Monkey Bird Feeder made with Soda Bottles & Lots of Love

It's Spring Time! This time of year is so special to me and I am sure it is for millions of others. The sounds of chirping birds, blooming plants and trees everywhere, and of course frequent trips to your local garden centers! This excites me. While most women prefer to go to the mall and pick out a new outfit, I prefer to go to Home Depot or Lowes to pick out a new plant or tree. On my recent trip there I bought a bird feeder and kinda regret it because it was so simple that I felt robbed! I could've made it myself. I ended up keeping it but decided to try and make one with the kids just for kicks. Here's how.


Things you will need:

1. Two 2 liter Soda Plastic Bottles
2. Sharp knife/Scissor
3. Pipe Cleaners 4 or 6
4. Acrylic Paints/Paint Brush
5. Birdseeds
6. Wood Dowel, Pencil OR Plastic Hanger

First, deside what type of animal you would like it to be. I planned on making a monkey from the start, but somehow my monkey looked more like a puppy...you'll see.

Grab those soda bottles out of the recycle bin and cut both bottles in half.

Depending on how long or short you cut the bottoms, it will determine the overall size when put together.

Important: Place the outer part of your bird feeder downwards, this way no rainwater can seep in.

I painted the birdhouse BEFORE I cut the holes out. Bad idea but I was just too excited to paint it! It is better to make all the holes for the arms, legs, dowel etc. before you paint. This way when you are threading the arms and legs through the holes you can actually SEE.

My mini helper decided to invade my craft room and wanted to help. Needless to say this craft took way longer than I wanted it to but he had fun painting...

See? it does look like a puppy! I started to paint the face and this is what I got.

1. Pierce the arm holes through BOTH bottle bottoms. This way, when hung from the tree branch, the two pieces are kept together.
2. Pierce 2 tiny holes (smaller than the seed size) on the very bottom of the feeder for drainage when it rains (not seen here). I used a small scissor.
3. Thread one pipe cleaner through. This one is for both legs.
4. Use one for each arm, loop the ends into a big knot. You want longer arms than legs.

Curl the ends of the legs and tail as such.

Measure about an inch and a half size hole and cut out. I used a dremel to drill out some areas then used a scissor for the rest. I am sure there is a easier way to do this...

Since cutting through plastic leaves sharp edges, I used my hot glue gun (without the glue stick) to

melt the edges of the holes. It is now smoother and safe for those poor little bird necks!

I was not too happy with the puppy face (although very cute) so I decided to repaint it. I also felt that maybe those big white eyes may scare off the birds. So I decide to paint closed eyes...

I used a piece of a broken plastic hanger as a dowel for the birds to stand on--You can use a pencil or a wood skewer also. Whatever is around.

Notice how BOTH arms are holding onto my "branch" separately?  That is my favorite part of this entire project. Now THIS is a MONKEY!

Back, side & front. One happy monkey.

I am so in love with it, it's the best bird feeder EVER!

Enjoy!

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