Watering Can Bird Feeder, Decoration or Flower Pot- Your Choice!

Ann M
by Ann M
6 Materials
I had those thoughts in mind when thinking of making a watering can and during a trip to the Dollar Tree I found the perfect items to create it!
The completed project
Looking through the spring items at the Dollar Tree I came across these bubble wands. They are in the shape of a microphone but to me they looked just like the spout of a watering can! Pouring out the bubble solution in a separate container and keeping one of the wands ( I purchased 7 as I was making 7 gifts) to keep for my dog who loves to play in the bubbles that I blow for her! I also purchased 28oz cans of beans contents going to a huge family I know.
Dollar Tree bubble wands
Clean out the wands well under running water. The top twists off leaving just the "spout". Perfect! Now I can make a hole in each end by taking an ice pick, getting the point hot in a flame - I used my gas stove. You could use a candle flame too. And melting a hole in the end of the spout.
Hole made at each end of spout.
For the cans it's important you use a safety can opener. This opens the cans without leaving any sharp edges.
Wash out the cans, filling each with water and putting in freezer. This makes punching the holes needed much easier. I also read you can fill each can with sand which also works. Two things I learned from Hometalk!!
Thread fishing line through spout
Meanwhile taking a long string of nylon filament or fishing line thread it through the small hole to the larger end. Sometimes it got stuck so I used a clean toothbrush and sticking it through the larger end, pulled out the line. First I glued it around the threads of the spout but ended up using a thin strip of duct tape first winding the line around the threads and following it up then with duct tape. For the next ones I just used the duct tape.
Next you will need a crystal to represent a drip of water. Or several beads. Even a cameo or some kind of jewelry would look nice.
Adding the drips of "water"
Tie your jewelry or beads, I had 4 little crystal drops, to one end making at least three knots to secure. Glue with a drop of E6000. Wait til dry and cut off remaking piece of filament. At this point you can keep your spout as is. On several of mine I did but on a few such as this one I modpodged a McKenzie Child's napkin. When using a napkin remember to separate all plays, using only the colored layer. Also tear into pieces leaving no straight edges. This helps it blend together. Also in intricate areas like this I actually brush the object with water first then laying the layer on and then using more water to apply the entire area with the napkin. Once dry, it doesn't take long, then I apply the modpodge. It just makes it so much easier than trying to use modpodge first in such a small area. And remember if you need to hold it as you're doing it or move it to a place to dry, do not use your fingers or it will stick and rip the napkin until its dry. Instead use a piece of plastic wrap
Purchased at Lowes
Now take your plastic strapping you purchased at Lowes for $2.99 per pkg and cut a handle 14 inches. You will need the strap to make 3 holes in the can in the next step. This plastic strapping also came in a smaller package. I found it in the plumbing department. It's grey in color so I modpodged them First scuffing them up on each side with a sanding block. I did not try painting them. Or if you like the color you could keep as is.
Make oval shape in can
Once frozen, make an oval shape and with a nail and hammer make continual holes all around until perforated. Now if you have a dremel or some other great tool you can skip the whole frozen can thing! I'm assuming but I don't know. I'm thinking the ice, or sand makes a solid so the can doesn't crush when pounding. If using the nail method hold your nail with a pair of pliers. It makes it much easier. I did have to use a small pair of tin snips to remove the cut out and pressed down the sharp edges with the pliers. This will be covered so it doesn't have to be perfect.
Add three holes
Turn the can around on the seam side and make 3 holes just to the side. It's too tough right at the seam to get your nail through. Match your handle holes to make the holes in the can. You want them very similar spaced as shown
After your can has reached room temperature ( you can speed this up of course by running under hot water to release the ice and heat up the can) dry well and spray can inside and out with white spray paint. Makes a nice base especially with using a white napkin.
Once dry, begin modpodge to only the outside of the can with one ply napkin. Poke your finger through the large hole and carefully turn napkin towards the inside of the can. Let modpodge dry.
At this point you can add your handle. You will need 3 paper brads with the extended length. I found them at Michael's. I used E6000 at each hole and at each designated hole on strap On the back side that will face the can. Insert brads through holes reaching your hand inside can to separate and turn the Brad fingers toward can. The top handle will be turned downward. Cut the bottom of the strap so it sets on the can edge. Refer to picture below. Clamp at top to hold. I held the other two places until dry. Just minutes actually.
Set aside to completely dry.
Securing handle
After dry you can now insert the spout. My picture will show an uncovered spout which I decided to cover after I glued it in. It still worked fine. If you do not plan on covering spout make sure you turn your spout so the engraved mark on the plastic is on the bottom. Using your glue, press up on your spout to raise at an angle gluing bottom of spout to bottom of can.
A great product to have on hand.
I used Sugru to put around the area where the spout meets the can. On some cans I made the hole to large and Suguru covered that up. I rolled half a pkg in between my palms to make a worm. Then wound it around the spout. Using a fork I made tine marks for a decoration. I used the other half around the top of the spout only as a decoration.
Marking Sugru
This ends up turning into a hard rubber.
I then finished off the can using various paper and ribbon in and outside of the upper can. Once dry I sprayed with Poly several coats.
Placed a little moss in the bottom of the can to cover up the spout end that's glued in there.
Finished
Can be used like this as a flower pot which would call for fresh flowers to be inserted first into a drinking glass before inserted into can or as is for faux blooms.
Or as seen in first picture can be hung from handle as a decoration or as a bird feeder, putting seed inside can in front as hung.
Suggested materials:
  • 28 oz can- 1.00   (Dollar Tree)
  • Bubble Microphone-$1.00   (Dollar Tree)
  • Handle - portion needed probably 30 cents   (Lowes)
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