A perfect garden is always made even more perfect by catering to native wildlife. Birds not only add a bit of charm to any yard, but can be excellent creatures for controlling insects. Making your yard a spot they love to visit requires appropriate plantings, hiding spots, feeders, and watering holes. While you can buy feeders or birdbaths at any retailer, sometimes the best solution may be something you already have on hand. DIY-ers on social media have been upcycling all sorts of ordinary unused objects into useful ways to keep birds coming back, including secondhand and vintage dishware, which has been re-envisioned into stylish and pretty spots for birds to drink, eat, and rest. Lids from pans, baking dishes, and other cookware in particular are a great option for creating a fun upcycled birdbath.
Basically, any container that can hold up to 2 inches of water will do nicely. You will often find lonely and unpartnered lids in your cabinets, in random boxes, and at thrift stores. Usually, the container they were meant to cover is long gone, but these lids can be a great way to create DIY birdbaths and feeders that present a budget-friendly alternative to buying new ones. The process is fairly simple for this DIY, which can be created for under $5.
Creating a DIY pot lid bird bath
Sadie_Seasongoods / YouTube
To create a birdbath or feeder from an upcycled lid, you will need the lid, several lengths of chain, and some needle-nosed or jewelry pliers. Any shallow lid with a handle will do, but clear glass rectangular bakeware lids are often a popular choice. Create a loop of chain that surrounds the handle, using the pliers to close the chain. Separate four equal lengths of chain, fastening each to the circle. When pulled, it will create a basket that will balance the base of the lid and provide stability when hung.
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You can also drill holes in your lid and thread chain or twine through to create the bath. The chain should hold it level and prevent tipping or spilling. When finished, connect the chains at the top so that the birdbath hangs evenly. Fill your new birdbath with one to two inches of water. The chain and the rim of the lid will provide a spot for birds to rest as they drink or bathe.
Other DIY bird bath ideas
This DIY works equally well with round or square-shaped lids of all sizes as long as they have a central handle. Use a metal pot lid for a more rustic cottage look or a transparent lid for an invisible effect. If you add birdseed, you can also create a matching feeder. The chain basket format works for other vintage dishware like plates, saucers, and other flat dishes, though you may need to add some glue for stability if there is no handle on the bottom to keep the chain from slipping around in high winds. You can also create a pedestal birdbath by turning a terra cotta pot upside down and using the base or another shallow dish to hold water.
Pair this DIY birdbath with other fun avian-friendly hacks like making birdfeeders from vintage dishware or old candle holders. The birds will love it and you get the satisfaction of creating distinctive one-of-a-kind decorative and extremely useful objects for only pennies that will keep these welcome visitors coming back to your yard again and again.
