Turn A Pile Of Popsicle Sticks Into A DIY Feeder That Birds Will Love

Summer is here, and one of the best ways to add whimsy to your backyard is by crafting a colorful bird feeder. You can easily craft one using popsicle sticks and a couple of simple materials. This is a super fun and easy craft to do on your own or with kids. It can also be an excellent group activity for a birthday party or girls' night.

To craft this whimsical garden feature, you'll need popsicle sticks, non-toxic waterproof glue, twine, and beads. In order to make your DIY bird feeder, you'll need at least 50 popsicle sticks. You can paint them, but if you decide to go this route, use non-toxic, water-based acrylic paint. Consider paint with UV protective properties so it lasts longer. Play around with the colors you use. You could make each square a different color. You could make the base one color and the walls another color. You can even make each wall a different color by using one color per side as you build your squares. Moreover, you can use specific colors to attract certain birds. For instance, orioles are attracted to yellow and orange, while chickadees are drawn to purple and pink.

When you're ready to start building, use 4 popsicle sticks to form a square outline. Now, lay popsicle sticks parallel to one another across the center of the shape. You should be left with a solid square shape that will be your feeder's base. Once your base is assembled, build another popsicle stick square outline on top of it. Add more layers of squares until the feeder basin is about halfway to your desired depth. At this point, you can glue half a popsicle stick extending out from the bird feeder to serve as a perch. Once you create the perch, continue stacking these squares until the feeder walls are about 3 inches tall.

Allow the glue to dry completely. While you're waiting, cut four pieces of twine long enough to hang your feeder from. About a foot each should suffice. Once the feeder is dry, tie the twine to the corners of the feeder. There should be a gap under the top popsicle square you can feed the twine through.

Here's the fun part–adding a decorative touch. Before you attach the four twine pieces together at the top to form the hanger, take some time to string colorful beads on. Don't be afraid to channel your playful side for this part. Reach for pastels and interesting shapes. Add some sparkly ones in the mix if you're feeling funky. You can also opt to use bead color that will draw in specific birds you'd like to see more of in your yard. Increase the odds of attracting specific birds by filling your feeder with the foods they like. For instance, use thistle to attract goldfinches or peanuts for jays.