Tea Cup Bird Feeder

5/13/2014

Hey there! Just a quick DIY that is so easy to make, and is a great gift for many "hard to buy for" people. I realize I should have/could have posted this pre-mother's day, as it could have been a good gift for that, but I failed. I get it. Sheesh.

To make this beautiful feeder, all you need is some glass and ceramic glue (I use Elmer's, it costs less than $5), some string or chain to hang it, and a tea cup and saucer you like from a second hand store (I don't buy them from Value Village, they tend to price even the most hideous sets at coo-coo-crazy prices). The set in the picture cost 25 cents from "Hidden Treasures" in Tweed.

Simply clean the cup and saucer, make sure they're dry, then set the plate down. Run a strip of glue on the saucer, not in the middle, but from the middle to the edge, then with the handle pointing upwards, set the cup over the strip of glue, and gently press it into the glue. Depending on how thin the set is, the cup may be able to sit up on it's own, or you may need to gently wrap a towel around it to keep it in place while it dries.
Once it's dry, fasten a string to the handle, and taa-daa!
At our place we have 4-5 different types of birds who will eat out of this feeder, and it hangs outside our kitchen window so the kids can see it while they're eating breakfast at our island. They are always so excited about the birds.
And that's it! It's unique, it's simple, it's beautiful.
The End.

104 Comments

Welcome To
Bushel &
A Peck!

Hi, I'm Amy-Lyn!

I am the lady behind this here blog! I live in the sticks with my animals, my super handsome husband, and my
3 amazing kids!
Here you'll find things from recipes (gluten-free, paleo, and strait up junk food!), DIY ideas, thoughts on raising a son with autism, and whatever else pops into my brain! : )
Read more about me by clicking here!

Want to Stay Connected?

val

5/13/2014 09:37:44 am

How ingenious, beautiful, creative....
You never cease to amaze me!

Amy-Lyn

5/14/2014 12:11:49 am

Well, aren't you so sweet! :)

Barbara white

2/4/2016 02:50:11 pm

What is the "glass" used for.

Kathy

3/22/2016 09:42:47 am

I believe she was referring to 'glass & ceramic' glue in general.

2/4/2016 02:53:40 pm

Never. Mind. I misread instructions

Joy

2/22/2017 09:36:51 am

i just went to an antique store and these type of cup/saucers were going for as much as $20 a set.

2/22/2017 09:43:10 am

That's why I never buy my sets at antique stores! :)

Jean Stewart

6/3/2017 10:38:03 am

Have a problem with cup/sauce slanting and spilling seeds sometimes. Can't figure out how to correct. Some hang level; some not so level!

Evelyn

10/28/2017 12:45:26 pm

what an awesome idea thanks so much

Janice Armstrong link

5/18/2014 07:04:33 pm

Love this...am so going to do it! :)

2/3/2015 11:25:55 pm

I hope you do! :)

Very cute and great idea!

9/4/2014 03:54:19 am

SHIRLEY RATCLIFFE

2/3/2015 08:45:58 pm

I JUST LOVE THIS I WILL HAVE MORE THAN ONE IN MY YARD

2/3/2015 10:59:35 pm

Your yard will be beautiful! :)

MYRNA

9/7/2015 07:52:18 pm

My favorite bird feeder of the ton of examples I searched. This one wins and will be making several too. Thanks a million!

♡

10/21/2014 09:20:06 am

Amy-Lyn Van Londersele

9/8/2015 05:29:46 pm

You're very welcome! :)

Great to make with the grandchildren this summer. love it

11/22/2014 12:15:42 pm

we make this with my grandchildren really neat

2/27/2015 07:55:54 am

10/31/2015 03:55:20 am

Sorry for the late reply, but I do hope you got a chance to make these with your grandkids! Thanks for taking the time to comment!

britewally

1/3/2015 02:06:43 am

How do you, keep the squirrels, from jumping, on the cup and knocking, all of the bird seed off.

Thank You
britewally

Louise McFarland

3/14/2015 09:00:24 am

if you only use straight safflower seed, the squirrels will hate it and the songbirds like it.

10/31/2015 03:56:09 am

I never knew this! Thanks for the great tip!

Joyce Kovach

5/28/2016 06:46:39 pm

Thanks for the tip on the Safflower seed. I have a dog that wants to go right through the front window when they come around!

