Tag Archive for: outdoor

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Hello readers, I’m Larissa coming to share with you a nature-inspired DIY project. Today, we’ll learn how to create a special DIY Log Bird Feeder treat for our feathered friends. The best part is that this can be a family fun activity to do AND to give as a gift for anyone who loves bird watching.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

DIY Log Bird Feeder

We are avid bird lovers in our home and were delighted when a friend of mine gave us this bird feeder made from a piece of firewood and rope. How easy is that?

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

What a delight it is to see our tree clinging birds (nuthatches, tufted titmice, and woodpeckers) come for a visit and see their excitement at the treat they’ve found, especially the birds that overwinter. Did you know that migratory birds will remember your home the next time they’re passing through and will come back again year after year if you continue to provide nourishment for them? It’s like a reunion each spring and winter. Fun!

So, let’s grab some materials and get ready to create a DIY log bird feeder!

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Picking Your Log:

We are blessed to have a fireplace, so we always have a stash of firewood on hand. For your log, you can use a downed branch or head to your own stash to grab a piece of wood.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

The tree-clingers prefer a chunky bark, but any tree variety will do.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Instructions:

Clamp your log and keep your hand clear from the drill bit. Wear appropriate eye protection.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To start, use a 1″ spade bit to drill a hole approximately 1/2″ deep, 2 inches down from the top.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-to-build DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials.

Drill a second hole on the same face about 6″ below the first.

Roll the log a quarter turn and drill in the next face starting with the first hole about 5″ from the top and then a second hole 6″ below that one. (This does not have to be exact and gives a more rustic feel when randomly chosen.)

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Repeat those steps until you have two sets of matching faces on opposing sides.

Drill your rope hole using a 5/16″ bit. Starting on the face that has the first hole 5″ down, drill your rope hole 2″ from the top, making sure to go completely through the log.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Cut a 2′ or longer piece of rope and thread it into the hole. If you turn the rope in the direction of the braid (counter-clockwise) while inserting it, that will help the rope go through smoothly.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Once through, tie the rope ends together using a basic knot.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

On to the fun part! Birds burn a ton of protein flitting about, so they need to store up as much as they can. We prefer to use chunky peanut butter and then roll it in seeds like this.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Grab a tablespoon of peanut butter and place it in a bowl of birdseed.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then sprinkle the peanut butter with seed.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After coating with the seed, press the mixture into the holes using the back of a spoon, or if you’re nutty like me (catch the pun?) it’s more fun to use your fingers.

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

The kids love this part!

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

You’re done and it’s ready to hang. Yay!

Give your feathered friends a treat from spingtime through winter. Make this easy-peasy DIY log bird feeder with one tool and a few basic materials by Prodigal Pieces for Pretty Handy Girl www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

For a fun twist, and if you’re feeling handy, you could also add dowels for other species to be able to roost at each hole, but for this project I kept it simple.

Got questions? Please feel free to ask.

If you enjoyed this project, do pin and share!

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DIY Firepit and Seating | Pretty Handy Girl

46 Awesome DIY Projects for Outdoor Spaces Pinterest image

Awesome DIY Projects for Outdoor Spaces

One great way to enjoy more time outdoors is to make your outdoor spaces useful, attractive, and functional! Here are 46 Awesome DIY Projects for Outdoor Spaces that will help you to create a personalized oasis on your property. Some are so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of them.


Diy living wall planter by pretty handy girl
Make a beautiful Living Wall Planter on a fence or porch wall.

 


How to Build Rot Resistant Raised Planter Bed
Rot-Resistant Raised Planter Beds are a great way to get your garden started!

 

How to Build a Scalloped Planter Box Centerpiece

A Scalloped Planter Box Centerpiece would be a beautiful addition to a patio table.

 

Outdoor Planter From an Ice Bucket

Make your own Planter from an Ice Bucket to display beautiful flowers on your porch.

 

DIY Patio Umbrella Utensil Station

 This Utensil Holder for patio umbrella is a great addition when hosting a party!

 

DIY mini PlantersThese Mini Planters would work on any table or small outdoor shelf.

 

How to Build a Beer GardenMake an Outdoor Beer Garden to add some fun to your next party!

 

How to Build a Wood Storage Shed

Build a Wood Storage Shed and enjoy s’mores around your fire pit without looking for more wood.

 

DIY Marble Toss Game

This Marble Toss Game would entertain the kids during your next outdoor party!

 

Dressing up a Patio TableDress Up a Patio Table for your next brunch.

 

Turning a Bed Frame into a Patio Bench

Turn a Bed Frame into a Patio Bench and curl up with a good book outside.

 

DIY Firepit and Seating

Create an amazing Firepit and Outdoor Seating space to entertain all year long.


DIY Fence Trellis

A Fence Trellis is a gorgeous way to turn those climbing plants into art.

 

DIY Giant Mandala Tattoo for Deck

This Giant Mandala Tattoo is a unique way to beautify your deck.

