for the birds! 😉
Completely agree with you Mary…I’ll opt for birdseed over mayonnaise any day! And I am tickled that I held on to that garland all those years…see, my decluttering really had lasting end results! As always, I so appreciate you swinging by and leaving your kind comments.
This is a great idea, Lynn! Just wondering if you have issues with the squirrels? Our squirrels are so brazen that they come up to our second story deck to get to our bird feeders that are hanging out from the railings. I’m always on squirrel watch for our feathered friends.
Hi Carol, yes, we do have brazen squirrels as well and I’ve ceded to them on this feeder. While I would prefer the birds, it’s rather fun to watch them scale the pole and nibble away as well…and luckily birdseed is cheap. Thanks for swinging by today!
Lynn, we are getting lily and tulip starts, they look so pretty and green against the brown mulch and brown grass! And this week the mourning dove is back! Spring is coming! I love having bird feeders and hummingbird feeders in the garden, we love to watch the birds, and it helps to keep them out of my garden! I am going to look at the thrift shop for mayo bowls, lol, or some like these, I love how they look!!!
Yippee…it always nourishes my soul to see the beginnings of spring! So glad it’s popping up in your world. Hope you find some sort of ‘vessel’ for bird seed…the thrift store shopping is always fun! Always appreciate you swinging by with your kind comments.
Hugs, Lynn
Hi Rachel…the elevation of our home is such that I really only have 2 windows that I can see a bird feeder from, and that’s where I have this one. I’m loving having the birds gathering in the tree near the feeder and chirping away and then taking turns at the feeder. It really is just perfect!
Thanks for swinging by.
I love your birdfeeder Lynn! It is so pretty! I really like the way you added the copper vine to the pole. I will have to make me some like this, if it’s tall enough I wouldn’t have to worry about the squirrels get the bird seed like they do with the feeders in the trees. Don’t think that they could climb the copper pipe. But they are tricky little things.
Thanks Linda…I’m pleased with the way it turned out as well. But I have to be honest…the squirrels don’t seem to have any problem. Not sure if they are climbing the copper or jumping from nearby trees, but they are surely finding their way. I’ve rather surrendered to the critters truthfully.
Thanks for visiting…Hugs, Lynn
Hi Beth Ann…wouldn’t it be great to have a whole set of teacups and serving pieces scattered throughout your yard…The birds (and squirrels) would have a ball and it’d be great fun to look at as well. Thanks for swinging by today.
Hugs, LYnn
Gorgeous! Your birds must be feeling pretty posh. The silver just brings a whole new level sophistication to the beginning of spring. Your feeder is lovely. I’ve never seen another one like it!
Aw thanks Kathryn…think my birds are sitting pretty at the moment…well, as long as the squirrels let them at the feeder! I’ve placed it right in front of a window so that we all enjoy seeing them flying in and out.
Thanks for swinging by today.
Hugs, Lynn
Hi Jessica…I love that it was pretty economically sourced…and I think I could actually do it cheaper by buying one long copper pipe and cutting it in half. If I do it again that’s what I’ll do. Thaks for coming by to visit today.
Lynn, this is the classiest bird feeder that I’ve ever seen. I know that as soon as I have a yard, I will definitely make one. It’d be the perfect background to an outdoor tea party!!!
Thanks Gina…it’s pretty fun to look and see the birds sitting in the ‘mayonnaise bowl’…who’d a thunk it!? Love the outdoor tea party image. Beautiful!
Thanks for swinging by, Hugs, Lynn
Hi Candace, so easy to put together but I have so enjoyed having it right outside of my window. Watching the birds come and go (as well as the occasional squirrel) is so relaxing. Thanks for swinging by today.
Thanks Crystal! A really easy project and done that I”m really enjoying from my window on a daily basis. Just watching the birds come and go is very blood pressure reducing.
Thanks for coming by today.
I love bird feeders! They represent something so peaceful, don’t they? You did such a wonderful design with this one here. I like that you used such a deep bowl. Beautiful:)
Hi Ilka! So glad you didn’t go to SPAm! ? I’m with you…I could sit and watch the birds come and go from the bird feeder for hours…me, my kitty Puddles and my pup Flora! It is mesmerizing. I do love the feeder and made another to give to my mom for Mother’s Day (hope she’s not reading the comments!). Wishing you a lovely weekend.
