How to Build A Terra Cotta Flower Pot Bird Bath

Bird lovers always seem to find ways to attract their feathered friends closer to home for better viewing. Bird baths are an awesome way of bringing birds to your yard. But instead of going out to an expensive garden decoration store and buying one, why not make one yourself? This article will show you how to make a bird bath out of terra cotta flower pots.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One of each, 12", 14" and 16" terra cotta flower pots
• Oil based polyurethane
• Water based polyurethane
• Liquid Nails Construction Adhesive
• One-20" clay saucer
• Paintbrushes
• Paint colors of your choice, weather-resistance

How To Build A Terra Cotta Flower Pot Bird Bath

1. Carefully stack pots from largest to smallest on top of each other. Draw a line with a pencil around the rim of the pot where it meets the next pot. This is your indicator for the location of any artwork you plan to paint on the point. It also ensures all artwork will be visible.

2. Seal the insides of the pots with the oil-based polyurethane. Apply 2-3 coats for even coverage and a lasting seal. Let the polyurethane dry completely. Do not seal the inside of the saucer with polyurethane; the sealant may harm birds that use the bird bath.

3. Paint the pots with the weather resistant paint. Stencil designs may be added to enhance the outside appearance of the terra cotta post. After the paint is dry, apply 2 or 3 coats of water-based polyurethane to the outside surface of the pots. Ensure the water based polyurethane is completely dry before handling the clay pots. Allow the pots to dry

4. Turn the saucer over onto a smooth surface. Apply liquid nails construction adhesive to the perimeter of the terra cotta pots. Place the small terra cotta pot on top of the saucer. Press gently to ensure a firm contact is made. Allow the saucer and the terra cotta pot to dry overnight.

5. Carefully stack the pots from largest to smallest. Place on a firm surface such as a concrete patio.

Tips & Warnings

• Use water based polyurethane to seal the outside of the pots once painted. Oil based polyurethane may yellow the surface to the paint color once dry.
• Bring your terra cotta during cold or winter months to keep it from cracking.