Kathryn

1/9/2017 07:06:12 pm

My squirls love sunflowers here in nc!

10/31/2015 04:03:22 am

Hey there!
I don't have squirrels at my house so I don't have that problem and I'm not sure how to help you! :( I hope they don't cause too much trouble! I think if you Googled "how do I keep squirrels off a bird feeder?" You'd find some good answers. Good luck!

Gail Popham

1/24/2015 03:52:09 am

neat idea!

1/24/2015 03:54:57 am

Thanks!

Cindy Rose

1/29/2015 01:21:41 am

Does this glue let go when it gets hot out? I used gorilla glue and the cup let go....breaking of course.

1/29/2015 01:27:48 am

Hi there!
I'm sorry your feeder broke!
I haven't had any trouble with the glue I've used; I haven't tried Gorilla Glue for this, but I just make sure I've used a weather resistant/water safe glue, and they've been holding up fine.
Also....where are you that it is hot out? :)

Cindy

2/2/2015 10:19:40 am

Only hot in the summer. Have to put pretty bird feeders away for winter. We live in Michigan on the Canadian border. My idea of hot is 80.

2/2/2015 11:01:39 pm

The glue was a good one for glass and ceramic. And my girlfriend used silicone with same results.

Debbie Eddington

2/4/2015 02:43:25 am

I make tabletop bird feeders like this and sell them. Or give as gifts! I use silicone adhesive. It works great in hot or cold weather. Other glues will not hold for very long and then your feeder will fall and shatter. If you hang these where rain/snow can get in them it will freeze in cold weather and break them. Not fun. I recommend them under an overhang if you leave them out in winter. Just a few tips to help you enjoy them longer! :) If you want to see my tabletop ones go to "Sunflowers by Debbie" on FB.

tammi hazard

2/2/2015 10:07:13 am

I wood use glass glue ..Elmers glue would soften when wet from rain ..

2/2/2015 10:50:46 am

Indeed. The Elmers glue I used is a glass and ceramic glue.

SHELLEY

8/23/2016 07:21:03 am

Use E6000 glue ... You can find it at Walmart, Michael's, Target, JoAnn's stores.

Eve-K

2/2/2015 06:09:02 am

great idea as a volunteer gift on April when we do our annual brunch!!

2/2/2015 09:01:30 am

When I give these away I also like to include a little bag of bird seed, just as an idea if you do give them away at your annual volunteer brunch! :)

I just love this idea!! I am always looking for ways to repurpose stuff!! Thanks for sharing!

2/2/2015 08:32:28 am

2/2/2015 09:02:32 am

You're welcome!

Elaine link

2/2/2015 08:41:21 am

there is an old old song, ( from the thirties or forties ) called " I love you a Bushel abd a Peck,,,,,,I sing it to my great grand kids, they love it,,,,,,they are 8--3--2,,,,, just had to tell you this

2/2/2015 09:03:44 am

Awww, that's really sweet.
I know and love that song too, and sing it to my kids all the time. :)
Thanks for sharing that with me!

Peteiva

6/14/2015 05:22:44 am

There is a beautifully framed I Love You a Bushel and a Peck at Kirklands. One of our granddaughters sent it to me for Christmas from the great grandchildren because I sing it to them as well. I also sing Jesus loves Breanna this I know for the Bible tells me so little ones too Him belong they are week but He is strong . Yes Jesus love Breanna, yes Jesus loves Breanna, yes Jesus loves Breanna the Bible tells me so. This makes it very personal for them.

10/31/2015 03:38:55 am

You sound like a wonderful Grandmother xoxo

Pat I

2/2/2015 11:12:06 am

Thanks for a unique gift idea for birthday, Mother's Day, anytime you just want to make someone happy. I plan on making several of these. The little song I love you a bushel and a peck I have shared it with my grandchildren for 21 years.

2/3/2015 11:07:25 pm

You're very welcome! I love the song too and sing it to my kids as well

2/2/2015 08:01:03 pm

Hello

Try a clear silicone based epoxy or sealant. Works beautifully. Weatherproof and keeps bond in all seasons!

Combining my love for teacups and for birds, perfect for me !!!!

2/2/2015 08:26:39 pm

10/31/2015 03:43:27 am

We are kindred spirits! :)

My sister would love this for Mothers Day.

