How I Made a Mosaic Bird Feeder that Lasts

 

I love watching birds and for awhile now have wanted to mosaic a bird feeder that wouldn't rot or warp outside. Then I realized that an acrylic bird feeder would be perfect as you could create a "glass-on-glass" mosaic or just use glass tiles. So for this bird feeder, I did both - one side uses transparent glass, the other opaque. 

So here’s how I made this bird feeder and hope it is helpful for you. Since this is an acrylic bird feeder, I used Gorilla Glue’s Clear No Foam glue. It works well on acrylics.

  • I like to use free patterns for my designs and chose 2 different ones. I then made 2 copies of each pattern so I could tape one pattern underneath each side of the bird feeder. I then could follow the pattern on the front side for gluing my tiles. Tip: I also used its copy for checking that I had each piece cut and fitting correctly. Then you tape patterns underneath each side making sure tape doesn’t come around the front where the mosaic goes.

  • Mosaic the perches first. Lay feeder on its side and glue tiles on the perches first. Let each side dry before turning over.
  • While perches dry, start cutting out glass pieces, fitting to your pattern, and grind edges smooth. Avoid sharp points so no critters are hurt when feeding.
  • When both perches are completely dry, it’s time to glue glass to sides. Work on one side at a time. 
  • Tip: Prop it up securely so you can put your tiles on a “flat” surface so nothing slides on you.
  • Glue the mosaic pieces down and please leave the top holes OPEN. Do not glue tiles over the holes unless you do not plan on hanging the feeder. 
  • Let the first side dry completely before you turn it over and do the second side. 
  • Option: After everything is tiled and dry, you can now add thin strips of glass which are 1/4” wide (or so) and glue over the edges. This gives it a nice finished look. Be sure to do this before you grout. It will also have to be done in steps so nothing slides. 
  • If you want to prevent any grout bleed, after everything is dry is the time to mix together weld bond and water in a “thicker milky” mixture and paint over the entire feeder. Blot away excess and let dry. Then you are ready to grout.
  • Grout and clean. You can use sanded grout. Tip: If grout gets inside the holes, take a toothpick or something thin and sharp and poke it out. Clean and detail as usual. Seal with a penetrating sealer after grout has dried.
  • Fill bottom with bird feed, hang outside - Tip: here's a safer way to put the hooks, too, for more stability. 

Enjoy some nature watching!

6 comments

  • Just beautiful! Thank you for showing it!

    Sherrie Taraskevich
  • These birdfeeders should last a very long time since they are made with acrylics and weatherproof adhesives. I would not use weld bond as the glue as if moisture gets to it, it will come loose. Try using Gorilla Glue Clear glue instead. It works well!

    Lou Ann Weeks
  • Hi there,

    Regarding the bird feeder – Weldbond cannot be used outside because it cannot stand up to freezing weather – right??

    Linda

    linda medwid
  • How long does this bird feeder last outside? I need to make a Glass on Glass or glass on acrylic window that will be installed in a house. It has to last a very long time without the glue weathering or changing color. Thanks for your help.

    Pola Rest
  • Thank you for sharing

    Ofelia

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