Tag Archive for: craft

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Hello readers, I’m Larissa coming to share with you a nature-inspired DIY project. Today, we’ll learn how to create a special DIY Log Bird Feeder treat for our feathered friends. The best part is that this can be a family fun activity to do AND to give as a gift for anyone who loves bird watching.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

DIY Log Bird Feeder

We are avid bird lovers in our home and were delighted when a friend of mine gave us this bird feeder made from a piece of firewood and rope. How easy is that?

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

What a delight it is to see our tree clinging birds (nuthatches, tufted titmice, and woodpeckers) come for a visit and see their excitement at the treat they’ve found, especially the birds that overwinter. Did you know that migratory birds will remember your home the next time they’re passing through and will come back again year after year if you continue to provide nourishment for them? It’s like a reunion each spring and winter. Fun!

So, let’s grab some materials and get ready to create a DIY log bird feeder!

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Picking Your Log:

We are blessed to have a fireplace, so we always have a stash of firewood on hand. For your log, you can use a downed branch or head to your own stash to grab a piece of wood.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

The tree-clingers prefer a chunky bark, but any tree variety will do.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Instructions:

Clamp your log and keep your hand clear from the drill bit. Wear appropriate eye protection.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To start, use a 1″ spade bit to drill a hole approximately 1/2″ deep, 2 inches down from the top.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-to-build DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials.

Drill a second hole on the same face about 6″ below the first.

Roll the log a quarter turn and drill in the next face starting with the first hole about 5″ from the top and then a second hole 6″ below that one. (This does not have to be exact and gives a more rustic feel when randomly chosen.)

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Repeat those steps until you have two sets of matching faces on opposing sides.

Drill your rope hole using a 5/16″ bit. Starting on the face that has the first hole 5″ down, drill your rope hole 2″ from the top, making sure to go completely through the log.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Cut a 2′ or longer piece of rope and thread it into the hole. If you turn the rope in the direction of the braid (counter-clockwise) while inserting it, that will help the rope go through smoothly.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Once through, tie the rope ends together using a basic knot.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

On to the fun part! Birds burn a ton of protein flitting about, so they need to store up as much as they can. We prefer to use chunky peanut butter and then roll it in seeds like this.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Grab a tablespoon of peanut butter and place it in a bowl of birdseed.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then sprinkle the peanut butter with seed.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After coating with the seed, press the mixture into the holes using the back of a spoon, or if you’re nutty like me (catch the pun?) it’s more fun to use your fingers.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

The kids love this part!

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

You’re done and it’s ready to hang. Yay!

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

For a fun twist, and if you’re feeling handy, you could also add dowels for other species to be able to roost at each hole, but for this project I kept it simple.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask.

If you enjoyed this project, do pin and share!

blog signature copy

Pin this project for later!

DIY Log Bird Feeder Pin Image

 

Liked this project? Then you’ll love these birdhouses:

Clever DIY Holiday Decor Ideas Social Media Image21 Clever DIY Holiday Decor Ideas

The holidays here, but there is still plenty of time to make some DIY holiday decor that will bring the warmth and festivity of the season into your home. Here are 21 Clever DIY Holiday Decor Ideas to inspire you!

Clever holiday decor - garlands in chandelier

Add garlands to your chandelier for some extra holiday sparkle.

 

clever holiday decor - wreath makeover

Add a some faux floral items to make a simple wreath more spectacular!


clever holiday decor - shutter card holder

Use an old shutter for a holiday card holder. Add a vintage sleigh and boots for some extra charm.

 

clever holiday decor - birch log and pinecones

Use some birch logs and pinecones to bring that natural winter feeling.

 

clever holiday decor - lighted topiaries inside

Bring lighted topiaries inside to add some sparkle and holiday cheer!

 

clever holiday decor - log pillar candles

Make these log tea light pillar candles out of fallen branches.

 

clever holiday decor - stenciled drop cloth

Buy a cheap painter’s drop cloth and use a stencil to make a gorgeous runner for your holiday table.

 

clever DIY holiday decor ideas - santas footprints

Make Magic North Pole Snow Santa Footprints in your living room on Christmas morning!

