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!