Directions for Cup & Saucer Bird Feeders

Cup and saucers make delicate, pretty bird feeders.

Cup and saucer bird feeders add to the style of a flower garden or garden pathway. You can make one from either copper tubing or PVC pipe. Copper tubing compliments older china cup and saucer patterns, for a formal appearance, while PVC pipe harmonizes with whimsical colors and patterns, adding a light air to a garden style.

Things You'll Need

• China cup and saucer, floral pattern
• Drill and bit
• 1/4-inch stainless steel rod, 36-inches long
• Hammer
• Copper tubing, 30-inches long, 3/8-inch
• PVC pipe, 1-inch, 30-inches long
• PVC cap, 1-inch
• Bolt and matching nut
• 2 metal washers
• 2 plastic washers
• Wire-pliers

Instructions

Copper Tubing Cup and Saucer Bird Feeder

1. Measure and mark both centers of the cup and saucer. Turn the bottoms up and use a washable ink marker to draw two lines across the concave circle of each piece to form an "x."

2. Drill a 1/4-inch hole through the marked centers of the cup and saucer. Use a masonry or diamond drill bit. Place the bit's tip in the center of the "x" where the lines cross. Place the item you are drilling on a scrap piece of wood, 1 to 2 inches thick. Run the drill at a steady and medium speed until the hole is completely through.

3. Drive the steel rod about 6-inches into the ground with the hammer. Slip the copper tube over the steel rod.

4. Thread the appropriate size bolt down the steel pipe end to about 1/2-inch from the top. Place a metal washer over the bolt and a plastic washer next to the metal washer. The metal washer will fit next to the bolt and the plastic washer will touch the saucer bottom.

5. Sit the cup on the saucer and line up the center holes. Place the saucer and cup over the steel pipe using the drilled holes.

6. Place a plastic washer, a metal washer and the matching bolt-nut, in this sequence, around the protruding pipe. Secure the cup and saucer to the pipe using a pair of wire-pliers. Grip the nut with the wire-pliers and gently turn the nut until snug.

7. Fill the cup and saucer with birdseed.

PVC Pipe Cup & Saucer Bird Feeder

1. Glue the cup bottom to the center of the saucer. Allow drying time according to the manufacturer's directions on the package.

2. Attach the PVC pipe cap to the center bottom of the saucer with glue. Glue the flat side of the cap to the bottom of the saucer's center. Use an epoxy adhesive for outdoor weather that will bond glass to plastic. Follow the package directions for drying time and instructions.

3. Drive the steel rod into the ground until stable, about 6 inches deep, using the hammer.

4. Slide the PVC pipe over the rod and attach the cup and saucer to the plastic pipe. The pipe cap glued to the saucer bottom slips over the end of PVC pipe. This enables you to remove the cup and saucer for cleanup.

5. Fill the cup and saucer with birdseed.

References

• Super Glue Corporation: Glue Guide
• Thriftyfun: Teacup Bird Feeder
• Better Homes and Gardens: Birdwatcher's Cup of Tea