 

clever holiday decor ideas - feather boa for tree garland

Make a gorgeous and bright tree garland using a feather boa!

 

clever holiday decor ideas - decorative birdhouse tree topper

Adorn your tree with a unique Decorative Painted Bird House Tree Topper! 

 

clever holiday decor ideas

Make an inexpensive garland using pinecones. 

 

clever holiday decor ideas

Create fun 3-D paper snowflakes and tree ornaments.

 

clever diy holiday decor ideas

Use yard sticks to make this awesome wooden decorative star.

 

clever diy holiday decor ideas - placemat pillow

Make festive and adorable pillows using placemats and pom-poms.

 

clever diy holiday decor ideas

If your home doesn’t have a mantel, here’s a great solution for hanging stockings without one!

 

clever diy holiday decor ideas

Use old chippy windows and faux aged metal to create a magnetic holiday card holder.

 

clever diy holiday decor ideas - rustic bark vases

These rustic bark vases would be a gorgeous holiday addition to any room.

 

clever diy holiday decor ideas - peppermint snowflakes

Make these creative peppermint snowflakes for your holiday tree!

 

clever diy holiday decor ideas

Create this elegant copper pipe centerpiece. And who says it’s just for the holidays? Use it for any season.

 

clever diy holiday decor - snowflake trivets

Use some plywood and your jigsaw to make these amazing Snowflake Trivets!

 

clever diy holiday decor ideas - snowglobe ornament

These adorable snow globe ornaments would be perfect for your tree or to gift to a friend!

 

Hopefully these clever holiday decor ideas give you some creative inspiration as you prep for the holidays this year!

If you like this collection of ideas, please share this pinnable image on Pinterest!

Clever DIY Holiday Decor Ideas Pinterest Image

 

If you liked this post, you may like these related posts as well!

12 Great Upcycled Ideas for Holiday Decor

 

Holiday Tablescape Tour 2016

 

21 Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas

21 ways to reuse or upcycle an old sweater featured image

21 Ways to Reuse or Upcycle an old sweater - Pinterest Image21 Ways to Reuse or Upcycle an Old Sweater

Decorating for winter doesn’t always have to mean decorating for the holidays. Have you ever thought about reusing an old sweater to make winter decorations? Sweaters represent warmth and coziness. Implementing them into your decor can bring those same attributes to your home. Here are some fantastic ideas on how to reuse or upcycle an old sweater to make something new!

Ideas:

DIY Sweater SnowmanCreate this adorable Snowman for your winter decorations using a sweater and bags of rice.

 

wine gift bag from old sweater

Give the gift of wine wrapped in an awesome upcycled sweater.

 

Make Your Own Fall Wreath from a goodwill sweaterCreate a Fall Wreath from a sweater to add a cozy feel to your decor.

 

Create Felted wool roses tutorialShrink a wool sweater in the dryer and use it to create felt roses.

 

DIY Sweater turned into a lampshadeMake a gorgeous chic lampshade using an old sweater with a cool design.

 

10 minute tooth fairy pillow Create this 10-minute Tooth Fairy Pouch from an old piece of sweater.

 

create garlands out of wood sweatersMake these gorgeous wool garlands from old upcycled sweaters.

 

Make a cozy looking centerpieceHow cute is this sweater vase for a winter centerpiece on your dining table?

 

sweater covered potUse a patterned sweater and repurpose it into this cute plant pot cover.

 

Cover lampshade with sweater coverCreate some coziness in your room by covering this lampshade with a white sweater.

 

no sew sweater pumpkinThese no-sew sweater pumpkins are quick and easy additions to your fall decor.

 

turn sweaters into pillow coversCreate some DIY pillows using old sweaters and have endless variety of pillow designs.

 

ottoman from sweater Makeover a storage ottoman with a nice old sweater.

 

Cushion your camera strap with this upcycle sweater idea.

 

sweater wrapped vaseHere’s a tall version of sweater wrapped vases.

 

christmas ornaments made from sweatersUse old sweaters to make these adorable christmas ornaments.

 

diy felt rug from sweatersCreate a psychedelic rug using sweaters cut into strips.

 

diy sweater sleeve into pumpkinTurn sweater sleeves into these adorable pumpkins for your fall decorations!

