25/01/2014
The Geek’s Homemade Bird Bath
At this time of year in Cyprus, we are lucky enough to have a little sunshine and time to potter in the garden for a few more weeks before the the expectant rain starts and lasts up until Springtime.
The finches are out in force and regularly come and visit us on the balcony waiting for their morning seed. I was looking into buying a bird bath to encourage more of them to come, but the price for a stone style one was costing nearly €200!! So, with a little help from The Geeks’ boyfriend, I had the canny idea of building our own from plastic garden plant pots and trays. Depending on the style and size that you want, you can make your own version as simple or as elaborate as suits you. It’s an easy project to do at home in your spare time, and a fun little project for kids too!
Here’s how The Geek made hers...
EQUIPMENT LIST:
3 x Medium size garden plant pots
1 x Large square plant pot tray
1 x Medium plant pot tray
3 x circular plant pot trays (1 large, 1 medium, 1 small)
1 x Tube of Construction adhesive & 1 x silicone gun
1 x spray can of plastic primer
6 x cans of spray paint
In order for the adhesive to bond to the plastics effectively, you will have to prepare the surfaces so they are as flat as possible. With the plastic pots I was going to use, there were lots of grooves and indentations on the base, so in order to make the surface “flat”, the grooves had to be sanded down. The easiest method to do this was with a metal file, but, if you are using terracotta pots and trays, then this is not necessary, though, make sure that the terracotta is free from dirt so give them a good scrub and let them dry before you start gluing and painting.
Once you feel satisfied that all the surfaces are as flat as they can be, make sure all the pots and trays are thoroughly cleaned and dried before you start gluing the pieces to each other.
Now you can start building!
Follow the gluing instructions and leave to set for at least 24 hours. Apply weight wherever possible to help the bonding process (I used my mini-dumbbells and a small plant pot).
Additionally, as my stand was quite tall, in the first upright pot (first base pot), I filled half full with small stones. Consider what the conditions are in your garden/ balcony etc. and where you will eventually place your stand, what materials you are using for your bird bath and then apply weight where you think it is necessary.
In an outside space, or well ventilated area, place newspaper or ground sheets to protect the surface where you will prepare the bird bath stand in order to start painting.
Prepare the stand with plastic primer and leave for 10-15 minutes or until touch-dry. Once you are satisfied that it is ready, you can begin painting. As my stand was quite a large piece, I needed at least 6 cans of spray paint in order for it to be completely covered, though again, it is entirely your preference how you want your piece to look in then end.
Allow the paint to dry overnight. Once dry, move the piece to your preferred spot, fill the top plate with water – and wait for the birds to come!
Pictures of step by step stages of the build + materials used given here :)
