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DIY Birdfeeder: Teacup and Candleholder Repurpose Idea

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How to make a DIY bird feeder using vintage teacups and an iron candle holder.

Can you believe this is my first bird feeder project? I often see upcycled bird feeders on Pinterest and love all the creative ideas. Well, I finally bought a piece that inspired my first DIY bird feeder. I have a short and sweet tutorial, and today is Thrift Store Decor Tour Day. Yay!

candle holder to repurpose into bird feeder

The candle holder was my inspiration piece. It is made out of iron and has pretty teardrop crystals. The candle holder came from my favorite junk shop, and the cost was $2, so it was a deal. 

metal chain hanger for flower pots or bird feeders

When shopping with Sofi in Dollar Tree one day, I spotted a display of plant hangers. I thought about all the things I could do with them, so I bought a bunch. Using one of them today.

vintage tea cups from the thrift store

Then there were these tea cups that have been sitting on a shelf in the workshop for ages. I bought them at the thrift store because I loved the design and the colors. 

 

how to use Gorilla Glue for DIY projects

I decided to use one of the saucers and one of the tea cups to make the bird feeder. I glued the saucer to the top of the candle holder using my favorite Gorilla Glue.

Gorilla Glue for DIY projects

Then I glued the tea cup to the saucer.

how to use a metal chain hanger from Dollar Tree for bird feeders

Once the glue was dry, I attached the black chain plant hanger to the loops on the candle holder.

Bird feed from Walmart

Next, I filled the tea cup and saucers with bird seed.

 

how to make a decorative hanging bird feeder

The one tea cup and saucer looked a little lonely on the candle holder, so I added another cup and saucer set, gluing them on also. 

Chic DIY Bird Feeder Tea Cup and Candle Holder Repurpose Idea

Now isn’t that sweet! The whole thing with the plant chain and the tall candle holder really makes the hanging bird feeder long. It looks awesome hanging from the dogwood tree in our front yard. 

DIY tea cup bird feeder with tear drop crystals
DIY tea cup bird feeder with teardrop crystals

I situated the tea cups so the handles are not directly over each other. One side of the tea cup has a colorful bouquet of flowers, and then around the rest of the rim are small yellow flowers.

DIY Bird Feeder Made With Tea Cups and a Candle Holder

The vintage tea cups and saucers were made in Japan.

how to make a DIY hanging bird feeder

Now I’m just waiting on the birds to show up. Surely they will. I’ve never had a bird feeder, so I don’t know the deal.

red bird feeder

If you like this bird feeder see how I converted the red painted wood bird feeder into a planter…..DIY Hanging Flower Pot Not For The Birds

make a bird feeder

If you have the time please leave a comment before heading out on the tour. Take the Thrift Store Decor Tour by clicking the links below the “before” makeovers photo collage…..

thrift store decor May 2023

Thrift Store Decor Tour….
DIY Plastic Candle Holders – Domestically Speaking
Vintage Wall Shelf With Towel Rods – My Repurposed Life
DIY Bird Feeder – Petticoat Junktion (you are here)
Mid-Century Modern Coasters – Sadie Seasongoods
Thrift Store Wooden Candle Sconce Repurpose – Organized Clutter
Easy Thrift Store Projects to Upcycle for Home Decor – Reinvented Delaware
Thrift or Dollar Store DIY Spring Wreath – Shop At Blu

DIY Tea Cup Bird Feeder

 

As always, thanks for being here, Kathy

Kathy Owen founder of Petticoat Junktion

Author: Kathy Owen
Kathy Owen is the founder of the home decor blog Petticoat Junktion where she shares tutorials on painting furniture and upcycling thrifty finds into unique home décor. Her DIY projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines.

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14 Comments

  1. Love this, great way to recycle too many mugs, bowls etc + attract more wildlife to yard!

  2. WOW……love the bird feeder I am in a Garden Club and always looking for things to make to raffle will be using your idea Thank You for sharing…….

  3. Donna via Funky Junk Interiors says:

    Now that’s one elegant bird feeder! Love the stacked tea cup variation and the candle holder just glams it right up! Really cute, Kathy!

  4. Kippi at Home says:

    I adore your teacup birdfeeder. I found your post on a Morning Cup of Joe.

    Have a great weekend,
    Kippi

  5. Great idea! I always find the prettiest teacups and this is a great way to use them.

  6. That’s just so darn cute Kathy! Birdfeeder? hmmmm I don’t think I’ve ever made one either.
    We plan on feeding the birds at our new recreation property that we fondly call “the hideaway”. 🙂

    I may have to make one!

    pinned!
    gail

  7. Naomi S Shelton says:

    That is so charming. If the crystals are a deterent as Jennie suggests I think that even if you removed them the feeder would look elegant. Great idea, Kathy!

  8. Cindy Rust says:

    This is just the cutest bird feeder Kathy!! Pinned!

  9. Oh wow, that sounds lovely! Thank you for the comment.

  10. The glint from the crystals may deter birds. I hang wind chime shaped lines of crystals to deter hawks, black black birds, crows, and mocking birds. The crystals don’t seem to deter the hummingbirds. So this year I have 5 little hummingbirds, a Gila woodpecker that lives in a cactus 2 doors down. He come to see me because my grass in loaded with worms. I buy fishing worms and make sure they have areas to burrow under the grass. Our lizard residents take care of yucky bugs so I never have to spray. We live in the desert South West where water is scarce, so we created a very small oasis for birds and lizards we love to help and protect from being eaten.

  11. Thanks for the info Fonda. Now I have to go buy that kind of seeds. I haven’t seen a single bird out there.

  12. Black oil sunflower seeds would have been a better choice for attracting more birds in the wild, like cardinals, chickadees, etc.