How Tu...esday. Make a Bird Feeder

For the last sale I made lots of tiered jewelry dishes that you may remember seeing here in my teaser photos. While I had out all the dishes and epoxy I made a few pieces that I call bird feeders and bird feeder/baths. 

Bird feeder/bath

Such poise...I think this one may be a prince.

I'm convinced he can balance that cup when he hops away.

                                                                                

They are really very simple to make and you can go whimsical like the frog or simple like the one below.

Two plates and a candle holder. Simple but elegant bird feeder...plant stand...etc. 

All you need:  plates that appeal to you, something to use for height, maybe a cup or small bowl for the bird bath and a little epoxy glue. You probably already have things you can use or at least a good start.

The next one is my favorite and evolved from pieces that I collected over time. I keep experimenting with layers until I have something that clicks. Next I go back and epoxy glue the pieces together. 

Tips...glue one  piece to the other and let it set completely before adding the next layer. Do this in a well ventilated area or better yet, outside.

An old finial, dinner plate, candle holder and an ashtray...all come together as a bird feeder/ bath combo

They can be whatever you want them to be...feeders, plant stands...

The perfect height

Cheyenne thought it was a great water dish. 

Would anyone be interested in a workshop? We would love to have you make one with us. Leave me a comment and we will plan a workshop soon.

...and FYI...We have several in the shop if you don't want to make one of your own.

In a Junkin' State of Mind

I've been in a junkin' state of mind all week. One project only inspires another and another. I haven't gotten around to doing all that I've wanted to, but now I'm at least organized enough to make myself a list.

It's only three days until our Junk Camp for Beginners Workshop and I've got several new and simple projects ready to use as examples.

Goodwill frame with embellished horseshoe hanger

 This is a simple 1950's picture frame that I've repainted and distressed in my trademark...it used to be another color before it was this color...style. I've hung it from brown velvet ribbon attached to a rhinestone embellished horseshoe right off Checker's front foot. Well, several years ago actually. He's a barefoot boy now and loves it! Oh, and this is for sale in the shop.

Horseshoe courtesy of Checkers

 How 'bout this sconce? You can see it's a garden digging tool that I've attached to a piece that I'm thinking may be the front of an old radio or some kind of speaker. It had a thin fabric backing... anyway, it turned out really cute. I can see a candle sitting on it or maybe even keys hanging on the teeth. This one too, is for sale at Ranch Dressing Handmade and Vintage.

Digger tool sconce

 The next two are from my personal junk and will go back on my porch where they came from. I'm all about adding feet and bases to things. I've been using this pot as a planter for years in the herb garden but it's almost rusted out and I wanted to bring it onto the covered porch before it was a goner. I added some drawer knobs for feet and a milk cap for a little color. I have just the perfect spot for it on our screened in porch.

Coffee pot turned planter with feet

 And this piece is made from one of my many, many enamelware pans and a ceramic snowflake planter from Goodwill.  After I put it together I realized the base is upside down...I think it looks better that way...evidently. I painted it with gloss and acrylics to look like rusty enamel itself. I believe it turned out better than I imagined. Now, it needs some little winter pots of pansies or some bird seed...haven't decided yet.

Winter birdfeeder  or planter

These are all simple and good beginner projects taking only about an hour more or less to complete. I'm looking forward to the workshop and seeing what the students come up with. I will be sure to post photos next week from the class.

Have you made anything from your junk finds lately?