DIY – Birdcage Renovation

This birdcage renovation is one of those projects that is fun, fast and easy, and relatively inexpensive.  It involves a small decorative birdcage, a can of spray paint, and a little ingenuity

I found this little birdcage on a shelf in a thrift shop, and thought it looked quite charming.  But I almost passed it by, because it looked like the only access point was a small door on the side.  On closer inspection, I realized the entire lid lifts up, allowing easy access to the inside.  All of a sudden, this little bird cage went from simply charming to being a great decorative addition.

As you can see, the finish was not particularly attractive; it’s a muddy gray that I am not sure was due to aging, or was the actual finish.  It didn’t really matter, because I knew I would want to take a can of spray paint to it (Rust-Oleum Gloss Protective Enamel in Antique White). I felt that the antique white color would serve well as a neutral background, and would also work nicely with whatever seasonal elements I would fill it with.

I had a bit of a challenge keeping the top supported while I was spray painting it; I built a little support system by stacking a couple of terra cotta pots. That worked out perfectly, except I didn’t create a way to protect the pots from the spray paint!

The spray painting process did not take long.  The actual set-up to ensure I reached the inside, the outside, the top and bottom actual took the most time.  It dried very quickly and by the next day, I had it staged on a shelf in one of my baker’s racks.

One of my decorating ‘seasons’ is what I call ‘Early Winter’; it lasts from whenever the Christmas decorations come down until Easter.  So, in January, as part of my ‘Early Winter’ decorating, I filled it with tiny pine cones, oversized cranberry balls, and mixed in some wine corks. And then I got the inspiration to place it on top of a small pillar candle holder.

For my summer decorating, I combined it with some shells, my seahorse candle holder, and a pretty starfish-studded candle.

So that is how a dowdy little bird cage morphed into a pretty and unique decoration!  I have found this little bird cage to be so versatile, and am looking forward to trying out some other inspirational ideas I have found on Pinterest.  Sometimes you have look beyond the surface to see the potential of something, and be willing to take a chance!

All the best to you!
Kristine