Upcycler Crafts Adorable Bird Baths From A Deviled Egg Plate And Wine Bottle

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Encouraging feathered friends into your backyard will quickly take an outdoor space from lackluster to lively. It's no wonder homeowners are constantly seeking out ways to attract more birds. There are lots of bird-friendly backyard additions, though bird baths are arguably the most popular. It's a birdscaping tip that turns your yard into a bird haven in a flash while refreshing your garden with some creative outdoor decor. Plus, adding a bird bath doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. You don't need to buy a bird bath when you can make one yourself with a deviled egg plate and an empty wine bottle. As Lisa Hud explained on a post in the Facebook group Wild Blooming Garden, you simply glue the bottle to the base of the plate and pop the whole thing on a metal rod that you drive into the ground.

If you're particularly resourceful, this DIY bird bath will cost you little to no money and turn out beautifully. First, ask family and friends if they have a deviled egg plate they no longer use and are willing to part with. If no one has one to give you, you can often find these plates at thrift stores. If you don't drink wine, you can also ask them for an empty bottle. Alternatively, visit your local bar and ask the staff — nicely, of course — for an empty bottle. Of course, you can also buy these items new. An L.E. Smith Glass Heritage Pattern Egg and Relish Plate will set you back around $37, while a set of six North Mountain Supply Green Glass Bordeaux Wine Bottles costs about $20. You'll also need about 3 feet of rebar, like the ½-inch Hillman Steel #4 Rebar at Lowe's, some strong adhesive, such as E6000, and a rubber mallet.

This is a relatively straightforward way to make a charming DIY bird bath. The egg plate serves as the basin of the bath, and the inverted wine bottle supports it on the metal rod. Start by thoroughly cleaning the base of the bottle and the plate with 99% isopropyl alcohol, then leave them to dry completely. You need to remove any dirt, oil, or other residues that can prevent proper bonding, as well as any moisture.

Next, apply the adhesive to the base of the bottle. Since most wine bottles have a concave base, apply a bead of glue along the rim, as this is the part that will come in contact with the base of the plate. Now, carefully center the bottle on the base of the plate and press firmly to attach them. Hold both items in place for about 1 minute until the glue sets. Once the plate and bottle feel firmly connected, you can let them go and set them aside where they won't be disturbed for 24 to 48 hours.

To set up your DIY bird bath in the garden, hammer the rebar into the ground in a shady spot away from trees and shrubs that shed leaves. Apply a little glue to the end of the rebar and invert the wine bottle over it. Add some pea gravel or large, flat river pebbles to the bowl of the bird bath before filling it with fresh water. This provides birds with some grip and keeps the water at a safe depth. A couple of smart tips to keep your bird bath beautiful include cleaning it regularly with diluted vinegar and a hard scrubbing brush, as well as changing the water daily.