Attention birdwatchers and garden lovers! We have a new fun DIY idea for you. How about making a great teacup bird feeder? You can follow along with the YouTube video tutorial that shows you how to make a super cute bird feeder using a recycled teacup and saucer.

This project is easy on the wallet and will bring a magical feel to your garden space that you, as well as the birds, will appreciate!

What You’ll Need

First things first, let’s get all the supplies you will need:

• A teacup and saucer (thrift store finds are perfect!)
• A screw and washer
• A wooden dowel (available at home improvement stores)
• A diamond tip drill bit
• Duct tape
• Safety equipment (glasses and mask)
• A spare piece of wood for drilling
• A screw gun
• Stain or paint (optional)
• A plant pot filled with soil and rocks (optional for stability)

Step 1: Preparing the Teacup and Saucer

Begin by choosing a teacup with a matching saucer that you like. You might find some at a thrift store. Look for teacups that have fun patterns and bright colors.

Step 2: Drilling Holes

For drilling holes in the teacup and saucer:

1. Secure the Saucer: Place a piece of duct tape where you plan to drill your hole in the saucer. This will provide grip for the drill bit and prevent it from sliding around.
2. Angle the Drill: Begin drilling at an angle to start the hole. Once the bit grips, slowly move it upright. Let the drill do the work without applying too much pressure to avoid breaking the saucer.
3. Drill the Teacup: Repeat the process for the teacup, using duct tape to help grip and starting the hole at an angle.

Step 3: Assembling the Feeder

It’s time to put together your bird feeder now that you have holes in the teacup and the saucer.

1. Insert the Washer and Screw: Place the washer inside the teacup, then insert the screw through the teacup hole, ensuring that the screw head doesn’t fall through.
2. Attach to the Saucer: Thread the screw through the saucer’s hole.
3. Secure to the Dowel: Drill a pilot hole in the wooden dowel and then screw the teacup and saucer assembly into the dowel. This will keep everything sturdy and secure.

Step 4: Adding Finishing Touches

The wooden dowel can be customized to fit the aesthetic of your garden.

1. Staining the Dowel: Choose a stain (like ash) and apply it to the dowel. Let it dry overnight. This not only enhances the look but also weatherproofs the wood.
2. Painting the Dowel: If you prefer, you can paint the dowel to coordinate with your teacup and saucer. Make sure to use a weatherproof sealer over the paint.

Step 5: Setting Up Your Bird Feeder

To install your bird feeder:

1. Use a Plant Pot (Optional): Fill a plant pot with soil and place the dowel into the pot. Surround it with rocks to secure it. This makes it easy to move around your garden.
2. Direct Ground Installation: Alternatively, use a rubber mallet to hammer the dowel directly into the soil, or secure it with a metal stake and zip ties.

Step 6: Enjoying Your Bird Feeder

Once you’ve filled your new bird feeder with birdseed and set it up in your garden, you should get to watch the birds show up in minutes.

Having this feeder means you can feed birds and beautify your garden at the same time! For a more playful setting, you can form an eclectic grouping of teacups and saucers of varying colors and patterns.

Conclusion

Make this DIY teacup bird feeder project to attract birds to your garden while upcycling old dishes.

Enjoy watching birds in your backyard? Give this simple, budget-friendly option that you can adjust to your liking a try!

Crafts by Amanda has hosted many wonderful ideas on garden upcycling projects.