Crossing off several names on my Christmas list this year, I was left with a bird lover/watcher who I knew would appreciate homemade bird decorations. Feeding hungry songbirds in winter is a great way for people to interact with nature and help birds get through the harsh winter months. Studies show that bird feeding results in significantly earlier egg laying dates, larger egg clutches, and higher chick weights in a wide range of bird species.
My cookie cutters were drying on the counter after baking, and I decided to make a mixture of birdseed and gelatin and mold them into my favorite Christmas shapes. A raffia hanger would complete the decorations, so you can hang them from a nearby tree and enjoy watching the birds swoop in to eat. This project was so successful that I also dedicated myself to making a wreath and other smaller shapes with baking molds.
The process of making a super frugal handmade gift with just birdseed, gelatin, flour, corn syrup, and raffia took about an hour on a cold, windy day. Placing the ornaments out to cure and air dry for a few days completed the process. Requiring no skill and just a few ingredients, I made enough for me to enjoy too. After hanging my decorations, I noticed that the birds began feeding almost immediately.
I used a variety of general seed mix. You can also add fresh or dried fruits and mealworms, cracked corn, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds, an excellent high-fat source for songbirds.
When you’re done, package the decorations attractively using burlap, tissue paper, and bows to show them off.
Bird seed ornaments
Mix birdseed with dried fruit, fresh cranberries, and mealworms for a nutritious snack for songbirds.
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3-4
do
Mixed seeds for birds
Millet, sunflower seeds, mealworms, cracked corn, peanuts, dried fruits, walnuts, pumpkin seeds -
1
Pack of 4 Envelopes
Unflavored gelatin mixed with 3/4 C to 1 C warm water
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2
t
corn syrup -
1/4
do
Flour mixed with 1/3 C of water.
Spray your cookie cutters and/or baking pan with nonstick spray and place them on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil.
Pour the gelatin into a large bowl of warm water (1 cup) until it forms a thick paste. Let sit for 1 minute, stirring to dissolve. Add a little more water if it is too thick.
Mix flour and water in a small bowl to form a paste.
Add corn syrup to gelatin mixture, stirring. Then add the flour paste, mixing well. This is the binder that gels the seeds. It should be a thick, sticky dough with some lumps. Add small amounts of water as needed.
Mix the birdseed together, using only enough to cover all the birdseed.
Fill cookie/wreath cutters with mixture and press firmly into shape. Don’t skimp on this part: the more tightly packed your cookie cutters and molds are, the better they will hold their shape.
Make a small hole with the skewer for the thread or raffia in the decorations. Leave the skewers until the decorations dry.
Let cure/air dry for several days and they will be ready to unmold. Do not double this recipe. I made two separate batches to make 4-5 ornaments and a wreath.
Let it dry once you unmold it for another day to harden. I did this in the cold air outside.
I enjoyed making the ornaments so much that I made a batch to fill a small Bundt mold for a wreath. If you’ve gotten rid of all your Bundt or Jello molds, visit Goodwill and pick up a cheap one. Before placing the birdseed, I left dried or fresh cranberries on the bottom to give it an attractive and nutritious accent. Be sure to spray the Bundt pan well with nonstick cooking spray to make it easier to unmold. Other small molds work, such as custard and muffin molds.
Place the wreath in the refrigerator or outside to cool completely and harden before unmolding it onto a plate. I didn’t cut a hole in the wreath to hang it because it’s too heavy. Instead, wrap and tie your hanger around the entire wreath before hanging it. If the wreath feels too fragile to hang, I place it on the bird feeder tray.
If the day is rainy, bring your seed decorations and wreaths as they will dissolve in the rain! These will last about 10 days outside feeding your birds and yes, your squirrels too. For a homemade suet recipe, go to Backyard Strategies for Extreme Climates.
