There isn't a whole lot of supplies that you need for this.
- Drill and standard drill bit (if you are choosing to use a melamine bowl and plate like I did)
- Bowl and Plate (mine came from Target at less than $2 each)
- Large carriage bolt, I used 10"x 5/8"
- Three washers that will fit your bolt
- Three nuts that will fit your bolt
- Glue (I like to use CA glue)
- If you use a carriage bolt like myself, you will also need some nylon cord
Even with the block of wood, because the bowl and plate isn't perfectly flat, you might have a bit of chipping, but that shouldn't be a problem. You are just trying to avoid cracking the plate or having a large blow out.
See, even mine chipped. Not a big deal, it won't be seen. Once you drill the holes in the center of your bowl and plate, it's time to assemble your piece.
Place a washer on your bolt and then bring your bolt up through the bottom part of your bowl.
It will be very wobbly, so you will need to sandwich the washers around the bowl with glue. The order goes, washer, glue, bowl, glue, washer.
Then you will take a nut and thread it a few inches down. Your plate will sit directly on top of this nut.
Place your plate on the nut, then thread another nut so that the plate sits between the two. Hand tighten them so your plate doesn't move, but not so hard that you crack the plate.
Then place another washer and another nut on your bolt. This step is only necessary if you used a carriage bolt like I did. If you found a large eye bolt, your assembly will be in reverse.
I will show you the the reason for the stacking of the nuts and washers on the top. Did you ever do make lanyard keychains/bracelets out of the plastic cord as a kid? I hope so, because that is how you are going to make your loop. So, cut yourself two pieces of nylon cord about 2 feet long each.
First, tie a simple overhand knot (the first knot you make when tying a shoe) with each piece of cord. Make sure the knot is around the middle of the cord.
Then you start doing a lanyard knot (technically called a crown sinnet knot) over the top of the washer, but make sure your overhand knot stays tight while doing so. If you aren't comfortable with your overhand knot, glue it before proceeding to your crown sinnet knot.
I found a great animation on how to do the crown sinnet knot...so if you don't understand how to do it, please visit Animated Knots by Grog to check it out.
Once you have created a few inches of the crown sinnet knot, take two strands of cord and make some loops like so. You will then take your two remaining strands of cord and tie an overhand knot around the base of your loops.
Pull it very tight. You don't want it to come loose. Then, cut the excess cord off. Cut close to the base of your knot
You will need to burn the ends of your nylon cord. This will cause it to melt and expand a little. This will make sure your cord doesn't unravel and your knots won't come out. The above photo shows burned cord ends on the right, and unburned ones on the left.
All you have left to do is go fill your bowl with bird seed, hang it outside and wait to see what feathery friends come to visit. It took less than a day for my first feathery friend to discover the new bird feeder. Once that happened, I've had regular visitors ever since!
I hope you create your own bird feeder. I would love to see pics of any you make! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Sharing this over at:
Momnivore's Dilemma - Creative Juice
Sew Many Ways - Sew Darn Crafty
Not Just a Housewife - Show Me What Ya Got

Congratulations, Erin, on your win. What a clever idea for a bird feeder.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThanks for this wonderful idea... I just love the colors you used. I will make a few for myself and my children.. again thanks for this ~ wonderful ~ ides...We I get them done I will send you photos.
DeleteNancy
Erin..this is a wonderful idea..I can not wait to try and make one..its so cute and cute..
DeleteThis is an Excellent invention! You rock!
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Claudine.
DeleteThis is adorable. Great idea! Congratulations on your win!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThis is really adorable! I'd love to make one of these for my dad, but his wife doesn't like all of the birds making a mess in the yard (and he already has quite a few feeders!). I might change my mind, though, since it is so cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you. It's a great feeder! The best part is the squirrels have a tendency to slide off the top. I hope you make one and would love to see it if you do.
DeleteWow what an amazing bird feeder. You deserve to win. Ali x
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI love this I think that my son (almost 3) and I will have to make one he would love it. I pinned this project and I am sure I will be doing one soon. (I am visiting from not just a housewife link-up party, shaffer-sister.blogspot.com)
ReplyDeleteMy 4 year old loves it. He is always asking which bird is which and will shush everyone when birds are present and he wants to watch them.
DeleteThanks for sharing, its such a great project. I especially love all of your beautiful 'visitors'!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteLove it! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Grace
You've been Candoodled! I *love* this project so I've shared it. Check it out:
ReplyDeletehttp://candoodles.blogspot.com/2012/06/upcycle-serve-up-bird-feeder.html
2200+ views so far and at least 800 "pins" that I can see. Not surprised you took first place! :)
Love this!
ReplyDeleteI love this project and just rummaged through some second hand stores for a few cute cups and saucers. I'm wondering if it would work with a dowel instead of the carriage bold. Or maybe I could just paint the bolt. Or maybe try hanging the cup using a chain or something. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteThe hardest part with a dowel would be figuring out how to attach a hook. If it was a large enough dowel you could screw a hook into the top. You could also definitely paint the bolt. The chain I don't think would work because the cup/bowl would tip over anytime a bird landed on the edge. Good luck with building one, I would to see a picture of one if you build it.
