How To DIY A Stunning Birdbath Out Of A Repurposed Thrift Store Lamp

When relaxing at home, spotting a beautifully colored bird splish-splashing in the birdbath outside of your window is a true pleasure. When the birdbath in question is one you've hand crafted, the entire experience is even more enjoyable. And while there are several ways to make a charming DIY birdbath, using an old thrifted lamp as the pedestal is one of the easiest methods. With a few tools, an old lamp, a wooden craft circle, and a large bowl you'll have the perfect bath for your feathered friends in no time.

This DIY is great because many lamps you encounter at the thrift store already have unique, ornate details, meaning you won't have to put in much effort to make your new birdbath look beautiful. That said, you might want to invest in a little spray paint to give your homemade birdbath a clean, uniform look or to match your garden. Additionally the large bowl and the wooden craft circles can also likely be thrifted, making this project easy on your wallet. 

Just keep in mind that not every style of lamp will work for this project. Ideally, you will want a lamp that stands between 1 and 3 feet tall so that your birdbath is accessible to various sizes of birds. A wide, stable base is also helpful for this upcycle project. The same goes for the bowl — look for an option that's not too deep. Just an inch or two of water will be the most appealing to birds. If you choose a bowl that's too deep, consider adding rocks to your birdbath to give the birds a place to rest outside of the water.

Start by taking off the bottom of your lamp and removing all of the parts that make it function as a light source. You will want to remove the lightbulb, electrical wiring, and switches as well as the lamp harp. You should be left with the lamp base and a bit of the interior threaded pipe sticking out of the top. Next, take your wooden craft disc, and make a small indent in the center of the wood to accommodate the piece of pipe that is sticking out. Then, secure the disc in place using E-6000 glue. If you like, you can choose to spray paint the entire base in a solid color of your choosing. For a whimsical touch, spray paint the base green and use a decorative flower bowl for the bath to create a giant flower for your yard.

Then, using the same glue, secure your decorative bowl to the top of your wooden craft disc. Once dry, your DIY birdbath is complete. Now it's time to put the bath outdoors. In the warm months, remember to place your birdbath in the shade as keeping your birdbath cool in the summer heat can attract more beautiful birds. Some birds, such as hummingbirds, bluebirds, and warblers, are more attracted to moving water. So, if you're trying to attract a certain species, consider adding a solar fountain to the birdbath to keep that water flowing.