Crossing out several names on my Christmas list this year, I was left with a bird lover/watcher who I knew would appreciate homemade bird treat ornaments. Feeding hungry songbirds in winter is a great way for people to interact with nature and help birds get through the tough months of winter. Studies show that bird feeding produces significantly earlier egg laying dates, larger clutches of eggs, and higher chick weights across a wide range of bird species.
My cookie cutters were drying on the counter top from cookie baking, and I decided to whip up a concoction of bird seed and gelatin and mold them into my favorite Christmas shapes, using cookie cutters. A raffia hanger would complete the ornaments, so they could be hung from a nearby tree to enjoy watching the birds swooping in to eat. This project was so successful that I also branched out into making a wreath and other smaller shapes with cooking molds.
The process of making a super frugal hand-made gift with just bird seed, gelatin, flour, corn syrup, and raffia, was done in an hour on a cold windy day. Laying out the ornaments to cure and air dry for a few days completed the process. Requiring no skill and just a few ingredients, I made enough for myself also to enjoy. After hanging out my ornaments, I noticed the birds start to feed almost immediately.
I used a general seed mix variety. You can also add dried/fresh fruit and meal worms, cracked corn, nuts, and pumpkin seeds, a great high fat source for songbirds.
When completed, pack the ornaments up attractively using burlap, tissue paper, and bows to show them off.
Empty gelatin into a large bowl with warm water (1 Cup) until it forms a thick paste. Let this sit for 1 minute, stirring to dissolve. Add some more water if it is too thick.
Mix flour and water together in a small bowl to form a paste.
Add corn syrup to the gelatin mixture, stirring. Then add the flour paste, mixing thoroughly. This is the binder that gels the seeds together. It should be a thick gooey mass with some lumps. Add small amounts of water as needed.
Mix in the bird seed, using just enough to cover all the bird seed.
Fill the cookie cutters/wreath with the mixture and press into shape firmly. Don’t skimp this part- the more packed in you can get the cookie cutters and molds, the better they hold their shape.
Make a small hole with the skewer for the string or raffia in the ornaments. Leave the skewers in until the ornaments dry.
Let cure/air dry for several days and they are ready to unmold. Do not double this recipe. I made two separate batches to make 4-5 ornaments and a wreath.
Let dry once you unmold for an additional day to harden. I did this in the cold air of outside.
I enjoyed making the ornaments so much that I made a batch to fill up a small bundt pan for a wreath. If you have gotten rid of all your bundt or jello molds, stop by a Goodwill for a cheap one. Before packing in the bird seed, I dropped dried or fresh cranberries in the bottom to make an attractive and nutritious accent. Be sure to thoroughly spray the bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray to make it easy to unmold. Other small molds work, like custard and muffin tins.
Place the wreath in the fridge or outside to chill thoroughly and harden before unmolding it onto a plate. I didn’t put a hole through the wreath for a hanger as it is too heavy. Instead wrap and tie your hanger around the entire wreath before hanging. If the wreath feels too fragile to hang, I place it on my bird feeder tray flat.
If the day is rainy, bring your seed ornaments and wreaths in, as they will dissolve in the rain!! These will last about 10 days outside feeding your birds and yes, your squirrels too.
Substitute the gelatin with a mixture of corn syrup and flour. The stickiness of the corn syrup, coupled with the dryness of the flour will act as a binding agent to hold the birdseed together. ...
Don't have any corn syrup on hand? Use peanut butter instead!
Empty 1 package of unflavored gelatin into a bowl with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let this sit for 1 minute. Add 1/3 cup of boiling water to the gelatin, stirring for a few minutes or until the gelatin is dissolved. This is the binder that keeps seeds together.
Birdseed ornaments with gelatin can mold if placed in airtight containers or plastic bags. Store in a cardboard box or paper bag. If using a plastic bag for gift giving, simply cut a few holes to allow for airflow.
Carefully tie twine around the pine cone. Using your craft stick or spatula, coat the pine cone with peanut butter. Then cover the peanut butter pine cone with wild bird seed. Hang it on a branch outside, and watch the birds enjoy their new treat!
You can buy raisins and sultanas, porridge oats, mixed seed, peanuts, grated cheese, breadcrumbs etc.in whatever quantities you like. Some of these are ingredients you might have in the cupboard already. With regards peanuts, you can chop or blitz them in a food processor before adding.
Gradually mix the lard with the birdseed until it all sticks together. Push the fat ball mix between the pine cone scales to create a big, tasty fat ball. Refrigerate your fat balls until the lard has set. Hang the fat balls in a quiet and sheltered area.
Grab yourself a large bowl and add: 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of water and then mix them together.Add your unflavored gelatin and mix again. *Be sure to mix well to get rid of all lumps. Using a plastic knife, add the glue to the roof of your bird feeder.
Peanut butter is a good high-protein food for birds, and they can eat any of the same types humans do. If you're buying it specifically for birds, look for natural or organic types with the fewest additives. Try offering crunchy peanut butter for an extra nutty treat.
Dip the peanut butter side down into the bird seed and press down until the bird seed sticks to the peanut butter. Then—similar to the orange slice—use your needle and twine to string the apple slice up to add to your garland or use as an individual ornament.
Place 5 cups of birdseed into a mixing bowl (ice cream container) and stir in glue solution, mixing thoroughly. Line cups with an oil spray or similar cooking lubricant. Spoon the mixture into a greased moulds, press wire hook into mixture. Press mixture into cup firmly and leave to dry for 24 hours.
Crushed peanuts are also an option, as long as they are unsalted and in date. You can use suet instead of lard, if you prefer, so fat balls are sometimes called suet cakes. You could also use single-ingredient peanut butter, with no added oils. But don't use peanut butter containing artificial sweeteners or added salt.
Provides Smooth Texture: Corn syrup helps to create a smooth and glossy texture in candies, ensuring that they are not grainy or gritty. 3. Adds Moisture and Shine: Beyond candy making, corn syrup can be used to add moisture and a glossy finish to dessert sauces and frostings.
If you've been looking for easy, printable directions of how to make DIY Birdseed Ornaments, you've come to the right place! Our recipe uses just three simple ingredients, has no corn syrup (corn syrup isn't healthy for birds), and will attract a wide variety of birds to the backyard.
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