Don't Toss Old Rain Boots — Upcycle Them Into The Cutest Bird Feeder

Nothing lasts forever — at least in its original form. Just because something has worn out doesn't mean it can't be repurposed. Your old rain boots are no exception; you can easily upcycle them into the cutest bird feeder. DIY bird feeders are an awesome way to lure nature to your yard without contributing to unnecessary waste. That's why this craft is excellent for both the Earth and your bank account.

Rain boots are perfect for outdoor crafts, such as spring planters or bird feeders, due to generally being made of waterproof materials. They also tend to be lightweight, but are still sturdy enough to hold and support materials. There are many ways to craft a bird feeder out of your old boots, so the materials you'll need depend on the method you choose. Ultimately, you'll need a boot (or two), bird feed, and something to secure the boot in place. From there, you can make your feeder as simple or complex as you'd like.

Just as there are multiple different types of bird feeders, there are multiple directions you can take your DIY. The simplest way to repurpose those boots is to simply hang them, either from a feeder stand or a tree branch with rope, and fill them with bird seed. This is especially easy if you're using boots with handles, but this simple approach might lead to some messy windy days. To add security, consider drilling the boots into place with screws, into either a tree or fence post. 

If you want to take this DIY a step further, you can add cutouts and mesh wiring. Cut out a section in the top of the toe to replicate a platform feeder. Adding a mesh screen can help to both contain the food and give the birds a foothold. Utilizing the same concept, you could also cut small holes around the sides and use the mesh to mimic a tube feeder. Birds with different feeding habits might prefer certain types of feeders, so consider which species you'll want to attract the most before cutting through your boots.