9 Clever Uses For Old Pot Lids In Your Yard And Garden

Maybe you have a stack of lids that don't seem to fit any of your pots and pans, or perhaps you've been repurposing your old pots and pans and now need something to do with their lids, or maybe you're just bored and in search of a fun craft to tackle this weekend. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of creative and simple ways you can upcycle or repurpose any old cooking pot lids you have lying around. From rustic wind chimes to functional bird feeders, there's sure to be a clever use that works for you. You can repurpose metal, glass, or even ceramic pot lids, although some uses may need to be adjusted to fit the material you're working with.

What tools you'll need depends on the exact craft you want to try, but there are a few general supplies you should have on hand. Since these uses are all for your yard and garden, you should consider getting an appropriate sealant to protect your projects from rain and snow. If you're using a ceramic or enamel pot lid, it's likely already glazed and doesn't need sealing. Metal, however, should be sealed to prevent rust, and you may want to seal any lids you paint as well, to stop them from peeling. It's also a good idea to grab your art supplies. You may need paint, decoupaging materials, ribbon or string, among other things, to make your pot lids match your outdoor aesthetic. Finally, make sure you have some basic tools, such as a screwdriver or drill.

Pot lids make excellent bird baths, as they're wide, shallow, and can hold water. The lids do need to be in relatively good shape, however. Check them for cracks or sharp edges before beginning. You won't want your bird bath leaking or for your feathered visitors to get scratched while taking a dip. If your pot lid is on the deeper side, add some pebbles to the bottom for the birds to stand on. You can use an old stool, tomato cage, or similar structure to get your pot lid bird bath off the ground.

Similarly, bird feeders are easy to make out of pot lids. You can inspect them the same way you would the bird bath then simply fill them with seeds instead, but there are other options as well. Pot lids are often light enough to hang from trees or posts, although you may need to add screws or hooks to tie the string to if it doesn't already have handles to use. However, you can also attach them to the top or bottom of an existing bird feeder to give it a roof or perch.

If just painting and hanging them up isn't unique enough for your yard or garden, grab some scrap wire and make a sculpture. You can easily customize it to fit your aesthetics and the amount of space you have available. Keep things small by turning your pot lid into a turtle, snail, or UFO, or make a large, sprawling sculpture that stretches out along your fence. Their round shape makes them great for creating flowers and celestial bodies like the moon, but you can also have fun with more abstract designs if you prefer.

You'll need some string and other small objects to upcycle your pot lid to make a wind chime. Bottlecaps, smaller pot lids, and the rings from mason jar lids all work great, but feel free to experiment with beads, coins, or anything else you have. Use your pot lid as the top of the wind chime, with the smaller objects hanging down from it. It'll look lovely hanging from a tree in your yard or a hook in your garden, but it can be a nice addition to a porch or balcony as well.

Pot lids make surprisingly good organizers, as the knobs on the tops of the lids make them useful for hanging all sorts of things. Mount them on the side of your shed or fence and hang your gardening tools like shears and trowels from them. You can even use them to keep track of gardening clothing like sun hats or crafting aprons. If you already have a system in place for your gardening tools, you can mount the pot lids next to your door instead and use them to hang rain coats, muddy boots, or outdoor toys.

Some pot lids are beautiful enough to use as decor on their own, although you can also paint or decorate them yourself. You can arrange them on a piece of wood or along your garden fence to add some color and rustic charm to the space. They can even be arranged over windows or doors, which might be a nice way to liven up your garden shed or the exterior of your home. If they have handles on top instead of knobs, you can even tuck simple decor such as flags or seasonal flowers into them.

If pesky crows are bothering your vegetables or you just love the aesthetic of a scarecrow, you're in luck! The lid from a pot can make a great scarecrow head. Simply use the knob or handle in the center as the nose and add eyes and a mouth around it. Add some straw or dried grass to the edges, a simple mesh hat on top, and decorate it with seasonal flowers or ribbons. Use your pot lid scarecrow lid as decor or attach it to the top of a post with the scarecrow's body below it.

For something less functional but just as cute, consider turning your pot lids into fun seasonal garden decor. If you have pot lids of various sizes, you can attach them to a post or stake in a line to make a snowman. For a minimalist snowman, paint the lid white and the knob in the center black or orange, depending on whether it's a carrot or a button. However, you can add old scarves, buttons, and branches to flesh it out. If you only have one lid, consider painting it orange to make a Jack-o-lantern instead.

Wreaths are perfect for your front door, but you can also hang them on your garden shed, fence, or even a tree in your front yard to add some color and cheer. Use one large pot lid as the base of your wreath and decorate the edges with seasonal flowers, leaves, ribbons, and fabric. Alternatively, attach multiple pot lids together in a ring for a much larger wreath for the side of your house or shed. They'll look eye-catching on their own at that scale, but you can still dress them up with bows and other decor.