Teacup Bird Feeder DIY
July 1, 2016
The other day, I came across a DIY bird feeder made from a teacup and saucer. It just looked so delicate, floating across the tops of flowers in a garden. I imagined one or more in my own garden. It just so happens I have a few antique cups and saucers, which I have been collecting for some time. Okay, there is no way I could bring myself to use those beautiful antique cups and saucers for a bird feeder!
It just so happens that I remember seeing chintz cups at Homegoods, TJMaxx, and even Tuesday Morning! A shopping expedition proves that I am too late for those! I see virtually none that would be appropriate for my garden. The mind is brainstorming again. Back home, looking through the china cabinet, there is a tempting blue patterned cup and saucer. No, they are Haviland China. Can’t do that!
I pull out a fruit patterned teacup and saucer. Then I come across this lovely little cup and saucer I found on sale at Homegoods several years ago. I love the colors. I had bought the last two of these cups and saucers. The sum total was six dollars. Yes, this will do nicely.
Buying The Glue
On my trip, I looked for epoxy like the directions for the bird feeder had said, but found E6000, which said it was industrial strength, clear, and glued products could even be washed in the dishwasher. I opted for this instead of the epoxy.
Copper Pipe and Tube Cap
In addition to the teacup, the saucer, and the glue, a one-half inch copper pipe is needed. I bought the ten-foot length and had the Home Depot associate cut the pipe in half. I probably could have cut it into thirds, but I was thinking a little taller feeder would keep the chipmunks and squirrels from getting into it. We will see about that.
The other item you need is a copper tube cap, which is in the picture above and in the picture below.
This project is so incredibly easy.
The E6000 glue said to be sure the surfaces are clean and dry. Next, rough up the surfaces a little before applying the glue to both surfaces. Wait two minutes. (Waiting is the hardest part!)
Then set the cup on the saucer, push firmly, and turn the cup and saucer upside down.
Sand the little copper tube cap lightly on the end and apply glue to a small area on the bottom of the cup and the end of the copper cap. Then wait two more minutes!
Then place the cap in position, push firmly, and allow to dry for twenty-four hours.
Wait again!
Placing The Bird Feeder
After the cup was in waiting mode, I chose a spot in the garden for the feeder. The cardinals and finches love this birdbath above and are there often. The crabapple tree is nearby, where they perch frequently. This seemed like the perfect location.
Push the copper pipe firmly into the ground as far as you can push it. I have to ask Dave for help. It is just about the same height as the bee balm located right there.
I think it came out pretty cute, but wouldn’t a spiral of three or five in different heights be nice? I will be on the lookout for more teacups so another DIY teacup bird feeder will be on my list of projects…
If this inspires you to try your own DIY teacup birdfeeder, please post a picture of it on social media and tag us @myhumblehomeandgarden.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest so you won’t miss anything! I would love for you to share this post with your friends! They need great ideas, too! Pin it! It only takes a second…
