Make Your Own Bird Feeders

Did you know you can enjoy the magic of bird watching right from your window? With this simple craft, it’s easy to attract some fine feathered friends. Best of all, these fun bird feeders are simple to make, so your kids can put on an apron and lend a hand!

Materials:

• Bird seed
• Gelatin mix (2 packets)
• ⅔ cup of boiling water (parent participation is highly recommended)
• String
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutters
• Straws cut into 3-inch pieces

Step 1.

Begin by emptying two gelatin packets into a large bowl. Then, gently pour in some boiling water and stir the mixture until the gelatin has dissolved.

Step 2.

Now, pour birdseed into the bowl. Stir the seeds around for a few minutes to ensure that each one is coated in the mixture of gelatin and water.

Step 3.

Place your favorite cookie cutters on top of a piece of parchment paper and carefully spoon your seeds into each one. Be generous with the mixture to completely fill each mold and then pack the seeds down tightly.

Step 4.

Insert one straw into the middle of each mold while being careful not to place them too close to the edge. Press the seeds down around each straw to ensure a tight fit.

Step 5.

Place your molds into the refrigerator for a few hours to set. Next, remove the molds from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for a few additional hours.

Step 6.

Carefully remove your bird feeders from their molds. Be careful around the edges to ensure that small pieces don’t break off.

Step 7.

Slowly remove the straw from each bird feeder to create a hole all the way through them.

Step 8.

Cut a piece of string around 10 inches in length.

Step 9.

Feed the string through a hole in one of your bird feeders, then tie a knot. Your completed bird feeder is now ready to be hung up wherever you’d like!