How to Make a Hummingbird Feeder

As a mother of young children I adore sippy cups.

I especially love the disposable cups called “Take & Toss” normally sold at Wal-mart. Instead of throwing the cups away after a couple uses, I have started to turn the old ones into Hummingbird Feeders.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water bottle (.5L)
• Take & Toss Sippy Cup 10 oz
• Yarn
• Nail
• Stickers, Permanent Markers, or Paint (optional)

1. The disposable sippy cups are made out of a very pliable thin plastic. With the pressure of your hand push a nail through the cup to form a hole. Make six holes in the cup, .5 inches from the bottom and an inch apart. *Grown-Ups; if you are having a hard time puncturing the cup, heat the nail point over a candle flame and then push it through.*

2. Tightly tie a piece of yarn around the top rim of the sippy cup. Next, cut four pieces of yarn approximately 8 inches long. Attach one end from each of the four pieces of yarn to the yarn around the rim (evenly spaced out).

3. Insert the empty water bottle spout down into the sippy cup. Grab the four pieces of yarn and tie the ends securely over the top of the water bottle. Trim away any excess yarn.

4. Once the yarn has been measured and secured you can remove the water bottle. Begin to now decorate the outside of the cup. I used little flower stickers that I punched a hole through the center for the nectar opening. But you can paint or draw flowers around the openings, as well. Do not use washable paints or washable markers because they will come off with the first rainfall.

5. Next you need to make your hummingbird nectar. Hummingbird nectar is made by mixing four parts water to one part sugar. Measure water and bring to a boil. Slowly add sugar and then allow it to cool before putting it into your feeder. Any unused nectar can be stored in your refrigerator.

6. Pour cooled nectar into the water bottle. Place sippy cup on top of the water bottle and slowly turn over. A few drops of nectar will drip out of the holes, until the bottle and the cup form a vacuum (it should only take a few seconds).

7. Secure the yarn tightly over the top of the water bottle and hang outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang your feeder among flowers to attract the hummingbirds.
• Clean your feeder every couple of days to prevent molding. Maybe even replace the water bottle once a week.

Resources

• Sewing and Crafting with Sarah

[sweetleo]

on 9/22/2008 Great idea