Every spring, thousands of beautiful DIY bird feeders begin popping up in backyards all around the world. From classic cedar and pine houses, to recycled tin cans, pop bottles and milk cartons, the shapes, sizes and materials are endless! Show off your style by creating colorful yard decorations for a quirky focal point or design an earth friendly feeder with recycled household items. No matter what idea inspires you, there’s a bird feeder plan for everyone!
Nature lovers will adore the visits from sparrows, wrens and bluebirds all year long. Bird feeders are helpful for the tiny animals during mating and nesting seasons and throughout the winter months when food is scarce. Not only can this reduce stress for the birds, but listening to the sounds of their songs can be a relaxing way to unwind after a long day.
This fun list of the most creative DIY bird feeder designs we could find, features something for every taste. We’ve included whimsical teacup feeders, colorful painted options and bird feeders made of organic materials that can be found around the house. So use these creative bird feeder ideas to create something unique that reflects your personality. Most projects can be done with the whole family, making this the ideal functional craft for all ages.
Each of the tutorials we’ve featured contains a list of supplies and step-by-step instructions. They’re easy to follow and most projects won’t take more than an hour or two. Many of the ideas use items that can be found lying around your home. We know you’ll love the clever use of household items and get creative using these designs as inspiration.
The neighborhood birds will be grateful for whatever choice you make. There’s no better way to attract the true beauty of nature into your backyard than by providing a friendly environment that let’s birds know they’re welcome. Bird feeders are the best way to encourage visitors to your backyard so you can enjoy their company all year round!
21 FREE TUTORIALS
The Cans
These easy to make DIY bird feeders only require a few supplies that can be picked up in one stop at the craft store. A couple coats of paint and some hot glue and you’ll have the perfect sized feeders for finches and other small bird species.
Since they take almost no time to assemble and don’t require any special tools, they’re fun the entire family can participate in making. You’ll love the pop of personality you can add to your backyard with a colorful homemade bird feeder. All of the tutorials include supply lists and step-by-step instructions so it’s easier than ever to invite feathered friends to dine!
Paint Cans
DIY Tin Can and Foam Flowers Bird Feeder
Tin Cans
The Can Flower
The Birdhouses
You’ll love the touch of charm you can add to your backyard with these birdhouse feeders. Their whimsical look will have you feeling like you just stepped into the pages of Alice in Wonderland with their quaint designs. An often overlooked detail that creates an intriguing atmosphere in cottage and rustic yards, a well placed bird feeder can be the piece you’ve been missing. Take a look at some of these DIY tutorials for the inspiration you need to complete your backyard this summer!
Tea Cup Birdhouse Feeder
Get it on Etsy.
The Miniature House
The Dollar Store Birdhouses
The Food
It may have never occurred to you to use food as a vehicle to feed your birds, but the “a-peel” of these DIY bird feeders may just persuade you to start looking at your leftovers differently. Orange, gourd and pumpkin skin bird feeders may not last the whole year, but they certainly are a clever way to use up out of seasonal organic items.
Orange Bird Feeder
Pumpkin Bird Feeders
The Cups and Plates
Whether you love the quirkiness some kitschy dishes can add to your backyard or you just appreciate the character a few vintage details bring, there’s no denying that cups and plates make great conversation pieces when used as bird feeders.
Take a look at some of these DIY bird tutorials, depending on what you design you prefer you may need as little as some adhesive and some twine to make a fanciful DIY bird feeder of your own. What a great way to make use of the cups and saucers in your china hutch that never see the sun!
Bowl and Plate Bird Feeder
Coffee Mug Bird Feeders
Goodwill Bird Feeder
Garden Totems
Sharpie Mug Bird Feeder
DIY Teacup Bird Feeder
Thrift Store Tea Cup and Saucer on PVC Pipe
The Other Household Items
If you’re looking for a fun afternoon project to tackle with the kids, a DIY bird feeder is always a great way to flex your family’s creative muscles. Have a look at this list for inspiration about what you can make with the items already laying around your house.
Birds aren’t picky, as long as there’s tasty food they’ll stop by for a bite. That means you can use just about anything as long as it’s sturdy enough to support the weight of the seeds and has a perch. Bird feeders are a fun way to invite more nature into your life and once you choose the design that fits your decor, you’ll be happy you did!
Soda Bottle Bird Feeder
LEGO Bird Feeder
Milk Cartons
Recycled Salad Container
Dust Pan Bird Feeder
Old Music Record Into a Beautiful Bird Feeder
Bleach Bottle Feeder
That’s a great feeder idea (above) as it has a cover to keep the seeds dry. It doesn’t even need a tutorial! Just make it by looking at this photo!
