When I retired, I thought I’d finally have time to relax—and I did, for a while. But after a few months of morning coffee and crossword puzzles, I realized I missed building things. I’ve always loved working with my hands. I had a small woodshop in my garage, full of tools collected over the years, but no real project calling to me.
Then one afternoon, my daughter sent me a link to Bird Feeder Art. “Thought this might be your kind of thing,” she said. She was right.
What started as a small weekend project turned into something much more meaningful—something I now call my backyard gallery.
The Spark: A Blend of Craft and Creativity
I’ve made my fair share of shelves, boxes, and benches—but bird feeders? That was new. What drew me in wasn’t just the functionality; it was the artistic element. Bird Feeder Art encouraged more than just building—it encouraged designing, painting, and adding personal flair.
Suddenly, I wasn’t just cutting wood. I was sketching patterns, experimenting with stains, and even trying out painting techniques I hadn’t touched since high school. It was like combining two hobbies into one—woodworking and art.
The First Feeder: Imperfect, but Personal
My first bird feeder wasn’t flawless. The paint bled a little, and the roof was slightly crooked. But it was mine. I hung it right outside the kitchen window, and before long, the birds started visiting.
Watching those little visitors land on something I made by hand? That feeling never gets old.
Why I Kept Going
Retirement gave me time, but this hobby gave me purpose. Every new feeder became a creative challenge: How can I make this one different? Can I try a curved roof? What if I add a carved detail?
Before I knew it, I had six feeders hanging around the yard, each with its own story. Some were bright and playful, others were rustic and natural. My wife jokingly calls our yard a “bird buffet with a personal art exhibit.”
She’s not wrong.
More Than Just a Hobby
What I love most is how this hobby keeps evolving. I’ve started gifting feeders to friends, donating them to local garden clubs, and even showing a few at our community craft fair. I never expected bird feeders to spark this kind of joy—or creativity—but here we are.
It’s also become a quiet way to connect with nature. Building something that not only looks good but helps support local birds makes it all the more rewarding.
Final Thoughts
If you’re newly retired, semi-retired, or just looking for a new creative outlet—start here. Bird Feeder Art offers a perfect balance of structure and freedom. You get guidance, inspiration, and plenty of room to make it your own.
For me, it’s no longer just about “keeping busy.” It’s about building a legacy, one bird feeder at a time.