DeleteShared on the official CSF facebook, thanks !
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/Creationsetsavoirfaire
How did you get the bowl to stop wobbling? I made this today, using the exact materials you used, and the bowl has nothing to stick to and keeps rocking back and forth - perhaps Gorilla Glue's expansion while drying will help?
ReplyDeleteIt's a fail so far - it's Soooooo cute though! :)
It is very wobbly until you set the washers and bowl with glue. If it's still wobbly, add more glue around the hole in the bowl where the bolt goes through.
DeleteThanks!
DeleteI love this and can't wait to make one!! The knot is a great touch. Duct tape or shipping tape over where you will drill also helps keep down chipping. That works for ceramic too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip!
DeleteIf you drill twice once with a smaller bit first then change to a larger one it might not chip at all. Or try taping the spot on both sides first and that may also help.
ReplyDeleteAlso you may use a dowel rod with a hook or circular end instead of a flat head...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much...love it!
ReplyDeleteMy BFF and I got the supplies to make the feeder today. We found the plates and bowls at the local St. Vinney's shop. We came home and put it right together, no problem. The plate did chip a bit, and the bowl some tiny cracks, but the washers cover all the little flaws! Thank you so much for this tutorial! I'd love to send you a pic, but not sure how to do it. :-)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! So glad to hear it. You can e-mail me pics, I would love to see them. erin (dot) morey gmail.com
DeleteErin, I HAD to tackle this and I am HOOKED! I did make a couple modifications and will try and get a better picture tonight. I bought the target plates/bowls and drilled holes. I was able to find a 12 eye hook, and then bought Copper pipe (plumbing section) to slip in between the Plate and bowl. You then use the nut on the bottom and there's not a WIGGLE to be found! =) The copper will then patina as well... Will send you a pic tonight from the yard...
ReplyDeleteI would love to see your finished bird feeder!
DeleteWOW !! pretty, elegant, durable... such a good idea. I will make one or two for my garden. THank you very much for your idea.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. I would love to see any photos you take of yours.
DeleteErin,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
Wonderful idea. Can I share?
Thank you!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT IDEA, CANT WAIT TO MAKE A COUPLE FOR MY OWN BIRDS. I ENJOY MAKING BIRD TOYS OUT OF USED BABY TOYS, THAT I GET AT FLEA MARKETS AND YARD SALES.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT IDEA, CANT WAIT TO MAKE A COUPLE FOR MY OWN BIRDS. I ENJOY MAKING BIRD TOYS OUT OF USED BABY TOYS, THAT I GET AT FLEA MARKETS AND YARD SALES.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT IDEA, CANT WAIT TO MAKE A COUPLE FOR MY OWN BIRDS. I ENJOY MAKING BIRD TOYS OUT OF USED BABY TOYS, THAT I GET AT FLEA MARKETS AND YARD SALES.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT IDEA, CANT WAIT TO MAKE A COUPLE FOR MY OWN BIRDS. I ENJOY MAKING BIRD TOYS OUT OF USED BABY TOYS, THAT I GET AT FLEA MARKETS AND YARD SALES.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inexpensive way to make an adorable bird feeder!! I love this and have to pin it! Thanks for the tutorial on this.
ReplyDeleteDebbie :)
I love this idea! So much nicer than most store bought bird feeders.
ReplyDeleteI saw your post and I liked it a lot! I decided to do also and loved the result.Look on my blog! Thanks!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.arquitrecos.com/2012/09/passo-passo-comedouro-fofo-para-os.html
I saw some of these at our local market sale on the town square. Have searched online over an hour. LOVE THESE!!! I have a question about the drilling part. Can you use a hand drill to do this? It's the only kind I have. :-). Greatest and most crafty feeders ever!!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! What an awesome spruce-up for the backyard!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thesitsgirls.com/get-paid-blogging
Loved it!
ReplyDeletelove this and well done! many blessings catherie basten
ReplyDeletesome images from my bird feeder can be seen here http://danbirder.blogspot.com/2013/01/great-tit-photography.html
ReplyDeleteThis is so awesome! I think the the best bird feeders are ones that you can make yourself. I really like this idea, and I think I'm going to try making my own. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful project, I can't believe I haven't seen it until now. I am featuring this on Craft Gossip later this morning :) http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/
ReplyDeleteAwesome creativity!! I'll try this...
ReplyDeleteAny problems with drainage? I worry about wet bird food. I thought a tiny colorful colander would be cute for the bowl.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any problem with drainage. My feeder is on the edge of a covered porch. The food has gotten wet before, but not soaked. The birds keep it relatively clean (the sparrows do a great job at throwing out all the shells and husks from the seed). I don't see water being a problem if your plate on top is large enough and you take it in if you expect a large/windy rainstorm.
DeleteI would love to see your feeder if you make one.
