I could not find a matching plate and vase in "my price range" (aka cheap). Sooo, I got a blue decorative plate for $5.99 and a clear vase for $7.99. I used food coloring to get the water to the same shade as the plate. (Don't use too much food coloring. A little goes a long way.) Blue with just a couple of drops of green got the water to match the plate almost perfectly. I put this together the same as I did this one last year.
You can read about that here. I used the E6000 glue and clear silicone caulk same as last year, although a more permanent glass epoxy might be another way to do it.
The red one doesn't have water in the base, and moisture got in before I sealed it with the silicone caulk last year. That wasn't a good look. With the blue one being filled with water, I sealed this one with silicone to keep the water clean and clear. I left an inch of space in case the water needs some room to expand or something. Science is not my strong suit. I might be wrong with that need for expansion. It may not be necessary to leave the space. Maybe some reader can let us know in the comments.
I shall let you know how the birds like it.
Update: Two things I'd like to mention here. First, Duckyzgal asked about the water getting contaminated in the comment section. If you have concerns/questions, I've added some info in my reply to her comment below.
Second, I probably should have reemphasized some things about using the E6000 in this post. You really have to use it according to the directions and sparingly. If you put on too much it will run down the glass. While you can cut off run lines on the outside, you can't on the inside. That said, E6000 dries to a rubbery finish that can be cut off. It's not a big deal to take off the old glue and try again.
Beautiful bird bath! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMary
http://organizationmatters.net
Will the blue birdbath with the water in the vase not mold or something? How would you prevent that?
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking. It give me a chance to clarify things. I am confident that the water will be fine. I filled the blue vase with chlorinated tap water that was immediately sealed by the glue first, then a bead of silicon caulk after the glue has cured for good measure. Nothing can get to the water to contaminate it.
DeleteThe red vase, which does not have water in it, was my first attempt to do one of these birdbaths. My glue job was not a complete seal, and some morning dew seeped in over the course of a few days outside. To fix that, I took it apart, got it dried out, reglued, and added a line of silicone caulk. (Be sure to let the glue cure fully before adding the caulk.) The great part about using the E6000 is that it dries rubbery making it easy to cut it off with a sharp tool such as a box cutter if you need to fix something. Since there was no further problem with moisture getting in last year, I assume nothing will get into the water in this year's birdbath.
I put a small amount of bleach in my open water fountain in the house to prevent scum build-up. If you are concerned, you might do that. Make sure it plain, old bleach. Some of those new formulas bubble--not a good look.
What a gorgeous bird bath! You're so creative - I would never have even thought to make my own! :)
ReplyDeleteWow! These are beautiful. I love the blue one!
ReplyDeleteVery clever and beautiful idea--I love it, and must probably try to recreate it myself in my garden!
ReplyDeleteThese are spectacular. I can't believe you made them either. Wow. Thanks so much for sharing at our party this week.
ReplyDeleteWow! this is so gorgeous!!! What a wonderful idea!
ReplyDeleteYour birdbath is absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh those birdbaths are just amazing and beautiful! Nice job and thanks for the tutorial. Now to find some cool vases and plates!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! love how resourceful you were.
ReplyDeleteMari
http://inspiredbyfamilymag.com/
great idea! Just curious of what kind of places do you normally purchase the plate and vase at?
ReplyDeleteI am close to Marshall's, so that's usually where I go. If I dig through all the glassware, I usually find a few affordable pieces. It's my understanding that the T. J. Maxx stores are owned by the same company and have much the same merchandise. Michael's has some things, but not as large a selection. Were I close to thrift stores, I would definitely be looking in some of those!
DeleteHey saw your project on lovely crafty home. These look so great!! You are awesome!!
ReplyDeleteHey saw your project on lovely crafty home. These look so great!! You are awesome!!
ReplyDeleteJust a quick note to let you know I am featuring you today at my I Love Fridays party! Feel free to stop by and grab a button. Have a great weekend :)
ReplyDeleteThese looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteLove the new blue one - the flower shape of the plate fits into the garden really well! Hope the birdies enjoy themselves :) Shaz x
ReplyDeleteBird baths are so nice and full of life, when you get some visitors. If you get any degrees below zero a water filled one won't hold up but that might not happen for a while I hope. :-)
ReplyDeletewondering if the marine poxy would work on the vase and plate , it sure keeps the rain out of my window and the water in my grandkids pools ???
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while since I read up on my glues. You may well be right that marine poxy would work. You probably want to make sure it dries clear for mast glass pieces.
DeleteThis is really great article
ReplyDeletelilly