Super Easy Bird Seed Oraments
Wintertime can be especially hard on our outdoor friends. It can also be hard on our little animals living indoors, and running circles around us because it's too cold to play outside. You can make them both happy with a birdseed activity sure to please your feathered and furry outdoor friends. You will need:
3/4 cup birdseed (try getting different types of seed for different birds and squirrels) We used: Morning Song Birdwatcher's Mix
1/4 cup water
1 small envelope of unflavored gelatin We used: Knox gelatin
twine, string, ribbon, or lace
cookie cutters, or molds
wax paper or aluminum foil
plastic straws
Directions:
Mix the water with the gelatin.
Stir until the gelatin has dissolved completely.
Remove from heat, and allow the mixture to cool for a few moments.
Stir in the bird seed. (If there's still visible liquid, add a little more seed.
If using cookie cutters, lay them out on wax paper
Using a teaspoon, carefully fill the cookie cutter or mold with the mixture.
Press down to ensure the seed is packed in well.
Use a plastic straw, and press through the seed mixture to form a hole. Leave it in until the shape hardens.
Let them harden in the molds overnight. If you're using cookie cutters, I found that once they firm up- a few hours or so later, turn them on their sides so both sides dry faster.
When you remove them, do so carefully. Cut string or ribbon to desired length and make a loop through the hole to hang. We stacked several together and used one of the straws to hold it in place. (In photos)
We were really excited that dad wanted to participate in this one with us! (Thanks for the help, DaddyGyver!)
After they have dried, use the straw to stick ribbon or twine in the holes, tie the ends, and hang them up. :) Your little flying friends (and fluffy ones too) will love you for it. ***Hint*** If you're using molds, the less nooks and crannies the better. The hearts turned out great- the snowmen in the first photo- not so much!
