DIY Bird Feeder Using a Vintage Snack Set
This week has been spring break and I’ve spent my time getting my home and garden ready for spring. In celebration of spring, I’m sharing how I’m decorating my flower beds outside with DIY bird feeders that I made using vintage snack sets.
If you like to thrift shop, you’ve probably spotted snack sets for sale. The cup is offset on the plate to make room for snacks. I’m sure that ladies used to enjoy using these while they socialized, but times have changed, and people don’t use dishes like these anymore.
I’ve tried to sell snack sets in my shop and they don’t move. Rather than have the numerous snack sets that I own sit in a box in my basement, I’ve repurposed them into bird feeders. I think these are charming and I hope that my customers have the same opinion.
My mom has at least twenty snack plates in this wheat pattern. The wheat sheaves on the plate are gold like those on the cup. Can’t you see a bird perching on the plate to eat?
This is a very easy DIY that takes very little time to make.
How to Make a DIY Bird Feeder Using a Vintage Snack Set
Materials
Snack Set
1/2” Copper Pipe
3/4” x 1/2” Copper Coupling
Epoxy
Pipe Cutter
Measuring Tape
Procedure
1. Use a pipe cutter to cut the pipe to the desired height. I cut mine at 4 feet. This was my first time using a pipe cutter and I was surprised how easy it was to use. If you don’t have a pipe cutter, ask the guys at your hardware store to cut it for you.
2. Sand the end of the pipe until the coupling slides on and off easily.
3. Sand the bottom of the plate in the center where the coupling will be glued into place with epoxy.
4. Squirt a small amount of epoxy onto a scrap board.
5. Stir the epoxy with a piece of scrap dowel or popsicle stick until it turns white.
6. Spread the epoxy onto the center of the plate and also on the bottom edge of the coupling. Press the coupling into place. The epoxy will dry in five minutes. After the epoxy is dry, flip the plate over and glue the cup into place.
7. Find a spot in your yard or garden where you will enjoy watching birds eat from your DIY bird feeder. Push the copper pipe into the ground, place the snack set on top, fill with seed, and then wait for the birds to come enjoy.
I am so happy to find a way to repurpose my snack sets into something that can be enjoyed outdoors.
If you like this project, I would love for you to pin it for others to discover.
Cute and purposeful! What a clever way to use those “snack sets.” I have been thinking of getting some of those plates and teacups for my tea parties, but have not done so since I have lots of cups and probably don’t need any more dishes! However, this is so smart – I may just have to pick up a couple – we feed the birds anyway and this is a cute idea and these “feeders” would be easy to clean!
That is so sweet Paula!! I need to make one. 🙂
Such a great idea Paula! I’m sure thrift stores are filled with vintage cups and saucers and this is the perfect way for people to upcycle them!
Paula what an adorable repurpose for these cups and saucers! I bet they sell like hot cakes for you now. Pinning to share and have a great weekend.
These are so cute. A neighbor has done something similar in his front yard and I’ve been wanting to try something just like this. Thanks for the great step by step instructions
Glad you like this project, Colleen, and I hope that you can make your own very soon. I couldn’t believe how quickly this went together.
Paula
This is darling Paula! You come across these tea sets at yard sales all of the time! This is the perfect use for them!
These are adorable! We have a ton of vintage snack sets in a box in the garage. You’ve motivated me to think about repurposing them:) Sharing & pinning your fabulous idea!
Thanks, Wendi! I see snack sets at Goodwill frequently. I like the idea of them but know that I’ll never use them for their intended purpose. A bird feeder is something that I’ll definitely use.
Paula
Really charming and a nice way to use those stray teacups. Would love to feature this next week – do you have a link party page? I couldn’t find one or if you add links anywhere. If you do just let me know so I can share it. Thanks for linking up to Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do!
I would love for you to feature my project, Cheryl. I forgot to add my share section to the bottom of my post but it’s there now.
Paula
Absolutely adorable!! This has been on my to do list. I’ve got all the parts I need (except the coupling-that’s good to know!) Can’t wait to assemble mine now I have your tutorial. Thank you!
I’m so glad that you have what you need to make yours, Daria. I’m hoping to get to Lowe’s this week to get supplies to make a few more.
Paula
I just love this and I know my birds would too…and the squirrels. Pinned to the Merry Monday party board. I’ll be sharing this on my FB page tomorrow morning.
Super cute and something that probably looks so pretty in your garden. I’m sure the birds are loving it too! Visiting from The DIY Collective.
love the bird feeder idea pinning and sharing thanks
That is absolutely adorable and such easy to follow instructions too. Thanks. Pinned.
What a cute idea, you could fill the cup with water too. My only problem would be keeping the squirrels out of it, LOL!! Visiting from Vintage Charm.
What a great idea! So cute and I love being able to reuse items I have around the house. Thanks for sharing the easy instructions. Pinned!
Very cute, Paula! Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm. Pinned!
Great minds think alike 🙂 I posted some projects with tea cups this week as well! Thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!
These are so sweet! The birds must be encouraged by them!
I the vintage idea for bird feeders.
I’m starting to work on mune.
I can picture my birds have a TEA PARTY!?
I am so glad that you are making some of these for your garden. I hope that the birds enjoy eating out of them.
Paula
Have you ever tried drilling holes in it for when it fills up with rain water? I made one and the seeds sprouted and started growling after a rain!
That is a good idea, Nancy! I haven’t tried it but now I want to.
Paula
How cute is this little bird feeder? I love it and am sure to make one this summer.
I have a whole set of china with projects like this I want to do Paula! Maybe you come over and we can get these done! LOL! I love this idea!
This project is pretty quick once you get going on it.
Paula