How to Make a Bird Feeder from a 2-Liter Plastic Bottle
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Repurpose a 2-liter plastic bottle to make a one-of-a-kind (and kid friendly) DIY Bird Feeder from a 2-Liter Plastic Bottle.
Hello, Kenarry readers! I’m Pam from The Birch Cottage, and I’m back again this month sharing with you How to Make a Bird Feeder from a 2-Liter Plastic Bottle. This craft project is easy, fun, and even kid-friendly!
I love spring, the outdoors, gardening, bird-watching, and craft projects! This bird feeder combines all my favorites into one. Plus, I can even get the grandkids involved!
When our grandkids come to visit, they actually expect to participate in a craft project. In fact, our twin granddaughters think they have to paint, bake, and camp in the backyard every time they visit.
How to Make a Bird Feeder from a 2-Liter Plastic Bottle
Needless to say, this fun bird feeder from a 2-liter plastic bottle craft project will be on the activity list the next time our granddaughters come to visit.
So, before I get into the tutorial, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need, supplies you’ll need, and a few tips.
What you need:
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Craft Tools Needed:
- scissors
- permanent marker
- paint brushes
- drill & drill bit
- glue gun
- funnel
- empty 2-liter plastic bottles
Supplies Needed:
These are the ingredients you’ll need. All the exact amounts are in the printable card at the bottom of this post.
It’s also helpful to protect your work surface before you start painting. Or better yet, complete the whole project outdoors!
Bird Feeder from a 2-Liter Plastic Bottle Tips:
Wash the plastic bottle and remove the label
Before you begin making your bird feeder, be sure to remove the label and wash the 2-liter plastic bottle inside and out. Then you’ll also want to make sure the bottle is completely dry.
Cut the Bottle Down to Size
I used Diet Coke bottles for my bird feeders, but you can use any brand. So, for my bottles, I poked a hole in the bottle using the sharp end of my scissors right below the ridge where the top of the label was.
Then you’ll insert the scissors in that hole and cut all the way around the bottle until it is cut into two pieces.
Cut Two Holes
On one side of the bottom piece, place the bottle cap on the side of the bottle where you want the opening. Trace around the cap with a permanent marker. You’ll then cut this opening.
You’ll also puncture a hole centered just below the opening for the perch.
Paint the Bottles
Remove the cap from the bottle. Paint the entire outside of the plastic bottle parts in your favorite colors. Allow drying between coats. I used at least three coats of paint.
Then you can add decorative elements to the bird feeder using paint and smaller brushes.
Try to avoid getting paint on the threads where the cap screws onto the bottle.
And you will also want to paint the bottle cap. My caps only took 2 coats of paint. You do NOT want to paint inside the cap.
Drill a Hole in the Cap
You will want to drill a hole in the cap that is big enough for your twine to fit through. Then fold your twine in half and insert it from the bottom of the cap. Tie a double knot in the ends of the twine. The knot will keep the twine from pulling through the cap. You can also secure with a dot of hot glue.
Glue the Bottle Together
Before you glue the bottle together, insert the skewer into the hole for the perch and place a dab of hot glue on the inside bottom of the bottle to hold the perch in place.
Then form a bead of hot glue near the top edge of the bottom piece of the bottle and insert the bottom cut edge into the top piece.
Use a Funnel to Fill
To keep from spilling the birdseed, use a funnel to fill the bird feeder from the spout. Screw the lid on and your bird feeder is ready to hang.
When it’s time to refill your bird feeder, simply unscrew the cap and fill.
How to Make a Bird Feeder from a 2-Liter Plastic Bottle
Equipment
- 1 Pair of scissors
- 3 paint brushes
- 1 drill & drill bit
- 1 glue gun
- 1 Funnel
- 1 Empty 2-Liter Bottle
Supplies
- dish soap
- outdoor paints
- glue sticks
- rope or twine
- bamboo skewer
- bird seed
Instructions
Step One: Clean and Gather
- Before you begin making your bird feeder, you'll want to remove the label from your 2-liter bottle. You'll also need to wash the bottle with dish soap and warm water. Then rinse and allow to completely dry before proceeding.
Step Two: Cut the Bottle
- Once your bottle is clean and dry, you will cut it into two pieces. To do so, carefully poke a pointed end of your scissors into the side of the bottle about 2/3 of the way up from the bottom. Cut around the perimeter of the bottle, cutting it literally in half. My top piece measured about 5" in height.
- Then depending on how tall you want your feeder to be, cut off about 3" along the top edge of the bottom piece of the bottle. This will allow for the top to slide over the bottom a little easier. My bottom piece measured about 4" in height.
- Next you will mark and cut the feeding hole in the bottom section of the bottle. Take the bottle cap and hold it on the side of the bottle. Trace around the cap. Insert the tip of the scissors in the center of the drawn circle. Cut out the circle.
- You'll also cut a hole for the perch (bamboo skewer). Again, use the tip of the scissors to puncture a small hole that's just big enough to insert the skewer into.
Step Three: Paint the Bottle
- Using outdoor paint that is designed for use with plastic will help ensure your project stands up to the weather. With the paint colors of your choice, paint a thin layer of paint on the outside of both pieces of the bottle and the bottle cap.
- Allow the paint to dry completely and apply a second coat. Repeat as necessary to completely cover. You only need to paint the outside of the bottle pieces and the outside of the bottle cap.
- Then you can decorate the bird feeder by painting on flowers, lady bugs, geometrical shapes, polka dots, stripes, and more! (This is the perfect time to involve the kiddos!)
Step Four: Assemble the Bird Feeder
- Insert the perch into the small hole. Secure in place from the inside with hot glue.
- Run a bead of hot glue along the perimeter of the top edge of the bottom piece. Then insert the bottom piece into the top, carefully and quickly lining the pieces up and pressing the pieces together where they are glued.
- Drill a hole in the center of the bottle cap. You want the hole to be big enough to slide through two strands of twine.
- Once the hole is drilled, fold the twine in half and insert the loop from the inside of the cap. Tie a knot in the twine ends and secure with hot glue.
- You're now ready to fill the bird feeder. Using a funnel, add seed to the bird feeder from the spout. Secure the lid and hang your bird feeder!
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What’s Next?
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