How to Make a Homemade Birdseed Ornament

Making Birdseed Ornaments: A Fun Winter Project!

Hey there! Want to add some cheer to your backyard this winter and help out the birds at the same time? Make birdseed ornaments! They're fun to make, and they give hungry birds a tasty treat. It's a win-win!

Why Make 'Em?

Besides being a fun craft, these ornaments are super helpful:

• Food for birds: Winter's tough on birds. These ornaments give them much-needed energy.
• Great bird watching: Hang them up and watch the birds enjoy their feast! It’s like having a personal bird show.
• Fun project: It's a relaxing activity – perfect for families or a cozy afternoon alone.
• Eco-friendly: You're using natural materials, which is good for the planet!

What You'll Need:

You probably already have most of this stuff at home!

• Birdseed: Sunflower seeds, millet, and niger seeds are bird favorites.
• Flour or gelatin: This holds the birdseed together. Think of it as the "glue".
• Water: To mix everything up.
• Cookie cutters: Stars, hearts, snowflakes – whatever you like!
• Wax paper: So the ornaments don't stick.
• Twine or ribbon: To hang them.
• Optional extras: Dried cranberries or berries are a nice touch (make sure they’re bird-safe!).

How to Make Them:

1. Make the "glue": Mix ½ cup flour (or gelatin – follow package directions) with ½ cup water. It should be thick enough to hold its shape.
2. Add the birdseed: Gently mix in your birdseed until everything’s coated. Add a little more water if it's too dry.
3. Get your cutters ready: Put wax paper down and place your cookie cutters on it.
4. Fill 'em up: Pack the birdseed mixture firmly into the cutters.
5. Add the twine: Push a piece of twine or ribbon into the top before it dries so you can hang it.
6. Let them dry: Pop them out of the cutters and let them dry for 24-48 hours. Completely dry is key!
7. Hang and enjoy! Find a safe spot to hang them – away from cats and other predators. Then watch the birds enjoy their new treat!

Tips and Ideas:

Get creative! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Different shapes: Use leaf-shaped cutters for a natural look.
• Add natural stuff: Pinecones or small twigs add texture and interest.
• Themed ornaments: Make spooky Halloween ones, or spring-themed ones.
• Bigger feeders: Use mesh bags or recycled containers for larger feeders.
• Different binders: Melted lard or suet also works well (birds love it!).

Safety First!

Remember a few important things:

• No toxic stuff: Only use bird-safe materials. No paints or glues!
• Bird-safe ingredients only: Make sure everything is safe for birds to eat.
• Protect them: Hang them where they're sheltered from rain and snow, and away from predators.
• Check regularly: Look for mold or spoilage, and remove anything that looks bad.

Enjoy Your Bird-Friendly Crafts!

Making birdseed ornaments is a wonderful way to combine crafting with helping birds. It's a fun project that benefits everyone! Have fun, and remember to check local guidelines on bird feeding in your area.