DIY A Bird Feeder On A Budget With Essentials From Your Local Dollar Tree

Decorative bird feeders can often be expensive, but luckily, you can make your own as a way to invite more birds to your yard with a simple DIY. With just a few items from Dollar Tree, you'll be able to craft an adorable cup and saucer bird feeder that could sit on your back porch or be hung wherever you like. 

This DIY is super simple, as all you will need is a mug or teacup, a saucer or plate, and some strong glue to make a gorgeous addition to your yard and help take care of your feathered friends. Not only will this project allow you to turn a coffee mug into a bird feeder if you so wish, but there are other ways to customize your feeder. For example, using a plate will allow the seed to be more accessible and will provide more space for the animals to perch, similar to a platform feeder. To ensure that your feeder doesn't fall apart, Dollar Tree's quick-setting epoxy glue is a good option. Alternatively, the fix-all adhesive is waterproof and might hold up better outdoors. Since everything at this store is $1.25, you should be able to create a unique, beautiful feeder to hold your bird seed for under $10.

The first step of this DIY is to choose both a mug and a plate that complement each other as well as your outdoor space. For a larger feeder, you'll want to make sure you're using larger ceramics, while smaller feeders work best with smaller cups and plates. To get a more modern look, the clear glass dinner plate paired with the clear glass mug would be a great option. If you'd like your feeder to be able to hold more seed, especially inside the cup, Dollar Tree's white ceramic plate and the 14-ounce white glaze mug would be a great choice. 

Since these dishes have no design, you might choose to hand-paint the outside of the mug or the edges of the saucer if you're artistic. For a more colorful, fun vibe, try using the turquoise swirl mug along with its matching turquoise dinner plate. Take a look around your local Dollar Tree to find the best plate and mug for you, since the stock may vary.

Also, consider how and where you'd like to place your feeder in your yard. If you wish to hang it, you might also need a jute cord or twine left over from another project. Old metal necklaces could be a more decorative option to hang your feeder as well, depending on the size and weight once it's filled with seed. If the mug is strong enough, your feeder could be hung directly from the handle, but make sure it can handle the weight.

Once you've gathered your supplies, it's super simple to make this Dollar Tree feeder. Set your mug on your plate so that the handle faces upward. Find the perfect spot so that the base of the mug is near the edge of the plate, leaving plenty of room for birdseed to spill out of the cup and onto the saucer. Now, apply your adhesive to the surface of your plate and your mug. If you're worried it won't adhere well, try lightly sanding the area first. 

Press the mug onto the plate, ensuring the handle is up and as straight as possible. Hold the pieces in place for several seconds to prevent them from moving. For those who are concerned that the mug won't stay properly positioned over time, it's possible to glue a wood-craft block on either side of the cup to keep it from ever tipping. Allow your adhesive to set overnight.

To hang your feeder, tie a piece of jute cord around the handle of the mug and place it on an outdoor hook. Otherwise, try making a cord hanger. Tie three pieces of your string together tightly and glue the knot to the bottom of the plate. Lay out the three strings in separate directions and secure them in place as well. Finally, flip the project and tie the ends of the cord together. With this easy project, your cute feeder will attract birds to your garden.