This easy DIY birdbath is made from a extra large candlestick and a thrift store pot lid. You could also use a reclaimed lamp base to make a birdbath.
So many times bloggers are inspired by pretty pictures in magazines, but this time Woman’s Day Magazine was inspired by this project to make their own birdbath. How cool is that?
DIY Birdbath made from a candlestick
There was a really fun Shop and Hop event in Indianapolis. I picked up a great extra large candlestick.
After I found the candlestick at the Goodwill I thought it might make a nice side table. But then I rounded the corner to the pots and pans aisle, and found this pot lid.
I turned it upside down, and voila! It was a perfect fit.
Mix colors of spray paint
While I was perusing one of the stores I found a greenish copper patina something or other. I said to myself “self, this is the color this birdbath wants to be” Now sometimes I have selective hearing, but usually when I’m talking to myself I listen!
It’s a great idea to keep an eye out for spray paint on clearance. I got a great deal on this paint. The moss green and the aqua seemed like a perfect combination to get that patina that I fell in love with.
First I sprayed a pretty good coat of the moss green. Here’s a great closeup of the base color.
Then I sprayed it with the aqua spray paint-a little too heavy. oops!
Lightly misting with another color while holding the spray can a little further away will give the look of a faded patina.
I took this photo so you can see the color difference. On the left is the aqua, on the right is the moss green. In the middle is the birdbath that is neither aqua or moss green. But a good mix of both.
The moss green lid.
With a little aqua over the moss green
Look how nicely the lid fits into the little candle “hole”
It’s perfect!
I love feeding the birds and watching them, I have a couple of concrete birdbaths already, but I figure I can always use one more!
Do you think it resembles a copper patina?
Because the pot lid was so deep, I ended up getting a more shallow enamel lid and painting it in the same way. It rests with the handle in the top of the birdbath the same way.
Here’s the vase I painted. Did you know it this easy to change up thrift store or yard sale vases? Just add paint. I also painted a bunch of reclaimed glass with white spray paint. I have so much glass (leftover from my totem addiction)
This birdbath has been in my yard for over 8 years and it has never tipped over. The lid has fallen or been blown out a couple of times. It still brings a smile to my face every time I see it!
update! I turned this diy birdbath into a succulent planter!
gail
Hi there. Loved your birdbath so much i made one for myself. Thanks for the inspiration. However, my water gunks up quickly…. i used a stainless steal lid and sprayed with kilz spray paint. Thought maybe there’s a trick i dont know about. Thanks.
So happy to hear you were inspired to make your own birdbath! I think all birdbaths get messy really quickly. In the nice weather I try to wash mine out ever couple of days.
gail
Such a fun idea! Was just thinking that a table lamp body might also work. Pinned. Gonna keep my eyes out now for a good base.
Gosh, this takes me back a ways, Gail! Your birdbath was one of the first blog projects I ever tried, and I used a yard sale hookah pipe to make it. I still love it! Hope you’re having a good summer. I’ll be browsing around your blog catching up this evening and thinking of you!.
Oh my gosh! Laurel! I’ve missed you. I hope you’re well. Your comment made my day/week! I’ve made lots of new friends, so I’m revisiting some older posts. Chances are, one of the 50 comments is probably yours from back in the day.
take care! I’ll catch up with you someday soon–out of town for work–blog conference!
gail
It had a great look before the paint. Painting made it visually flat, lacking interest.
I saw you article in Woman’s Day last week and I had posted a question on “Hometalk” using pan lids to upcycle. I shared your post there and directed to your blog.
Here is the link, Smiles, Cyndi
http://www.hometalk.com/cyndineumann/discussions/started
Thanks for sharing my project! It still sits in my flower bed all these years later!
gail
Awesome idea! I have some candle holders not quite that tall but you made my creative mind kick into gear. I change my birdbath water almost daily and I always have a few rocks in the bottom for the birds to perch on because I had heard that they could drown if the water was too deep. Thanks so much for sharing.
I think it looked amazing before it was painted. The metallic tones actually worked very well together.
Ironically the candle stick seems to be bronze and would have began to take on the not-quite-aqua, not-quite-moss green patina naturally.
Paint is very toxic and can easily leech toxins into the water/environment. I know its been a few years since you made this lovely bath, but the paint can still negatively affect the birds. Im wondering if there is a some sort of nontoxic coating that you can coat over this project to prevent further harm to the birds. While it may be a bit pricey, I think it is well worth the cost.
Very cool, very creative! You did a great job and I love it!
I saw this the other day and loved what you put together. I decided to try one for myself and I’m pretty happy with the outcome. I Pintristed this as well as linked back to you on my own blog. Take a look if you would like. Thanks! And love your site 🙂
http://practicallyobsessed.blogspot.com
My daughter saw this and constructed me a birdbath out of large silver tray and a large wooden leg from an antique table – and painted it all a sage green color – it is beautiful and I know the birds will really appreciate it since we are suffering a drought here in South Alabama 🙂 Love your site!
Not meaning to rain on your parade, this is just to help the birds. Do the birds use your birdbath? Is so, forget the rest of this. I read where the water should be only 1-3″ deep. Yours looks deeper than that? Also, it said it needs a textured bottom, I guess so the birds won’t slip around if they take a bath. One thing you might do is put something on the sides, like someone else suggested. Or, plant something textured into the middle of the pan. One last thing… did you weight the bottom or is this top heavy when filled with water? It looks like it could tip over to me. If it works, great!
I think it almost looks like patina maybe a dark type of rub over it would make it closer to patina? Will the paint hurt the birdies or do you sit something into it?
The idea is of pure genius! It totally looks awesome! GW is my favorite place to shop told them to ban me this month though.
