Create a splash in your garden with a unique birdbath from old dishes and vases.

Do you have odd dishes and vases around the house? Most gardeners have a collection of odds and ends that can be repurposed into decorative garden items such as a birdbath. If you don't, you can find inexpensive ones at flea markets, yard sales, and thrift shops.

SUPPLIES

• Waterproof glue that bonds china and glass together (such as E-6000 epoxy glue)
• Sand paper
• Old dishes and vases

To attract birds to your creation, keep in mind that the top dish on the birdbath should not be more than two inches deep, according to the National Audubon Society.

STEP 1: Preparation

Clean the dishes and vases with soap and water and let dry. Sand the dishes a little to remove the glaze and the rims of the vases with sand paper for better adhesion. Decide how to stack the dishes and vases so they will be the most stable and attractive. Avoid dishes with uneven surfaces. Read the directions for applying the glue. You may want to use gloves when handling it. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.

STEP 2: Birdbath assembly

Begin by gluing a dish to a vase for the bottom tier. Repeat for the next two tiers. Do not stack all of the units together. Work in pairs, with one dish and one vase as a unit. Put a weight on top of each unit to secure (e.g. book). Allow to dry for about 24 hours. Then glue the units together to complete your finished birdbath.

STEP 3: Final drying time

Allow finished birdbath to set for two to three days, then place it in your garden and enjoy bird watching!

You can create endless unique designs from your old dishes, vases and yard sale finds. When you see a pretty dish or vase that is not costly, grab it and save it for this project or another one!