Turn Old Wreaths Into Rustic Hanging Bird Baths

If you're a crafter and love birds, this DIY has your name written all over it. We're going to ditch traditional bird baths and add a rustic touch to your yard, using a few things you might already have on hand. You know that box of old decorations, bits and pieces left over from past DIYs, and things you swear you'll use some day? Well, pull that box out because today's the day we use those bits and bobs to make our hanging bird bath.

To give it a natural vibe, we're going to start with an old grapevine wreath. These are the kind that look like we took a few thin branches, twisted them together, and fashioned them into a loop. You can actually make your own or dig one out of last year's seasonal decor storage totes. You may also be able to get one for less than $4 at a local craft store. If you're using an old one that has other decorations on it already, you can simply remove them and strip the wreath down to its original bare form. You can always save those items for future crafts.

The other items you'll need for this DIY are some jute rope, a terracotta plant saucer that you can borrow from the garden, and, of course, a pair of scissors. Optional supplies include one or two garden rocks and a strong outdoor-rated crafting glue or adhesive. It might go without saying, but you will also need some nice clean water to fill the bird bath with.

There are so many ways to make a charming DIY bird bath, and today we're making a simple, rustic hanging one that your outdoor feathered friends will love. Begin by cutting three pieces of jute rope in equal lengths. We suggest measuring them out to about 4 feet each, though you can customize the length to the space where you want to hang the completed bird bath. Using a secure knot, tie one end of each 4-foot strip of rope to the wreath, spacing them an equal distance apart. You can also double up each strip of rope to make it more secure.

Gather the loose ends of your rope and join them together above the wreath. Tie them in a knot, centered as best you can, so that the wreath hangs level when lifted by the rope. Place the terracotta plant saucer into the center of the wreath. It should sit snugly in the center of the wreath. Optionally, you can add some outdoor-rated adhesive just under the outer rim of the saucer to secure it to the wreath. You can also place a garden rock, or several garden pebbles in the saucer to give birds a place to perch and help keep the water shallow. To really jazz it up while still maintaining the rustic aesthetic, you can attach a few pine cones or faux leaves to the wreath. Hang your bird bath from a tree branch or shepherd's pole in the yard and fill it with water. One smart tip to keep your birdbath beautiful is to clean it out and replace the water at least once or twice a week.