3. Modernist Terracotta & Leather Hanging Dish Feeder
Introduction
A minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired feeder that utilizes raw terracotta clay dishes suspended by weather-treated leather cords to complement contemporary urban gardens.
What This Idea Means
This design embraces natural earth textures, clean geometric silhouettes, and low-profile elegance. The porous terracotta keeps seeds dry by absorbing excess humidity, while the warm tan leather strap provides a soft, organic contrast against green foliage.
How to Make It
- Take a 10-inch heavy-duty terracotta planter saucer and drill three evenly spaced 1/4-inch holes around the rim using a masonry bit.
- Coat the inside of the saucer with a non-toxic matte sealer to prevent mildew, leaving the outer rim natural.
- Thread three 36-inch strips of 4mm thick round exterior leather cord through each hole from beneath, tying sturdy double stopper knots under the saucer.
- Gather the three leather strands 24 inches above the dish and tie them into a decorative copper ring or brass swivel.
- Fill the shallow dish with black oil sunflower seeds or suet nuggets.
Tips and Variations
- Tip: Seal the leather cords with beeswax or mink oil once a season to keep them flexible and water-resistant.
- Variation: Stack a smaller 6-inch saucer upside-down 8 inches above the main tray on the same leather cords to act as a protective rain canopy.
What You Need to Make It
- 10-inch Terracotta Saucer
- Masonry Drill Bit
- 4mm Weather-Treated Leather Cord
- Brass or Copper O-Ring
- Non-Toxic Outdoor Sealer
- Beeswax for Cord Maintenance