Just pinned this! So cute! Life to the full! Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this project!! My dad loves to sit on the porch and watch the birds in the yard. Now I have a Christmas/Birthday gift that he can actually enjoy. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this project!! My dad loves to sit on the porch and watch the birds in the yard. Now I have a Christmas/Birthday gift that he can actually enjoy. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is so creative! I am impressed!
ReplyDeleteDavid, Discount Bird Feeders Online
Remembered this pin this morning. I was disassembling a trophy bound for the trash. I was looking to get some findings and raw materials for miniatures projects and in the process salvaged 3 carriage bolts with nuts and washers. Now to get me some pretty bowls and plates. I may save this project for when my niece gets here for a summer visit next week. I'll bet she knows those knots. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good idea. I have been looking for some discount bird feeders online and I didn't realize how easy it would be to make your own.
ReplyDeleteI am looking for discount bird feeders online, does anyone know where I can find some?
ReplyDeletethanks for post ^^
ReplyDeleteKids are naturally attracted to animals and will love the birds that come to eat off of their homemade bird feeders.........
source : http://daily4info.blogspot.com/2014/01/bird-feeders.html
Now that is what I call a discount bird feeder. You can make this from things that you have at home. It is really nice too and it is not something that will cost you a bunch of money if you wanted to go and get new items to make this.
ReplyDeleteJak Manson | http://www.lindaandbobsmall.com/default.asp?dept_id=30060
These are darling! And this way you can pick your patterns and colors to match the house! I'd love to get my kids more interested in all the animals we have just in our backyard. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteJenn | http://www.llgiftsnmore.com/default.asp?dept_id=30060
Dear Erin, I am just setting up my feeding station in the UK. I love this idea and hope to make one (or two) or my own. Thank you so much for sharing. Deborah
ReplyDeleteMy mom is a huge fan of the birds that come and nest in her trees. I would love to surprise her with some crafts that we can assemble to make our own bird feeders. She is less mobile, and I want to spend the afternoon with her assembling bird feeders and chit chatting.
ReplyDeletebryanflake1984| http://www.lindaandbobsmall.com/default.asp?dept_id=30060
I've always loved the great experience it is to have bird feeders in the yard. This bird feeder is very nice for those beginning to use bird feeders. My aunt used to collect bird feeders, and she made many on her own as well. I like to have bird feeders around so birds come around more often. http://www.dodgesagway.com/p/wild-bird-food-feeders/
ReplyDeleteThis bird feeder is so cute! It seems pretty simple too! I would love to try this soon! I will have to go buy the supplies!
ReplyDeleteEmily Smith | http://www.calicollections.com
This is so darling! I would have never thought about making a birdhouse or feeder out of beautiful chinaware! When is the best season to put them out ? And how soon would you say they start coming?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.foryourabode.com/default.asp?dept_id=30060&PageNumber=1&sort=
Hi Erin,
ReplyDeleteWhat a cheap way to make an adorable bird feeder!! I love this and have to pin it! Thanks for the tutorial on this.
Also i have a bird feeder of my own named Peck-O-Matic a Poultry Demand Bird Feeder Kit.
I must say, usually I'm not a big fan of smaller scale projects like this, but this is an awesome idea! I'm already trying to decide which saucer and bowl I'm going to use to make it. My wife will totally love this once it's finished. Thanks for sharing your great idea!
ReplyDeletewww.jrgiftworld.com
I have made a bird feeder at my house using BirdFeederguide.com but I see you have made way too beautiful birdfeeder than me.
ReplyDeleteIn pvc fence regina we have unique soil conditions that require durable solutions that protect from ground heaving. Typical wood fence products cannot withstand frost heave yet the vinyl PVC solutions we provide can be adjusted yearly in order to maintain a level and consistent look among the vinyl PVC installations that our customers use.
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice post and I love birds! You should always Buy Bird Food Online
ReplyDelete.
very useful information you shared with us..thanking you.. http://google.com
ReplyDeleteThese are so awesome bird feeders.. i wanna try these .. http://birdfeederguide.com/
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great idea for a bird feeder. We made one of these a few weeks and are absolutely thrilled with the response from the birds. We got an orange colored bowl and plate from Dollar tree for a dollar each. There were just a few tips I was hoping to share. The melamine plate does not chip if you stick painters tape where the hole is to be drilled. I left the barcode sticker on which also serves the same purpose. I started with the smallest drill bit and gradually worked by way up to the diameter of the bolt. Also I would suggest getting fender washers which are larger in diameter for better stability when applying the glue. These are available at Lowes for 50 cents each. The word has spread in the bird community in our backyard and we are having a steady stream of visitors. We also found that the birds liked the safflower feeds more than the sunflower ones. Will try to upload some pictures
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, thanks for sharing Erin!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you could turn the plate right side up and use for birdseed and the bowl for water?
ReplyDeleteA Porcelain platters and bowls is an ageless expansion to your eating table. Our Hand Painted Porcelain stoneware are ideal for all the dining and formal supper.
ReplyDelete