How to Make a Butterfly Feeder

As you learn how to make a butterfly feeder, start by gathering your supplies. You will need a planter saucer and an unfinished furniture leg. You can use a larger planter saucer or a smaller one.

Other supplies for this project include paint pens, painter's tape and a pair of pliers. To put the finishing touches on your butterfly feeder, you'll need decorative rocks and fruit or flowers. If you want to hang up your butterfly feeder, you’ll also need rope.

• Apply painter's tape to the saucer to create a pattern. Try stripes, diagonals or other graphics.
• Paint the saucer in colors of your choice.
• Paint words on the saucer with paint pens. Set aside to dry.

• Remove the screw at the end of the unfinished table leg so that it will sit flat.
• Pinch the screw with some pliers and twist it counter-clockwise to remove it.
• If you want to make a hanging butterfly feeder, you won't need to use a pedestal.

• Apply painter’s tape to the pedestal base to create a pattern. You can match the pattern to the saucer or create contrast with a different pattern.
• Paint the base with colors of your choice. Set aside to dry.

• Remove the painter’s tape from the pieces you painted and allowed to dry.
• Apply some strong adhesive or hot glue to the top of the pedestal.
• Press the saucer firmly down to attach it. Let dry completely.

• Pile decorative rocks in one area or across the bottom of the saucer. This will create a place for the butterflies to land and rest.
• Add some butterfly snacks. Fruits and flowers will entice fluttery friends to stop by.

Pour plain water into the saucer until the bottom is fully covered. Make sure some of the rocks are sticking out above the water. Your butterfly feeder is now ready for colorful visitors. Put it in your yard or outside on a patio or balcony. Replace fruit and water when necessary.

If you’d like to hang your butterfly feeder, do not add the pedestal base.

Here's how to tie ropes together to hang the saucer:

• Tie eight long pieces of rope together on one end.
• Spread out the ropes in groups of two. Have two going up, two going down, two going left, and two going right.
• Set the painted saucer down on top of the knot tied in the middle of the ropes.
• Gather the ropes together straight up above the saucer and tie them into another knot.
• You can add another knot about 8-inches above the top knot for added texture. Tie off in a loop.
• Hang the rope hammock from a hook in the top of your outdoor patio or pergola.
• Follow steps 5-6 above to finish.