How to upcycle trash to make a bird feeder

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uniqueeuphoria, member

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I recently finished a bird feeder for my site and thought I would share with you how simple it is to make a really unique and pretty item out of old and forgotten things. 

First of all, I go hunting.  The recycle center is a great place to find stuff or, if you still have one around, the dump.  At our recycle center, the managers will sometimes set aside things they get that they think I would like.  One of the perks of living in a rural area-everyone knows everyone else.  Another good place is flea makets, garage sales and curbside clean outs.  A really great time to go "stuff" shopping is when the college students move out of the dorms in the spring.  Even if you have to pay a nickle or 2 for it, it's going to be worth so much more after your done. 

So, I found a copper bowl, brought it home and cleaned it up as best as I could.  Sometimes if there is a blemish or stain, I just leave it.  I think it adds to the character of the piece.  I have found some neat silver plate bowls for this project and I just love the tarnished look.

I took my copper bowl and drilled 4 evenly spaced holes around the top edge so it could be hung, and one drain hole in the bottom so water can drain out.  I had this neat Art deco necklace piece that I hung from the bottom and I strung jewelry wire through the holes around the top for hanging.  I had a bunch of old perl necklaces I got from a thrift store for 1$ a piece and I unstrung all the perls and strung a few onto the jewelry wire for more decoration.  I then made a loop at the top to hang it, and viola!  Instant bird feeder!

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