Dollar stores, thrift shops, and yard sales are great places to find lots of fun glassware for cheap. But once you’ve collected it, what should you do with it? One possible project is to create a unique, whimsical bird bath!
Project estimate:
- Assorted vases, saucers, and plates/platters, about $5 at thrift stores
- Bowl for base, $1 and up
- Flat glass marbles, $1 and up
- Silicone caulk, about $3 and up
- Paint (optional), on hand or $1 and up
Total: about $10 and up
Make sure all glassware is clean and your work surface is level. Carefully stack your glassware to form your birdbath. I start with a heavy base, Dollar Tree always has a good plate and sometimes a large bowl that works great.
After you establish the shape of your birdbath, snap a picture or make a note of the order of the glassware. I strongly suggest you use clear silicone sealant to adhere your pieces together. It is weatherproof and if you need to, you can take them apart by using a flexible paring knife between the two pieces. Adhere only 2 to 3 pieces of glassware at a time, using a level to make sure that your birdbath will stand straight. Use the clear silicone sealant generously, you can always scrape up excess after it dries. Continue gluing your pieces on and checking them with the level until you reach the top.
You can decorate your birdbath using the clear flat marbles and the silicone sealant. It is completely waterproof and non-toxic so you can put it inside the bowl of your birdbath.
Optional: you can pour acrylic paint inside the vases to add some color. I would do this a day before I assembled my birdbath and make sure that it is completely dry.
