I have to admit, I do love watching the hummingbirds during the summer months. There’s something really captivating about them – and very peaceful.
I’ve always wanted to put up a hummingbird feeder but I wasn’t a huge fan of the commercial varieties. Last summer I came across a homemade version using a recycled wine bottle. I loved the way the wine bottle was reused and the feeder could be made to match all sorts of coloured décor.
This year I actually took the time to make one and I was quite pleased with the results. These make great gifts for your garden-loving friends.
Materials
- One clear used wine bottle (washed and labels removed).
- Acrylic Paints.
- Mod Podge sealer (waterproof variety).
- Small paintbrush.
- Wire (strong enough to hold the filled bottle), nine gauges or lower.
- Wire cutters.
- Hummingbird feeder attachment.
- Screw hook or strong nail (for hanging).
I used a clear wine bottle for this version but I have seen others with blue, green and red bottles.
After you have thoroughly cleaned your bottle and removed all the labels let it dry.
Set it aside.
At this point it’s a good idea to plan out the pattern that you would like to paint on your bottle. I did a few test runs on some scrap paper just to be sure I would like the finished product.
Paint your bottle with your pattern and let it dry.
Once the paint is fully dry, apply your Mod Podge sealer to protect the acrylic paint from the elements. You can also purchase a sealer spray from your local craft store if you wish.
The hummingbird feeder attachment can be ordered online, or you can find one at your local nursery.
To attach the wire, make a loop using one end of the wire and secure it. The other loose end can now be wound around the top of the bottle a few times.
Continue to wrap the bottle with the wire until you reach the bottom. Once you reach the bottom of the bottle, cross the wire over the bottom section and loop it through one of the wrapped loops on the other side. Repeat this step on the other side. You should have an arch over the bottom of the bottle.
There are many ways you can wrap your bottle with the wire. It’s best to choose a look you like.
Continue to pull the rest of the wire into a handle shape for hanging and secure it to the arch by wrapping it a few times and then cut the end with the wire cutters.
Fill the bottle with hummingbird nectar. I used one-part sugar to four-parts water.
Attach the hummingbird feeder attachment and hang the feeder in a spot where the birds can see it and it’s viewable for your pleasure as well.
Barb Lunter is a freelance writer with a passion for home decor, entertaining and floral design. She also runs Blu Dog Staging & Redesign. You can find more information at bludogstagingandredesign.com.