Or if you still want to wear that old sweater this fall and winter, here are a few creative ways to re-use them:

upcycle goodwill sweaterRe-size and Dress Up a sweater from Goodwill with felt flowers.

 

Make leg warmers really quickly from a cute old sweater.

 

turn old sweater into winter hatTurn an old sweater into a winter hat in just minutes!

I hope you enjoyed all of these ideas on how to reuse or upcycle an old sweater. They are such creative and fun ideas! Please be sure to save this post on Pinterest so you can find it easily again and share via social media if you would like. Here’s a great photo for Pinterest:

21 Ways to Reuse or Upcycle an old sweater - Pinterest Image

Hi, I’m Sheri from Hazel + Gold Designs. Here are a few fun stats about me: I like love chocolate and peanut butter (together of course.) If you like stats, I have been crocheting for about 16 years, crafting for 20, and woodworking for about 4 years. I found a passion in making and being creative and began documenting my projects online at Hazel + Gold Designs.

When not working on projects, I enjoy spending time with my husband, four children, perfect dog, and ornery cat. You can find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

Read all of Sheri’s tutorials.

~Find more of Sheri’s projects here ~

20 clever diy upcycled vases social media image

20 Clever DIY Upcycled Vases

Vases are beautiful and one of those home decor items that can be used in many different ways. They can sit empty on a shelf adding to the style of the room, hold beautiful flower arrangements, or be given as loving gifts.  These clever upcycled vases show only a few creative ways you can make a vase from items you already own, can be found in your recycling bin, or at local yard sales. I hope one of these many ideas inspire you to think outside the bottle ;-).

DIY aluminum sheet metal vase

Can you believe this DIY Sheet Metal Vase is made from a decorative aluminum sheet found at your local hardware or craft store?

 

test tube wall mounted vase

These DIY Wall-Mounted Test Tube vases look really cute on the wall and can be used in any room.

 

Make these sweet personalized gifts by wrapping Pounded Flower Artwork around a jar. It would make a great gift!

 

Simply slip a Mason Jar into a Boot to create this fun and quirky vase.

 

Practice your soldering skills to create this unique and pretty Copper Pipe Flower holder.

 

Decorate lattice and add some privacy to your yard with these gorgeous Glass Jar and Copper Wire vases.

 

No power tools? No problem! Create this gorgeous Produce Crate Centerpiece to hold your flowers using only hand tools.

 

Create this Outdoor Patio Living Flower Centerpiece vase using PVC pipe and decorative tin.

 

Check your recycle bin for bottles and make these Frosted Glass Vases for your springtime flowers or to give as a pretty gift.

 

Use some beautiful pieces of tree bark to make these beautiful Rustic Birch Bark Vases that can be used year-round.

 

Make this functional and pretty Reclaimed Wood Hook and Vase to decorate your entryway.

 

These Simple Bright Colored Vases can be made using recyclables, some paint and tape, and look absolutely gorgeous holding a variety of flowers.

 

Beautiful Simple Springtime Flower Striped Vases are created just using some decorative washi tape. They make great gifts!

 

You’ll just need a couple supplies to create beautiful Spray Painted Glass Jars and Bottles.

 

Use some small glass bottles to make these pretty Hanging Beaded Glass Flower Vases to hang near a window.

 

Paint some jars, fill them with flowers and show your teachers some love any day of the year with these Painted Vases.

 

Would you believe you can turn a soap dispenser into a vase like this unique Mother-of-Pearl flower vase.

 

Use old milk bottles to create these modern DIY Glass-Etched Vases.

 

Turn an old glass bottle into this fun textured Faux Stone Vase. 

 

Still have some recycled bottles left? Make these super simple (but super elegant) Gold Leaf Bottle Vases to display or give as gifts.

What do you think? I hope these 20 DIY Upcycled Vases collection inspired you to use something old to make something new and beautiful. All of these make great home decor items or gifts to others to show how much you appreciate them. Enjoy, and get out there and create something!

If you liked this collection, please pin this image to Pinterest:

20 clever diy upcycled vases pinterest image

Happy upcycling.

