Mushroom Birdfeeder

17 years ago

Hi there folks! Been a looooonnnnnnnnnggggggggg while since I posted anything in this forum. I've been on a bit of a creative streak and wanted to share this one and others later with you.

I wanted to make a covered birdfeeder that would keep all the birdseed dry during all these torrential downpours lately. All the wild bird seed was continually turning into cold breakfast gruel! Blech! I already had this 'birdbath' that I used for the mushroom cap. It was cast with white mortar mix and I wrecked the edges by moving it too soon after casting. It is 16" across. So I thought it would make a great cover for the birdfeeder. I made the 'stem' from tufa 1p 1s 2pm. I carved four entrance holes and let it harden. I used an epoxy/resin coating for the mushroom cap to make it look wet. I had used a pigment for the colouring of the cap... just smeared it over a wet cap and then 'tapped' my fingers all over it to cause the pooling/speckled look. Then I let it dry and applied the resin. The original birdbath was in the shape of a sunflower so when I turned it over the petals formed the perfect underside of a mushroom cap! ;)

It is outside now and it is so cute to watch the birds 'hop in' for a feed!

Hope you like!

Marly

Click the small pics to view larger pic...

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Comments (8)

klinger
17 years ago
Marly we have missed you here. Your bird feeder is adoreable. It has a really great finish too.I bet the birds love it.
share some more of your latest projects.
Cindy
MuddyMesaWoman
17 years ago
Welcome back Marly!

You have been missed and still as creative as ever I see.

I look forward to seeing and reading about your latest inspirations...and being inspired in turn.

The mudpit has seen lots of new inhabitants, but there's always room for an alum....

Anyone heard from Peakpoet recently?

Jo
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Sounds great - I wish I lived closer and I'd attend for sure! If you have pictures of the different kind of tomatoes you could put them on a sign where you display each type. I always like to know what things will look like. Are you growing herbs? I buy those every year as many are only annuals here. Do you make birdhouses? I'm always attracted to the different types people make. You can market them as outdoor houses for birds or as decorations indoors or out. I've sold lots of the teacup birdfeeders but called them 'tea-lights' and put a tealight candle in each. They look great around my patio or in the garden. In the winter I used to use one in a large pot with my Dieffenbachia. You might market some of them like that as an alternative to bird feeders. While we feed the birds using a big birdfeeder I've never liked using the small teacup ones as they can get rained on and the seed goes moldy. You might have a look at what the wholesalers are selling when you get your 'garden helpers'. They always have some interesting garden things - maybe some unusual planters or pots? Hard to advise as things sell differently depending on area and there's always something new. I sold *a lot* of wire roosters back when which can be used indoors or out. Also gardener's hand cream was a huge seller. Windchimes are also popular with gardeners and easy to make from many different items. So much depends on your 'competition' in the way of garden centers and stores. Are there a lot of people selling prepared hanging baskets in your area? You might make a few of those to try if you are growing any appropriate plants. Best wishes on the sale.
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clairdo2
17 years ago
Marly that is a beautiful birdfeeder but do the birds go right in it ? I would think they would be afraid to go in.
Buddyfly
Original Author
17 years ago
YUP! They DO go inside! Normally the little sparrows go in but this morning I saw a mourning dove standing OUTside - head INside! lol It was like seeing a cow with its head in a manger! Too cute! The squirrels will reach in and grab what they can. This reminds me - better go refill it now!

Marly
eva1429
17 years ago
Hi, Marly! How've you been?

Your Birdfeeder is wonderful! That's one of the best looking 'tufa mushrooms I've seen. Your 'birdbath' makes the perfect mushroom cap, and you've worked magic with those colors. I also really like the wet look you got using the epoxy/resin. Was the resin difficult to work with?

Could you tell us more about how you made your stem, Marly? Did you form it on the outside of your mold, cast it solid, or do it more like a lantern light box? Curious about how you carved the entrance holes.

It's so cool that the birds are already feeding in it!

Eva
jazzbone
17 years ago
Everybody loves Marly.

Its good to see you posting again.

The birdfeeder is great. I tend to like mushroom projects that use the open cap shape like you have done here as opposed to the "cone head" shape of the young mushroom.
tufaleaf
17 years ago
How cute and how thoughtful for the critters!

Epoxy/resin coating. Please tell more about this 'cause the wet look is absolutely GREAT! Does the surface need to be really smooth to achieve this look?

Carol
ltd123
17 years ago
This looks great. I especially love the colors on the mushroom cap.
Laura

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Comments (8)

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