Handmade Garden Decor

Sunflower Bird Feeder

• 1

  Cut the head from a large sunflower that has bloomed to its full potential with yard clippers.

• 2

  Place the head in a cool, dry spot that is protected from animals and the elements and allow it to dry thoroughly for a couple of weeks. The petals will shrivel and, in most cases, fall out, leaving you with the seeds anchored in a plate-size pod.

• 3

  Lay the flower head with the front facing down.

• 4

  Cut two 6-foot lengths of twine and, holding the twine lengths together, tie the center of the twine lengths around the stem of the sunflower. You will have four twine tails.

• 5

  Poke four holes around the edge of the sunflower pod with a wooden skewer. Space the holes evenly around the edge of the pod and 1/2 inch from its edge.

• 6

  Insert one twine tail through a hole from the back to the front and pull the twine all the way through. Repeat with the remaining twine tails and holes in the flower.

• 7

  Turn the flower head with the front facing up. Bring the ends of the twine together above the head.

• 8

  Tie the ends in an overhand knot 1 inch from the end and hang the natural sunflower feeder from a tree in your garden.

Miniature Birdbath

• 9

  Stand one 6-inch clay pot upside down.

• 10

  Apply household cement to the edge of the bottom of the pot.

• 11

  Center an 8-inch clay pot saucer on the pot with the right side facing up. Allow the cement to dry overnight.

• 12

  Paint the birdbath with a gloss spray paint in a bright color. Spray paint the birdbath with several light layers, allowing the paint to dry between coats to prevent runs and drips.

• 13

  Place the birdbath among the plants in your garden and fill the saucer with water.

• 14

  Place a small ceramic or glass figurine in the saucer as added decor; it is not necessary to glue the figurine in place.