~Read more of Sheri’s posts~

 

Other posts you may like:

12 Inexpensive Ways to Decorate Your Bathroomways to decorate your bathroom

Decorating Ideas for an Outdoor Garden Partygarden outdoor party ideas

 

Pin for later!

Clever DIY Upcycled Vases | Pretty Handy Girl

8. Complete with "L" brackets on corners. Add gifts and deliver!

DIY Sheet Metal Gift TraysDIY Sheet Metal Gift Trays

The holidays are fast approaching and it’s time to start thinking about gift giving ideas! Gift trays are a great way deliver gifts to your friends, neighbors or teachers. The best part of a gift tray is it can be reused for anything they want and nothing goes to waste! Follow along with this tutorial to see how to make these DIY Sheet Metal Gift Trays.

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Materials: Sheet Metal Gift Tray

  • 1/2″ or 3/4″ Plywood scrap wood
  • 2″ pieces of lathe or scrap moulding
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B000W49NPC’ text=’Sheet metal scrap’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4f103892-cbe2-11e7-a00c-3fda84932599′] (large enough to cover plywood base)
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B00009OYFY’ text=’Sheet metal snips’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’56db011a-cbe2-11e7-88c9-230adf5bdb2c’]
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B000S7ZSTS’ text=’Construction adhesive’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’65c9549d-cbe2-11e7-8619-39ed35fc6585′]
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B000DZF2Q4′ text=’Caulk gun’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6d3fe28c-cbe2-11e7-bb25-e144f3be5a89′]
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B00125NQBC’ text=’Sandpaper’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7f0ff979-cbe2-11e7-b34f-fb2f071c5869′]
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B001JYVDSE’ text=’Steel wool’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8e654c5e-cbe2-11e7-b495-0ffc93a9294c’]
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B01I7DNOYA’ text=’Gloves’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b09e21ba-cbe2-11e7-91af-d908a698cd02′]
  • Drill
  • Pencil or Marker
  • 4 – [amazon_textlink asin=’B01N6NID4X’ text=’L brackets’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’de9d5670-cbe2-11e7-84b2-2f143e838863′] and 1/2″ wood screws
  • [amazon_textlink asin=’B001PNH8D8′ text=’Brad nails ‘ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0337c2d4-cbe3-11e7-b1d7-3dfa06c67bf1′]Nail gun

Instructions:

Cut your piece of plywood to the desired size for the tray base. Lay the plywood base on top of the sheet metal and trace with a permanent marker. Use tin snips to cut the metal to size.

1. Cut base and mark sheet metal size.

Put on your safety gloves and use the sanding block to remove some of the shine from the sheet metal. Smooth over any sharp edges.

2. Sand Sheet metal edges and base.

Rub the steel wool over the entire sheet metal piece to give it a soft polished finish.

4. Use steel wool to dull sheet metal surface.

Load a tube of construction adhesive into your caulk gun. Apply a fair amount of adhesive to the plywood. Glue the sheet metal to the top of the plywood.

5. Add Construction Adhesive to wood base

Press the sheet metal down evenly on top of the adhesive. Wipe off any excess if needed with a paper towel.

6. Press sheet metal on top of wood base.

Cut the 2″ pieces of lathe or scrap moulding to the length of the two shorter sides. Next, measure and cut two pieces of lathe for the long ends. (Be sure to allow extra length to overlap the short pieces of lathe/moulding.  Use the construction adhesive and brads to secure the lathe to the sides of the plywood. Clamp the sides until the adhesive cures.

8. Clamp sides while glue cures.

Once the adhesive is cured, remove your clamps. Attach the L brackets on the lower half of each corner using 1/2″ wood screws. The L brackets will reinforce the sides and add an industrial look.

9. Add corner brackets for extra support and decoration.

There you have it! These DIY Sheet Metal Gift Trays are easy to make, look great, and are an extra special and environmentally-friendly way to give gifts!

10. Add gifts and deliver!

I hope you love this project. Do you have other ideas for quick gift giving? Please share!

Want some more gift giving inspiration?

DIY Scrap Moulding Trays

scrap-moulding-trays

Make a Driftwood Gift Crate

Make a Driftwood Gift Crate | Pretty Handy Girl