There are plenty of bird baths to buy. The selection of models is huge. But we often want an individual creation that cannot be duplicated. Pottery is one way to get such a birdbath. Maybe it won't be perfect, but it will definitely be unique!
How can an individual bird bath be made out of clay?
To make a birdbath out of clay, you will need enough clay, a pottery wheel (optional), materials for decoration and a kiln. Shape the drinker with a diameter of at least 30 cm, a flat edge, a depth of about 10 cm, a rough surface and a 1 cm thick edge.
This is what the clay potion has to be like
The clay bird bath must be designed as follows so that it can fulfill its intended function:
- at least 30 cm diameter so that it can also be used as a bathing area
- starting flat at the edge
- getting deeper towards the middle
- deepest point should be about 10 cm deep
- rough surface for better grip
- the edge should be about 1 cm thick
- it also has to be waterproof
This is how the potion can be
The bird bath doesn't just have to be functional. When it comes to the look of the potion, you can paint it or decorate it with figures to your heart's content. The typical circular shape does not necessarily have to be necessary. The main thing is that the birds find enough space for a refreshing bath.
Make a birdbath
Whether you make your own clay birdbath at home or attend a special pottery course is up to you. That depends on how well you know it or how brave you want to try it. Of course, the result will be better if there is a potter's wheel and an expert person guides the work.
No patterns or stencils are required to make pottery birdbaths. The image you have in your head is your best guide. Get enough clay from specialist retailers (€24.00 on Amazon) and material for decoration. Since there are different types of clay, you should seek detailed advice.
Allow potions to dry and burn
Before the potted bird bath can be given to wild birds for use, it must first be sufficiently dried and then fired at high heat. The oven at home does not reach the necessary temperature of around 1000 °C and is therefore not suitable for this project. Works from pottery courses are usually fired on site.
If you made the birdbath out of clay yourself at home, you definitely have to fire it so that it lasts. Visit a nearby pottery and ask them to fire your work of art.
