How to Make a Country Garden Birdbath

Birdbaths attract wildlife to any garden and make a great gift for the new homeowner. Of course, birdbaths are readily available in home improvement stores and online, but a handcrafted birdbath is customized, unique and heartfelt. Using cheap clay pots available at most craft and do-it-yourself stores, a little paint and a little imagination, a attractive yet functional birdbath can come to life.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Three Pots
• Saucer
• Polyurethane
• Paint
• Construction adhesive

1. Purchase three clay or terra cotta plant pots measuring 12, 14 and 16 inches, respectively, as well as a 20-inch in diameter clay saucer. The pots will be the base of the birdbath and the saucer will hold the water.

2. Sand the pots with a piece of sandpaper to smooth out any bumps or lumps from the clay surface. This is not essential if you want a more rustic look, but will make painting a lot easier.

3. Seal the inside of all the pots and the saucer with an oil-based polyurethane sealer. Apply at least three coats and let the dry completely.

4. Paint the outside of the pots with waterproof paints, such as patio paints, making sure to consider the exposed area of the pots after construction. There is no point in painting a beautiful design on the part of the pot that is covered by the pot above it. Allow the finished artwork to dry completely.

5. Stack the painted pots on top of each other with the largest on the bottom and the smallest on top, and cap them all with the saucer. Be sure to glue the saucer to the top pot securely with a strong construction adhesive.

6. Seal the entire outside surface of the birdbath with three coats of polyurethane and let them dry completely. It is a good idea to place a line of polyurethane on the edge of the large pot where it will come into contact with the ground.

7. Place the finished birdbath on concrete or patio stone to deter moisture build-up and fill the saucer with water. Then wait for the birds to show up.