2/2/2015 09:40:11 pm

2/3/2015 11:10:40 pm

Be sure to give her bird seed with her gift so she can use it right away (in case she doesn't have any on hand) :)
I hope she likes it!

Janet T

2/2/2015 10:49:00 pm

just found this and what a neat idea, will defin. make some
for gifts! thanks j

2/3/2015 11:13:27 pm

You're welcome! I often have a few made up and ready so I can have a quick gift ready to give at a moments notice! Once when I didn't have any extra made up, I took one right out of my tree and gave it away!

Judy Robertson

2/2/2015 11:41:22 pm

I love this and what a great simple idea !

2/3/2015 11:21:56 pm

Thanks! I love that some beautiful, inexpensive tea cups and saucers can get a new lease on life! :)

These would make wonderful Christmas presents Thank you for sharing..

2/3/2015 12:13:13 am

10/31/2015 03:40:52 am

You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

great idea i live in texas do i need a glue that can. take 110 degrees and high humidity. if u use a bigger plate the squirrel can share with the birds. i love to watch them outside my window

2/3/2015 12:52:26 am

2/3/2015 11:30:52 pm

Hi!
I'm not sure about the heat and glue, but I think using a strong, all weather glue should do the trick.
I would be more worried about a bigger plate and a squirrel, as the squirrel may be too heavy for the glue to hold??
If you try it let me know how it works out! :)

Patti Reynolds

5/19/2016 03:58:12 pm

Use Loctite GO2 Glue. I make and sell glass garden flowers and art pieces and have gone through many adhesives trying to find one that stands up to 100 degree heat and baking in the sun. The flowers I make face sideways instead of up, so it's very important to me that when someone leaves with one, I know that the hold is going to last for years through all weather( varies quite a bit here in NH).
I've forgotten flowers in the yard that got buried under 5ft piles of plowed snow, and found them completely intact in the spring.

5/19/2016 03:58:24 pm

5/20/2016 03:18:08 am

That's great, thanks for the tip! And your flowers sound beautiful!

Awesome!

2/3/2015 04:51:39 am

going to make some of these ..thanks

2/3/2015 05:41:29 am

blsethman@sbcglobal.net

2/3/2015 08:36:48 am

Great Valentine's Day for teachers!

wanita kruger

2/3/2015 11:19:44 pm

it seems as if the glue wouldn't be strong enough to hold to the saucer filled with seeds

2/3/2015 11:25:10 pm

Hi there!
The saucer and cup aren't big enough to hold enough seed to be very heavy, and mine have held up beautifully without any trouble.

I'm going to do this!

2/4/2015 01:22:24 am

how do you keep the rain from messing up the seeds?

2/5/2015 11:28:06 am

2/5/2015 11:36:55 am

Hi there!
The rain washes some of the seeds out, and some get squishy and stuck, but the birds still come and eat them! :)
I would add seeds as needed and never found the birds weren't coming, we even had a lot on the ground getting the seeds that fell.

wow......love the idea. How about using a pastic cup and saucer to avoid possible breakages? You can find some pretty colours to use.

2/22/2015 05:05:24 pm

10/31/2015 03:42:43 am

I could see it maybe working with some old melamine cups and saucers (the kind you take camping?) Let me know if you try, and send some pictures along if you do!

but wont it mold out in rain its so adorable but idk

2/24/2015 06:44:34 am

2/24/2015 10:26:25 pm

I haven't had any trouble with the seed getting mouldy at all. The amount that fits into the feeder usually gets eaten up quickly, and if it rains the birds still eat it before it has a chance to really get yucky.

Love it!!!

2/24/2015 08:42:33 am

Thank you for the idea. Have made several and the birds enjoy it. So do the squirrels.

2/26/2015 03:21:10 am

kathy

3/24/2015 04:16:11 am

How cute going to make some for my birds. I have also seen them made out of pvc pipes but not sure how to make them do you thanks

10/31/2015 03:45:23 am

I'm not sure about the pvc pipe feeders, sorry!

kathy campell

3/31/2015 10:12:48 pm

Would like to try this in different use's also. I have a few idea's, let you know they work out.

3/31/2015 11:35:35 pm

Ok, great! I look forward to hearing your ideas!

maria horsfield

4/14/2015 03:04:51 am

This is a fab idea as i only have a small back yard and love feeding the birds x

Lori

4/15/2015 09:27:05 am

Seems that the whole thing would tip when a bird lands. No?

