These handmade ideas are strictly for the birds (and maybe the rogue squirrel).
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There's something magical about watching birds up close. Their beautiful colors and alert eyes will fill you with wonder and awe. So why not welcome them to come and sit a spell in your backyard with a DIY bird feeder? Whether you have spare wood or branches, plastic bottles, or other household items on hand, there's a simple, cheap way to make them into a feeding spot for feathered friends.
Making a bird feeder is just one of many backyard ideas we have that won't break the bank (including creating enchanting DIY fairy gardens!). You can also use your feeder to add interest to your front porch (here's 80+ more ways to do so while you are at it). The possibilities are endless, and they sure to delight your family and anyone who visits your outdoor space (hopefully at just the right timing to catch birds' visits). And don't forget to get your kids, or nieces and nephews, to join in on the DIY fun (and bird watching) too.
So pull out your glue gun, grab some nuts and seeds, and get to DIY-ing with these ideas. You can follow one of these specific DIY how-tos step-by-step, or you can use any or all of them to inspire your own creation. Happy birdwatching!
1
Pine Cone Bird Feeders
Grab your binoculars: These pine cone feeders will bring all the birds to your yard! Let the fluttering begin.
To make: Wrap a length of string around the top stem of the pine cone. Fill the opening of the pine cone with peanut butter then roll the whole pine cone in bird seed. Hang outside from a tree branch. Remove and refill as needed.
2
Milk Carton Bird Feeder
Crafter extraordinaire Hilary Giambalvo of Design Improvised worked with Country Living to create this super colorful bird feeder made from an empty milk carton. Kids will love helping out with this project!
To make: Cut a house-shaped hole in one of the large panels of an empty half-gallon paper milk carton. Paint carton with craft paint. Once dry, add details using washi tape. To create a perch, poke a hole just below the opening, and insert a painted wooden dowel; glue in place. Cut 10 rainbow craft sticks to size; glue onto slope to create shingles. Add a cardstock paper eave above the opening; glue in place. Glue twine under the top of the carton, and tie together to hang. Fill opening with birdseed.
3
Branch Bird Feeder
Transform a fallen branch into a feeder where birds can come to have a quick snack.
To make: Screw a screw eye bolt into the top of the branch for hanging. Drill holes in a branch using a spade bit. Fill holes with peanut butter then bird seed. Thread a length of rope through the bolt and hang. Refill as needed.
4
Dinnerware Bird Feeder
Melamine is the perfect material to make this cute and colorful bird feeder from because you don't have to worry about it breaking.
Get the tutorial.
5
Colorful Bird Feeder
This adorable, springy craft doesn't require any real tools at all (save for glue and paint), and you can customize the colors however you like.
Get the tutorial at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.
6
Cookie Cutter Bird Seed Feeders
A bird feeder that's toddler-friendly, this craft can be adapted for any size or shape of cookie cutter, and hardens overnight.
Get the tutorial at Mama.Papa.Bubba.
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7
Wine Bottle Bird Feeder
Have an empty wine bottle at home? Turn it into a bird feeder! All you need is some wood, a few tools, the bottle, to make this charming home.
Get the tutorial at Momma Young at Home.
8
Soda Bottle Bird Feeder
Empty soda bottles can pile up quickly. Instead of sending them to a landfill, recycle them while simultaneously perking up your garden.
Get the tutorial at Here Comes the Sun.
9
Tea Cup Bird Feeder
Ring in spring with an ode to tea time. Even if you don't have a green thumb, your garden will look better than ever thanks to this elegant craft.
Get the tutorial at Practically Functional.
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10
Tea Cup Candle Sconce Bird Feeder
All of the supplies you need for this feeder can be found at the dollar store.
Get the tutorial at DIY Show Off.
11
Bird and Butterfly Water Feeder
While this bird feeder won't feed your flying friends, it will keep them (and butterflies!) hydrated.
Get the tutorial at Empress of Dirt.
12
Dinnerware Bird Feeder
This clever bird feeder, made from a bowl and a plate, costs less than $8 to assemble.
Get the tutorial at Erin's Creative Energy.
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13
Acorn Bird Feeder
How cute is this acorn-shaped feeder? It's the perfect way to add some personality to your porch.
Get the tutorial at Tried and True.
14
Pine Cone Bird Feeders
Bird feeders aren't just for the spring. In the fall, pairing pine cones with peanut butter and seeds makes for a quick and fun feeder the whole family can make together.
Get the tutorial at Freebie Finding Mom.
15
Glass Shade Bird Feeder
This budget-friendly project takes under 10 minutes to pull off, adding a decorative modern touch to your yard.
Get the tutorial at The Art of Doing Stuff.
Marlisse Cepeda
Web Editor
Marlisse is the Web Editor of WomansDay.com, and she hails from Bronx, NY. She's currently obsessed with newsblogging, Instagramming just about everything, and, of course, Netflix (with wine).
Charlyne Mattox
Food and Crafts Director
Charlyne Mattox is Food and Crafts Director for Country Living.
