Backyard Bird Feeder

Vintage Patinated Copper Accordion Bellows Seed Silo

A sophisticated bird feeder designed to mimic the aesthetic of a vintage camera bellows, featuring a collapsible copper-clad chamber for seed storage.

Vintage Patinated Copper Accordion Bellows Seed Silo

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Vintage Patinated Copper Accordion Bellows Seed Silo — step 1
Step 1

Construct the main interior skeleton using weather-resistant cedar slats to create a rigid, octagonal column. These slats provide the structural base that will support the external bellows mechanism.

Vintage Patinated Copper Accordion Bellows Seed Silo — step 2
Step 2

Fold thin sheets of copper into a series of accordion-style pleats that wrap around the cedar core. Secure each copper section with small copper tacks to allow for a slight compression, mimicking the look of antique photography gear.

Vintage Patinated Copper Accordion Bellows Seed Silo — step 3
Step 3

Fabricate a tiered, patina-treated copper roof with a decorative finial to protect the seed hopper from moisture. The overhang is calculated to provide an optimal drip edge that keeps the feeding ports dry.

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Vintage Patinated Copper Accordion Bellows Seed Silo — step 4
Step 4

Mount a circular brass base plate with drainage holes to ensure the seeds remain fresh and dry. Finally, apply an oxidizing solution to the copper surfaces to achieve an authentic, weathered antique appearance.

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