On a trip to Nashville, TN, I squeezed in a little time to check out the local thrift stores on my way into town. I happened upon a Goodwill in Lebanon, TN where I found a mismatched pair of pot lids. I loved the colors and the metal was in good shape, so I bought them both to build a platform bird feeder for my backyard.
All I needed to do to make the bird feeder was disassemble the pot lids and add in some easy-to-find hardware.
Ready to see how I made a DIY platform bird feeder? Let’s go!
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Recycling Pot Lids for the Birds
First, I made a trip to the hardware store and purchased the following bits:
- A threaded rod that fit through the holes of the pot lids;
- A coupling nut that could screw onto the threaded rod; and
- An eye bolt and two matching hex nuts that fit both the coupling nut and threaded rod.
And yes, I brought the pot lids into the hardware store with me. It’s the best way to do it, even if you feel funny about doing so!
Once I had all the hardware I needed and the pot lids were clean, I started to build the platform portion of the hanging bird feeder.
First, I threaded the rod through the smaller pot lid and screwed on one of the original pot lid knobs on the underside (i.e., yellow side) of the lid.
Then, I added one of the hex nuts to the inside of the yellow lid, and tightened it against the inside of the pot lid.
Doing so kept the bottom pot lid (i.e., the platform feeder) secure and in place.
The platform portion of my hanging bird feeder was complete and I could now work on the roof!
Adding a Cover to a Platform Bird Feeder
Next, I added the second of my two hex nuts down the threaded rod, stopping a couple of inches down from the top.
Then, I slipped the larger red pot lid on top of the rod and screwed on the coupling nut half way.
With the coupling nut in place, I tightened the hex nut underneath the red pot lid.
To the top of the coupling nut, I then screwed in the eye bolt- and it was assembled!
To truly secure everything in place, I went back to each piece of hardware and added a drop or two of my favorite super glue, just for insurance.
Platform Bird Feeder from Repurposed Pot Lids
Lastly, I added a carabiner through the eye bolt for ease of hanging from a bird feeder pole!
A quick link would also work, as would a loop of sturdy-but-flexible wire.
After I hung it on the bird feeder pole (shepherd’s hook), I added some bird seed. The big red lid acts as a rain umbrella, and will also keep it shaded and cool.
Now I just need to add a little petroleum jelly to my shepherd’s hook to keep Mr. Squirrel from climbing it- but how thrifty-nifty is that? And oh yeah- super easy to clean, too!
And the waiting game begins…when will my feathered friends discover it?
Thankfully, it didn’t take them long to discover this suet feeder that I made from a coffee mug. So I think they’ll find this platform bird feeder pretty quickly!
This is also one of the best bird feeders for small birds, as the platform is too small for larger birds to land on! And metal bird feeders aren’t easy to find, so if you’ve been looking for one, you’re in luck!
Believe it or not, I’ve upcycled pot lids into a hanging bird bath as well. So check out this blog post for an easy-to-clean bird bath before you go!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Such a lovely idea, and so easy for the birds to access.
Thank you so much!
Oh my gosh, that is the cutest idea!! Who would have ever thought of something to do with pot lids…you! I love the way you think.
Thank you so much for joining Thoughts of Home on Thursday. We are honored to have you. 😉
Thanks, Stacey!
I love your colorful idea and that it’s on the cheap!
Thanks, Suzy!
Well now if that isn’t the cutest idea ever! Love this! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Wow! This is really a great idea for us bird lovers!
Thank you for the easy, reading tutorial.
Thanks so much Christine!
Very cute and unique!
Thanks, Carol!
Bird feeders are expensive and the lucite ones don’t hold up very well. Your idea is brilliant.
Ginene
Thank you so much, Ginene!
Sarah, I should have known this was yours when I saw it at the Craft Frenzy Friday party – it has your name written all over it. You always come up with the most clever ideas! Pinning to share 🙂
Pretty soon, y’all will just start recognizing trees in my yard with each new junky garden project! 😉
Very creative and darling; course I’m a sucker for anything bird related!! Thanks much for coming to Throwback Thursday and sharing!! 🙂
Mollie
You and me both- I can never have too many bird feeders and baths, especially if they are repurposed!
Sarah, that is the cutest project. I’ll never look a pan lid again without thinking of your bird feeder. I bet they appreciate it. Great instructions, too. Thank you for sharing at Your Inspired Designs.
Thank you so much!
Very cool Sarah, I would have just added one on the bottom and let it go at that but you went one step further. That’s why you are the Queen! Thanks for all your sweet inspiration! Pinning and sharing.
😉 Haha, thank you!!
I need to make one of these bird feeders. We love taking care of the wild birds. Thanks for sharing your post at the #InspirationSpotlight party. Pinned & shared.
Thank you so much! (and for hosting each week!)
Looks great, is easy to make and thrifty too – genius! Great tip to stop the squirrels too , thanks.
Thanks so much, Julie!
How do you come up with these amazing ideas? I love this! Thanks for sharing at the DIY Party!
Thanks, Helen!!
What a neat idea! Thanks for sharing on Family Joy Link-up!
Thanks, Alicia!
Wow! This is so clever and creative. A great way to keep the squirrels away too 😉
Thank you, Jelica!
I absolutely love this! I would have never thought to do this with some pot lids (and the carabiner clip is crazy smart)! Thanks for sharing your project with us at Merry Monday this week!
Thank you so much!
Now that is a terrific upcycle. I love the lid idea, there are always hundreds of those and so easy to find. Great job Sadie!
Thanks so much for joining us at the Dishing It & Digging It Link Party. We love seeing your posts, every week.
Thanks, Christine!!
Love your soup pot lid bird feeder. You always come up with the unique repurposes of ordinary items. Thank you for sharing your great ideas at Vintage Charm.
Thanks, Sharon!
What a clever idea! Would have never thought to use a pot lid for a bird feeder. Thanks so much for sharing your project with us at Funtastc Friday.
Thanks, Sherry!
What a cute idea! Love the bright color too. Thanks for joining the Family Joy link party!
Thanks so much!
You keep giving me more things to look for when I’m out thrifting and I love it! Lovely project, and once again we’re happy to have you join us again this week at Celebrate Your Story.
Thank you so much, Sandra!
I’m over from the Welcome Home Wed. linkup. This looks so easy, i want to try it.
I have made these for years, my stepdad got the pattern out of “Birds and Blooms” many years ago. I spray paint my lids on the outside,and reinforce the pieces with some washers, but the rest is pretty much the same. The lids here run around $2.00 a piece!
What a neat idea!
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, and tips: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
We have a large tree filled property and I love doing projects like this but I have trouble finding the threaded rods and eye bolts in those lengths – where did you find them? This is a creative idea with lids – love it! Thank so much for sharing!
Hey, Kathy!! I took my lids to Lowe’s and found everything in the hardware aisle!
We don’t have a Lowes or HD, but I get my stuff at Ace. I buy a long rod, and have it cut into 3 pieces. The eyebolts and everything are right down the aisle.
How can I attract starlings elsewhere in the yard? They just showed up, 20 at a time, devouring ALL the suit cakes. Single cages and 2 suet slots on a house feeder. Maybe just passing thru. Any tips on helping starlings prefer to be “over there?”