The Thrifted Decor That Creates A Beautifully Abstract DIY Bird Feeder

Thrift stores are usually a trove of treasures, particularly for DIYers, who can often find inexpensive supplies to create ingenious decorative and functional objects. One clever TikTok DIYer recently revealed a cute and useful way to repurpose photo and art frames into a stunning bird feeder using only a glue gun to adhere the frames together. The result is a beautifully abstract and creative bird feeder that welcomes wildlife to your yard and looks good doing it.

This is a great use for thrifted frames, which can typically be picked up inexpensively for $1 to $2 each in many secondhand retailers. You could also create the DIY project with budget-friendly Dollar Tree frames. Your preferred frame sizes and end dimensions of the feeder will determine how many you need for the finished product, but you will need at least a base, a top, and some connecting panels for the sides (though how many of these you use will be up to you and how open or closed you want the feeder to be.) You can also leave the glass or acrylic intact on the frames, or remove it and replace the bottom panel with wire mesh. If you decide to paint the frames, make sure you use wildlife-safe paint. This project works with frames in any material, including wood, plastic, or metal. 

To create this easy DIY bird feeder, lay out the base frame and, using hot glue or an adhesive like E6000 or another water-resistant product, attach the sides of the feeder to the bottom frame and each other. You can fully envelope the feeder with walls and leave only one side open, or add spaces between the panels for more all-around access. Attach the top to the other frames. You may also want to glue the glass in place if you live in a windy climate. The DIYer above uses a small suction cup and some chain to create a hanger at the top, but you can also use wire, fishing line, or a small chain with hooks at the end hung on small drilled holes in the frames. To finish, fill the interior with seed.

While this creates an enclosed feeder, there are some other techniques for creating bird feeders with thrifted frames, including using a wood frame that the glass has been replaced with mesh and feed poured in the mesh. Or, turn a thicker ornate wood frame on its side,  add some wood dowels to become perches on the bottom frame, then glue a small dish for the feed for a picture-perfect way to attract wildlife. You could also attach a suet cage wired to the edges of the frame. For an even more elaborate feeder with a pitched roof, use a larger number of small frames similar to this cute DIY greenhouse project, but leave one side open for access.