4/15/2015 12:35:26 pm

No, that's never happened. It moves a little (like any bird feeder does when birds are landing and taking off), but it's never tipped.

San

4/27/2015 12:28:53 am

any idea which glue I could use im based in the uk

4/27/2015 12:32:17 am

Hey there! I'm not sure of specific brands that you'd have, but if you asked at a hardware store or a large arts and crafts store for weather resistant glass/ceramic/china glue they should have something.
Best of luck!

Dawn Reed

11/24/2015 12:21:35 pm

I live in Minnesota, and in the winter it gets below zero....will the glue hold when it gets that cold?

MsShaSha

5/23/2016 10:29:44 am

I absolutely love this idea! Just a quick suggestion, forgive me if I missed it already mentioned - if a small bit of chain isn't available, I would highly recommend Hemp Twine. It's incredibly strong and durable and sure to last the whole seasons.

Now I'm off to the thrift store in search of pretty tea cups and saucers! ♥

5/23/2016 05:43:01 pm

Hi there! I've only ever used twine - I agree with you, it is very strong and great for all seasons!
I hope your cup and saucer search went well! :)

bj link

5/23/2016 02:52:56 pm

too cute and can't wait to make one ....

5/23/2016 05:40:04 pm

Thanks! Oh, and I love your "sweet nothings"! :)

Tina

5/24/2016 10:49:44 am

Just saw this on Facebook but didn't realize it's a post from 2014! What a great idea, too. I have many cups and saucers which are no longer used that I can now make into birdfeeders! Thanks so much!

5/27/2016 06:54:49 am

You're welcome! Some of my favourite feeders were made from cups and saucers I already had, but they got "demoted" when I got new cups and saucers! :) So, I hope you enjoy your bird feeders too!

Kris

5/24/2016 11:26:48 am

I am anxious to see what glues everyone uses....I found the glue gun does not always hold....and my best "find" was Amazing Goop, you can find in the Home Depot and those type stores....also saw in Michaels.....I use it a lot when I am making terra cotta pot crafts.....

Kris Ross

5/24/2016 11:30:17 am

I was anxious to read the posts re what glue "you" used.....I found that Amazing Goop is great...they have all kinds for all kinds of
"uses/ products"....I use for terra cotta pot projects....one year after taking down my Christmas terra cotta pot crafts from the attic (used the glue gun) they were in separate pieces...so found Amazing Goop can find it in Home Depot, etc....AND in some craft stores,
like Michaels

5/27/2016 06:57:48 am

Thanks for the tip about Amazing Goop, I've never seen it before. I never use a glue gun for anything but kids crafts, and I only really use it then because it's not the end of the world if it falls apart! The glue for this project needs to be weather resistant, first and foremost.

Emily

6/14/2016 08:57:33 am

Beautiful and how lovely are you to share this x

6/15/2016 06:36:40 am

Thank-you :)

Esther

7/19/2016 12:15:17 pm

i used a hot glue gun, it let go and broke the saucer, glued the saucer and put it back together with crazy glue and it came apart, help!!!

Shannon

12/10/2016 03:22:31 am

I cannot wait to make these for family for Xmas! I have a few odd sets left over from loved one's that have passed & this will be a great way to honor them & give a beautiful gift!!!

12/15/2016 08:27:20 pm

What a beautiful idea, Shannon! :)

wendyDIY link

6/26/2018 10:15:18 pm

How kind-hearted you are!This DIY tea cup bird feeder is so incredible!Thank you for sharing this <a href="https://www.dearlives.com/">DIY project</a>.

Gianna link

1/1/2021 10:44:55 pm

Greaat blog you have

Beth

6/20/2022 09:44:25 am

I just loved this idea and made several for family and friends. I used E6000 and Epoxy glue and both worked great. I also made some with the original chins design and then painted some with acrylic paint in bright colors. Both of the versions turned out beautiful. Thanks for the wonderful idea!

Denise Morgan

7/21/2023 11:06:46 am

Just seen the cup and saucer bird feeder( came across it by accident when browsing on Pinterest and I'm so excited to try to make them. I like the idea of painting them with acrylic paint. I have some in my cupboard just taking up space, but they are plain. Thanks