 

How to Build Adirondack Chairs from Scratch

Use these Adirondack Chair Plans for more outdoor seating.

 

DIY Gravel Patio

Install a Gravel Patio for a great seating spot!.

 

Build a Porch Swing with Pallet Wood

This Porch Swing from Pallet Wood is a perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of every season.


Install Concrete Paver Edging

Install Concrete Paver Edging around your flower beds.

 

Create Living Wall Lattice Privacy Screen

A Living Wall Lattice Privacy Screen provides beauty and some privacy from your neighbors.

 

How to build a Raised Garden with Cucumber Trellis

Build Garden Bed with Cucumber Trellis to keep your plants healthy and productive.

 

Air Conditioner Screen from Pallets

An Air Conditioner Screen from Pallets will hide that hideous—but oh so necessary—appliance.

 

How to Install Low Voltage Landscape lights

Learn how to Install Low Voltage Landscape Lights along your walks for nighttime lighting.

 

How to Install your own Sprinkler System

A DIY Sprinkler System can keep your landscaping thriving.

 

DIY Washer Toss Game

This Washer Toss Game would be fun at your next barbecue!

 

Little Red Wagon Planter

A Little Red Wagon Planter is a cute feature in any garden.

 

How to Tile a Small TABLETOP

Tile a Small Tabletop to add a pretty table to your patio.

 

Painting Metal Patio Chairs

Re-Painting Metal Patio Chairs handles rust and keeps them fresh and new.

 

No Sew Patio Tablecloth with Umbrella Hole

A No Sew Tablecloth for Table with Umbrella will come in handy every night of the week.

 

Scrap Wood Planter Box

Scrap Wood Planter Boxes are quick and easy projects to make for your flowers.

 

Repurpose Vintage Milk Jug into Side Tables

Repurpose Vintage Milk Jugs into Side Table for a farmhouse addition to your porch.

 


Tips to Create Knock Out Container Gardens | Pretty Handy Girl

Tips for Creating Knock Out Container Gardens will come in very handy this year.

 

DIY Yard Dice

Make DIY Yard Dice and have fun rolling them with the kids.

MORE DIY projects for outdoor spaces

How to Build a Solid Gate

Learn How to Build a Rock Solid Gate and keep the dogs in or people out.

 

Tall Cedar Planter by Jaime Costiglio

Make some DIY Tall Fence Planters for just $10 each, they’ll look modern and sleek in your landscaping!

 

How to Fix Window and Door Screens

Knowing How to Fix Window and Door Screens will save you lots of money.

 

Inspiration for Backyard Landscaping

Check out this post for Inspiration for Backyard Landscaping this year.

 

DIY Large Farmhouse Planter by PinSpiredto DIY

Create a gorgeous Large Farmhouse Style Planter  for your back deck.

 

Make a Grown Up Swing Set

Kids grown up? Make a Grown Up Swing Set and have more fun than the kids.

 

Marimekko Decorative Tin Can Planters by Pillar Box Blue

Add some gorgeous color to your patio by making these Easy Upcycled Marimekko Tin Can Planters.

 

Build a pergola with Trellis Screens

Build a Pergola with Trellis Screens to hide your trash cans and add beauty to your walkway.

 

Easy Solar Light Stand DIY

Easy Solar Light Stands creates an inviting spot and they will keep those solar lights from falling over.

 

DIY Rolling Plant Caddy Tutorial

Build a Rolling Plant Caddy so you don’t have to lift your heavy planters.

 

DIY Recover Outdoor Pillows

Save money by learning how to Recover Outdoor Pillows and add some comfort to your outdoor space.

 

DIY Concrete Wood Planter

A DIY Concrete and Wood Planter is a modern and sleek way to hold succulents for your porch or deck.

 

DIY Outdoor Dining Bench

This Indoor/Outdoor Dining Bench is perfect for some quick and easy seating.

 

DIY Hose Hiding Planter by Jaime Costiglio

Make a DIY Hose Hiding Planter to keep your landscaping looking sharp.

I hope you loved this roundup of DIY Projects for Outdoor Spaces! Which was your favorite? Share in the comments!

Pin the image below for reference and show all your friends these great ideas!

46 Awesome DIY Projects for Outdoor Spaces Pinterest image

If you liked this list of outdoor ideas, you’ll love these beautiful Dreamy Screen Porches:

DIY Screen Porch Makeovers

cut off old hose end

how to fix a leaky garden hoseHow to Easily Fix a Leaky Hose

A garden hose is a valuable tool around my yard in the summertime. It’s vital to keep my yard looking beautiful, keeping plants watered, and occasionally for a fun water fight with my kids. But what happens when that very useful hose springs a leak? Not only is it frustrating to use but it is a complete waste of water (not to mention that you get wetter than the person you intend to soak in a water fight.) It may be tempting to throw it out and buy a new one, but did you know it’s fairly simple to fix a leaky garden hose? It is! I have the solution for you in this tutorial on How to Fix a Leaky Hose!

