DIY birdbath
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Transform your garden into a haven for feathered friends with this charming DIY birdbath project. By repurposing an oversized candlestick and a thrifted pot lid, you can create a unique and functional birdbath that adds character to your outdoor space. This budget-friendly project not only recycles old items but also brings a touch of whimsy to your garden decor.
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?
Quick & Pretty DIY Birdbath
Featured in Reloved Outdoor Upcycling
DIY Birdbath made from a candlestick
Related Content: I turned this diy birdbath into a succulent planter!
There was a 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 lovely 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 to Get a Custom Color
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 aqua seemed like a perfect combination to achieve that patina I fell in love with.
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 you the look of a faded patina.
Continue to Experiment with Mixing Colors
I took this photo so you can see the color difference. On the left is aqua, and on the right is moss green. In the middle is the birdbath, which is neither aqua nor moss green. But a good mix of both.
The moss green lid.
With a bit of aqua over the moss green to match the candlestick.
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!
gail
Looking for another great birdbath project? You will love this easy one with more thrift store goodies!
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.