This is brilliant!
I love my backyard birdies too! I would NEVER have thought to use these elements to make a birdbath! Pure genius. And it looks like a super-expensive copper birdbath! Wowsa. I am impressed, and totally gonna steal your idea, if I can find the elements. If I do, I will let you know and link back to ya as my inspiration!
I love your website – I’m adding you to my linky list! I’d love to have you visit! 🙂 http://lookingglassjewels.blogspot.com/
Hi Gail-
Just love the birdbath. So ingenious and so chic. Looks like something you would buy in a trendy shop.
Found you by googling ‘paint bird bath’ and yours is great! I have a concrete one I want to paint and you’ve inspired me to get over my tendency to paint everything black or white! I’m going to aim for the copper patina, too. Thanks.
What a great project! It’s amazing how perfectly that lids fits the candlestick! Love it!
: )
Julie M.
ps I didn’t start junking until I was 28…now, I’m totally addicted. : )
I don’t like comments that start off “That’s great but…..” But here I go anyway. Do you think the paint on the inside of the lid will leach bad stuff into the birds’ water? (Love your blog.)
Rita
Check that out!!! That is so awesome! What a fabulous idea!!!
Gail you are seriously brilliant! Super Huge WOW!
I LOVE IT!
🙂
I love it Gail!! It’s just beautiful!
Wow, that candlestick and that lid were made for each other! It looks great:)
Wow! Now that is probably the most clever idea I have ever seen! I love the final color too – it screams Spring!
Jeanine
Wow, you are awesome. A birdbath of all things! I shake my head in amazement. Very very cool.
Thanks for linking up to SNS!
FJ Donna
That is one clever and cute idea. I love it.
Wow that is brilliant! It looks like a real bird bath you would purchase at a store! Great cre8tive mind!
Fantastic Gail! I was wondering what you would do with all that? What a vision! 🙂
That is absolutely brilliant. It came out perfect. Great job.
Well..even though I am late to the party…I LOVE it!!!!! You are so brilliant. 🙂
This weather has been oh so lovely hasn’t it?
So you are having a yard sale eh? What goodies could I find there? My last final is over by 10 am tomorrow. How much for the birdstand?
Cheers~
e
Good luck with the yard sale…they are big jobs…some times they are worth it sometimes not.I like going to them myself….but not having them.God Bless Trish
NICE bird bath. It almost looks like a pool for your birdies, they will love it and be very confortable. And great idea to use these two unrelated items in a unique piece. I am now looking through my stuff to see if I can do something similar.
Good luck with your yard sale.
i love how the lid looks like it was made perfectly just for that candlestick.. very cute birdbath
Gail, I can’t believe you found those great colors at Goodwill. The birdbath is fabulous–I am going to be looking for big pot lids now. Thanks for linking up!
What a beautiful piece… so creative!
That’s awesome! LOVE the birdbath!
I’m loving the bird bath. Don’t you just love it when ideas and projects just come together, better than you expect.
wow beautiful job! i love the birdbath, it looks like new!
No Way! I was wondering what you were going to do with the pot lid! You are so creative. Thanks for sharing!
Your ideas and you being able to see things to do with other things is just awesome…love the birdbath.
Awesome, awesome job!!! 🙂 I love that!!
That is such a great idea Gail!!! I always learn so much from you! I’m gonna try this in my yard ASAP!
I love the birdbath. It brings repurposing to a new level. enjoyed it! Rory
http://thegreentiquessolution.blogspot.com/
i wish i could look at things and see what they can become. it’s only when i see someone ELSE do it, that i begin to. totally awesome and inspiring!
My goodness but your smart! I love what the two separate pieces became. Fabulous idea. Good luck on the yard sale.
Oh my gosh! this is amazing! I would never have thought to do that, but it’s such a great idea!
Birdbath=so stinkin brilliant! And yes, it does look like patina. Great job!
Wish I was close enough to take advantage of your garage sale. Like you, I don’t enjoy giving them (I’ve only done 1 in the last 10 yrs.), but I do love going to them.
Oh and love the spray painted vase. Yours is the second blog I’ve seen doing this sort of thing – and I have a couple of shelves full of vases!
Blessings.
It looks great!
Ah, shoot.. if I didn’t have 10 million things to do AND pack for a trip we leave for at 4 am tomorrow, I’d head down south to your yard sale!
I never, ever, ever would have thought birdbath! Very unique, my girl – you rock! Yes, I do think it looks patina’d and I’m sure it is absolutely stunning! The vase is beautiful, just beware – painting them is like potato chips, you can’t have just one. I’m sure to be covered up here at my house soon! LOL.
Sorry you have to put up with the yard sale today – I wish I lived there, I would probably buy most of what you have by 8am, haha. Just remember as you are letting junk go a dollar at a time, that they are paying YOU to make extra space in your house! Good luck!
What a perfect way to have a special bright feature in your yard. I know the birds will love having their own spa. I think your paint job is much more eye catching than copper would have been. Hope your garage sale net you lots of cash so you can go shopping. Stella
I love that bird bath! The color came out perfect! You are SO stinkin smart! That’s why I follow you, lol!
Very inventive – way to go ! Love it and that blue is dreamy !
Kammy
Nice job creating the patina, I think it looks great! Did u already glue the lid to the base? If not you might want to leave it so it’s easy to lift off and clean (that is if it is heavy enough to stay in place without glue) Another thought is to add a couple pieces of bent silverware along the rim for the birds to perch on. It would look even cuter. Love the painted vase. I’m gonna have to try that one! Good luck with the garage sale. Hope the money you bring in makes it worth all the hassle.
Rose