Backyard Bird Feeder

Vintage Patinated Copper Diving Suit Weighted Diver Compass Seed Navigator

A nautical-themed feeder designed as a brass and copper marine compass with a gravity-fed seed reservoir for backyard birds.

Vintage Patinated Copper Diving Suit Weighted Diver Compass Seed Navigator

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Vintage Patinated Copper Diving Suit Weighted Diver Compass Seed Navigator — step 1
Step 1

Construct the main body using reclaimed cedar slats cut to form a hexagonal housing that replicates the shape of a vintage nautical compass casing. Sand all surfaces smooth before applying a light coat of teak oil to emphasize the wood grain against the metallic accents.

Vintage Patinated Copper Diving Suit Weighted Diver Compass Seed Navigator — step 2
Step 2

Fashion the roof using a sheet of copper, carefully hammering it into a domed profile that mimics the look of an old-fashioned compass cover. Secure the copper using brass decorative tacks to ensure the structure remains weather-resistant and authentic to the vintage aesthetic.

Vintage Patinated Copper Diving Suit Weighted Diver Compass Seed Navigator — step 3
Step 3

Install a gravity-fed clear acrylic tube internally, which serves as the primary seed reservoir, ensuring it is positioned directly over a perforated brass base tray. This mechanism allows for a controlled flow of seeds while keeping them dry within the sealed housing.

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Vintage Patinated Copper Diving Suit Weighted Diver Compass Seed Navigator — step 4
Step 4

Finish the piece by applying a reactive patina solution to the copper elements to achieve an aged, greenish-blue appearance. Attach a heavy brass-chain mounting system that mimics the aesthetic of deep-sea diving gear for a sturdy and stylized display.

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