Ready to save money and water? Great! Let’s get to it!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Instructions:

The first step is to cut off the leaky end of the hose using your heavy duty snips. Be sure to cut perpendicular to the hose.

Remove the two screws from the hose repair coupling clamp using your screwdriver.

Insert the threaded coupling piece into the cut end of your hose.

Have patience, this can be the hardest step. Push it down against a hard surface until the coupling is completely inserted into the hose.

Next, take the two parts of the clamp and put one piece behind the hose, as pictured. Hold it in place while you add the second clamp piece. Line up the screws with the holes on the back piece.

Tighten the screws. It may be easier to set it on a hard surface, as shown here.

Now connect your sprayer to the end and give it a test try!

Hooray! No more leaky hoses. Now where are those crazy boys of mine? Time to start a water fight on this hot summer day. ;-D

This was a simple fix to a frustrating problem and it only cost a few dollars. Definitely worth it! I hope you liked this tutorial and it comes in handy should you need it. Do you have a leaky hose you need to fix? Or have you repaired a leaky hose with this method?

If you liked this post, you’ll love:

How to Install Sprinkler System

How to Install a Sprinkler System

 

Tips to Create Knock Out Container Gardens | Pretty Handy Girl

Tips to Creating Knockout Container Gardens

Weave your vines through the fence trellis to create a living wall!

This fence trellis is easy to build, and will turn a dull fence into a living wall!DIY Fence Trellis

Hi, Pretty Handy Girl readers! I’m Vineta from The Handyman’s Daughter, and today I’m going to show you how to create this easy DIY fence trellis. Easily give a boring, flat fence visual interest in winter, and a place for vines to grow in the summer!

Our entire backyard is surrounded by a six-foot-high cedar fence, which gives us plenty of privacy but isn’t exactly pretty. The previous owner planted clematis vines along one side, but didn’t give it anything to grab onto. So it sits in a pile on the ground instead! This fence trellis will give the vines something to climb and fill in the plain background.

That mound of green at the bottom of the fence is a vine! With a new fence trellis, it can climb and thrive.

Materials for Fence Trellis

  • Cedar fence pickets (I ripped 6″ wide pickets into 1 ½” strips, but you can also use 1 x 2 boards.)
  • Sander and sandpaper
  • Exterior wood stain (I used Behr’s waterproofing exterior stain in Coffee)
  • Nail gun or hammer
  • 1 ¼” brad nails
  • Level
  • Scrap of 1 x 4 board to use for spacer

How to Build a DIY Fence Trellis

Start by cutting four 6″ wide cedar pickets into 1 ½” wide strips lengthwise. If you don’t have a table saw, you can simply use 1 x 2 boards.

Cut cedar fence pickets into 1 1/2" strips to create this fence trellis.

Next, cut the strips down into shorter lengths. I made a few of each of these dimensions: 16″, 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″ and 30″.

Cut the pieces for your fence trellis out of inexpensive fence pickets.

Sand each piece, then give them all two coats of your preferred exterior wood stain.

Stain the cut pieces of your fence trellis before assembly.

Once the stain is dry, you can start assembly! Begin with the longest pieces. Hold them vertically against your fence, spacing them out along the fence evenly and nailing them directly to the fence.

Use a nail gun to attach the vertical pieces directly to the fence.

Next, select a few pieces to attach horizontally at the bottom. Nail one end to the vertical support, then use the level to make sure it’s even before nailing down the other end.

Use a level to make sure the bottom rows are straight.

Use the 1 x 4 spacer to keep the distance between horizontal pieces the same. Rest the spacer on top of the attached piece, then prop another piece on top and nail into place. This is much easier than using a tape measure!

Use a spacer between the slats of your fence trellis so the horizontal rows will be evenly spaced.

Work your way up the fence, randomly placing horizontal pieces. Make sure each one is attached to at least two vertical supports. Add more vertical supports as needed to bridge the gaps.

Fill in gaps with additional vertical supports, and mix up the various lengths.

Remember to step back and to view your overall design every once in a while. It should look random, but not TOO random! It’s easy to pull off pieces and move them around if you don’t like how it’s turning out. I went for an asymmetrical look, but you could make a simple grid if you prefer.

This fence trellis provides visual interest in winter, and a spot for climbing vines in the summer!

This fence trellis now draws attention to the shady part of the garden.

Weave the vines under the elevated pieces to help the plants find a spot to grip. Over time, the vines will find their own way up the DIY fence trellis. I can’t wait to see them blooming next spring!

Weave your vines through the fence trellis to create a living wall!

Give the vines a helping hand by weaving them through the slats of your fence trellis.

Want some more trellis ideas? You can get the free building plans for this angled garden trellis I created for another part of the fence at The Handyman’s Daughter!

There are so many ways to create your own fence trellis! You can find the plans for this one at The Handyman's Daughter.

Or create a lattice privacy wall trellis instead!

I’d love to hear what you would recommend planting under this DIY Fence Trellis. Until next time!

 ~ view more of Vineta’s projects ~