How to Make a Teacup Bird Feeder

If you’ve ever found a pretty teacup at the thrift store and thought, “This is too cute not to use,” here’s the perfect project for you. Making your own teacup bird feeder is a fun and functional way to repurpose vintage or mismatched cups and saucers while giving your backyard birds a stylish spot to snack.

This idea actually came from my daughter, Taylor, who shares my love of thrifting. While her dad and I were at Mayo Clinic with her brother, she put this project together, took her own photos, and sent me a text that said, “Mom, I made this for your blog!” I was so proud of her. Not only was it incredibly thoughtful, but it turned out absolutely beautiful!

This easy DIY fits perfectly into a homesteader’s mindset—reduce waste, reuse what you can, and make your outdoor space more inviting to pollinators and wildlife.

What You’ll Need

• A teacup and saucer or small plate (ceramic or porcelain work best)
• Gorilla Glue or another strong outdoor adhesive
• String, twine, or ribbon for hanging
• Scissors
• Optional: Drill if you’d rather create a hole for hanging, but not necessary
• Free PDF printable Instruction card

Instructions for Teacup Bird Feeders

Step 1: Prep Your Pieces
Remove any price tags or stickers from your plate and teacup. Wash them thoroughly and dry completely. Clean surfaces help the glue bond better.

Step 2: Apply the Glue
Add a small amount of Gorilla Glue to the side of the teacup (opposite the handle) and a bit of glue to the center of the plate or saucer.

Step 3: Position the Teacup
Press the teacup onto the plate, tilted slightly so the handle is sticking up. This makes it easier to tie your hanging string later. Hold for a few seconds until the glue grips.

Step 4: Let It Dry
Leave the glued pieces to dry for several hours or overnight to ensure a strong bond. Make sure it’s somewhere safe and undisturbed.

Step 5: Attach the String
Tie your string, twine, or ribbon around the teacup handle. Create a loop so you can hang it easily from a tree branch or garden hook.

Step 6: Hang and Fill
Hang your feeder outdoors and fill the cup with birdseed. That’s it—you’ve just created a charming, upcycled bird feeder!

👉 Want to make your own eco-friendly birdseed?
Click here to see how to make your own zero-waste birdseed

Teacup Bird Feeder Gift Idea:

These also make adorable handmade gifts. Pair one with a small bag of homemade birdseed and a handwritten tag. Great for Mother’s Day, birthdays, teacher gifts, or holiday baskets!

Final Thoughts

This is one of those simple projects that brings a lot of joy—to you and your feathered friends. Whether you’re a homesteader or just enjoy a little DIY, this teacup bird feeder is an easy way to add charm to your yard. It also gives local birds a welcoming spot to stop for a snack.

Teacup Bird Feeder

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 1 day

Total Time: 1 day 15 minutes

Difficulty: easy

Estimated Cost: $10

This cute Teacup Bird Feeder is made from thrifted items.

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Materials

• teacup
• saucer

Tools

• string
• gorilla glue

Instructions

1. Remove any price tags or stickers from your plate and teacup. Wash them thoroughly and dry completely. Clean surfaces help the glue bond better.
2. Add a small amount of Gorilla Glue to the side of the teacup (opposite the handle) and a bit of glue to the center of the plate or saucer.
3. Press the teacup onto the plate, tilted slightly so the handle is sticking up. This makes it easier to tie your hanging string later. Hold for a few seconds until the glue grips.
4. Leave the glued pieces to dry for several hours or overnight to ensure a strong bond. Make sure it’s somewhere safe and undisturbed.
5. Tie your string, twine, or ribbon around the teacup handle. Create a loop so you can hang it easily from a tree branch or garden hook.
6. Hang your feeder outdoors and fill the cup with birdseed. That’s it—you’ve just created a charming, upcycled bird feeder!

Did you make this project?

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