Oh Marie…I’m giddy! Thanks so much for featuring my bird feeder! You throw a great party, so I will definitely be back this Sunday. Have a great weekend. Lynn
I raced over to see the birds at the feeder because the wings looked so round and smooth. Could it be a breed I don’t know? Wow, my eyes!!!Time to get my glasses renewed! But so pleased I stopped in to “see” your DIY feeder! It’s gorgeous! Thank you for sharing!!!
Hi Robin…Did you ever figure out what kind of bird it was? The primary visitors to my feeder are cardinals and titmice…and of course, squirrels. I am so glad you enjoyed my feeder and I so appreciate you stopping by today with your kind words.
Wishing you a lovely Tuesday.
Many hugs, Lynn
Jeanette…I don’t know how I missed your question! I am so sorry. I just pushed the copper pipe well into the ground, twisting it as it went in to make sure it was deep enough and stable.It has been several months now and it it holding up well. I will say that it is visited frequently by squirrels and their weight does knock it off center a bit, but I just straighten it when I refill it.
Once again, I am so sorry for the late response!
Hope your week is wonderful
Hugs, Lynn
It’s fabulous. I want to make one! -Happy Monday 🙂 Jenny
It is beautiful but I see a problem if it rains. Maybe drain holes should have been drilled so the seeds don’t swim?
Thanks for your kind comments and we are actually of the same mind! We did drill some small holes in both the saucer and the bowl so that rain would run through. You can see them on the photos of the bird feeder under construction They are pretty tiny! Great minds think alike!
Hugs, Lynn
Hi Jenny…it was so easy to make! I love an easy project, don’t you? Hope you find some great thrift store finds to make one too.
Thanks for swinging by.
Wishing you a happy Tuesday.
Hugs, Lynn
I LOVE this, Lynn – you are just so talented and make everything look so easy!
Aw Sarah, you are too kind. This bird feeder was really so very easy. The hardest part was finding the the silverplate ‘vessel’ which required going to thrift stores which is really rather fun! Thanks so much for swinging by and leaving your kind comments.
Hugs, Lynn
This is indeed a fancy bird feeder. But why should they not have a fancy feeder if the mayonnaise does not. Actually, I’ve never heard of a mayonnaise bowl either let alone a silver-plated one. I guess they make these things up to get us to buy more stuff. I love your end result. It is beautiful and classy. And of course, the crowning glory is the patina filled garland. That alone takes it to another level. All in all a great project, even if it is for the birds! 😉
Completely agree with you Mary…I’ll opt for birdseed over mayonnaise any day! And I am tickled that I held on to that garland all those years…see, my decluttering really had lasting end results! As always, I so appreciate you swinging by and leaving your kind comments.
Hugs, Lynn
This is a great idea, Lynn! Just wondering if you have issues with the squirrels? Our squirrels are so brazen that they come up to our second story deck to get to our bird feeders that are hanging out from the railings. I’m always on squirrel watch for our feathered friends.
Hi Carol, yes, we do have brazen squirrels as well and I’ve ceded to them on this feeder. While I would prefer the birds, it’s rather fun to watch them scale the pole and nibble away as well…and luckily birdseed is cheap. Thanks for swinging by today!
Hugs, Lynn
Lynn, we are getting lily and tulip starts, they look so pretty and green against the brown mulch and brown grass! And this week the mourning dove is back! Spring is coming! I love having bird feeders and hummingbird feeders in the garden, we love to watch the birds, and it helps to keep them out of my garden! I am going to look at the thrift shop for mayo bowls, lol, or some like these, I love how they look!!!
Yippee…it always nourishes my soul to see the beginnings of spring! So glad it’s popping up in your world. Hope you find some sort of ‘vessel’ for bird seed…the thrift store shopping is always fun! Always appreciate you swinging by with your kind comments.
Hugs, Lynn
This bird feeder is beautiful. My boys and I love listening to the birds singing in the morning.
Hi Rachel…the elevation of our home is such that I really only have 2 windows that I can see a bird feeder from, and that’s where I have this one. I’m loving having the birds gathering in the tree near the feeder and chirping away and then taking turns at the feeder. It really is just perfect!
Thanks for swinging by.
Hugs, Lynn
I love your birdfeeder Lynn! It is so pretty! I really like the way you added the copper vine to the pole. I will have to make me some like this, if it’s tall enough I wouldn’t have to worry about the squirrels get the bird seed like they do with the feeders in the trees. Don’t think that they could climb the copper pipe. But they are tricky little things.
