Make Your Own Bird Feeders

With school ending and warm summer days kicking off, it's time to start collecting kid-friendly ideas to keep the kids entertained. One great kids' craft project is to create a one-of-a-kind bird feeder for your patio and garden. All you need to create a bird feeder are a recycled can and a few simple materials.

Open the can and empty it. Remove any labels or stickers. Wash the can thoroughly and let it dry.

The border of the can will serve as a perch for the birds, so make sure you eliminate any sharp points around the can. You can fold any sharp points using pliers.

Then, sand the can to ensure the acrylic paint sticks to the metal.

Use two or three layers of acrylic paint. Be sure to let the paint dry between layers. When the color looks uniform, add a sealer. The sealer will help protect your bird feeder from weather damage.

Let the kids decorate their new recycled bird feeder as creatively as possible! Some good materials to use for this craft project are foam sheets, pompoms, and beads. These materials are durable and will survive outdoor weather for a while.

To create a foam sheet flower, draw a circle and then cut a flower shape out of it. A variety of flower shapes and colors will make your bird feeder interesting and fun.

Use hot glue to adhere your decorations to the can. You can also use any other glue that is waterproof and suitable for outdoor crafts.

Find a suitable spot in your yard or garden where you can hang the feeder. Choose a location that birds can easily access but one that is also safe from squirrels or other animals.

Use twine or some kind of wire to hang your feeder on a branch of a tree.

Pour birdseed mix into your new bird feeder. Experiment with different types of birdseed to attract a variety of bird species. Make sure to clean it often, especially after rain, to prevent the seeds from getting moldy.

You can also add a birdbath or water source nearby to attract more birds to your yard and make your garden feel cozy and safe for birds to come and play.

You will be amazed at how much time your kids will spend outside checking on the different species of birds that will be visiting your home during summer!

You can use that curiosity to encourage the kids to create a nature journal by drawing or making collages of the bird species they see, creating a summer full of unforgettable moments.