Thanks Linda…I’m pleased with the way it turned out as well. But I have to be honest…the squirrels don’t seem to have any problem. Not sure if they are climbing the copper or jumping from nearby trees, but they are surely finding their way. I’ve rather surrendered to the critters truthfully.
Thanks for visiting…Hugs, Lynn
I love these and they would go right along with teacups that I have mounted on rebar rods! 🙂 Thanks!
Hi Beth Ann…wouldn’t it be great to have a whole set of teacups and serving pieces scattered throughout your yard…The birds (and squirrels) would have a ball and it’d be great fun to look at as well. Thanks for swinging by today.
Hugs, LYnn
Gorgeous! Your birds must be feeling pretty posh. The silver just brings a whole new level sophistication to the beginning of spring. Your feeder is lovely. I’ve never seen another one like it!
Aw thanks Kathryn…think my birds are sitting pretty at the moment…well, as long as the squirrels let them at the feeder! I’ve placed it right in front of a window so that we all enjoy seeing them flying in and out.
Thanks for swinging by today.
Hugs, Lynn
This is so beautiful! It’s hard to believe that you made this and didn’t spend a ton of money on it at some fancy store. I love the copper!
Hi Jessica…I love that it was pretty economically sourced…and I think I could actually do it cheaper by buying one long copper pipe and cutting it in half. If I do it again that’s what I’ll do. Thaks for coming by to visit today.
Hugs, Lynn
Lynn, this is the classiest bird feeder that I’ve ever seen. I know that as soon as I have a yard, I will definitely make one. It’d be the perfect background to an outdoor tea party!!!
Thanks Gina…it’s pretty fun to look and see the birds sitting in the ‘mayonnaise bowl’…who’d a thunk it!? Love the outdoor tea party image. Beautiful!
Thanks for swinging by, Hugs, Lynn
Lynn, I love those silver plated mayonnaise bowls! Your bird feeder turned out great.
Hey Cathy…had you ever heard of a mayonnaise bowl before? Think it’s a hoot that it was actually labelled that. Thanks for swinging by.
Hugs, Lynn
This is gorgeous and pretty simple to put together. Great post.
Hi Candace, so easy to put together but I have so enjoyed having it right outside of my window. Watching the birds come and go (as well as the occasional squirrel) is so relaxing. Thanks for swinging by today.
Hugs, Lynn
Love this! I would have never thought to do this. You did such a great job!
Thanks Crystal! A really easy project and done that I”m really enjoying from my window on a daily basis. Just watching the birds come and go is very blood pressure reducing.
Thanks for coming by today.
Hugs, Lynn
I love bird feeders! They represent something so peaceful, don’t they? You did such a wonderful design with this one here. I like that you used such a deep bowl. Beautiful:)
Hi Ilka! So glad you didn’t go to SPAm! ? I’m with you…I could sit and watch the birds come and go from the bird feeder for hours…me, my kitty Puddles and my pup Flora! It is mesmerizing. I do love the feeder and made another to give to my mom for Mother’s Day (hope she’s not reading the comments!). Wishing you a lovely weekend.
Hugs, LYnn
Lynn, I’m featuring your awesome bird feeder this weekend at the DIY Sunday Showcase party – love it!
Oh Marie…I’m giddy! Thanks so much for featuring my bird feeder! You throw a great party, so I will definitely be back this Sunday. Have a great weekend. Lynn
I raced over to see the birds at the feeder because the wings looked so round and smooth. Could it be a breed I don’t know? Wow, my eyes!!!Time to get my glasses renewed! But so pleased I stopped in to “see” your DIY feeder! It’s gorgeous! Thank you for sharing!!!
Hi Robin…Did you ever figure out what kind of bird it was? The primary visitors to my feeder are cardinals and titmice…and of course, squirrels. I am so glad you enjoyed my feeder and I so appreciate you stopping by today with your kind words.
Wishing you a lovely Tuesday.
Many hugs, Lynn
Great idea but I have a question. Do you put the copper pipe into the ground or is it weighted down with something? ?
Jeanette…I don’t know how I missed your question! I am so sorry. I just pushed the copper pipe well into the ground, twisting it as it went in to make sure it was deep enough and stable.It has been several months now and it it holding up well. I will say that it is visited frequently by squirrels and their weight does knock it off center a bit, but I just straighten it when I refill it.
Once again, I am so sorry for the late response!
Hope your week is wonderful
Hugs, Lynn