Photo: Land Trust.

Winter Craft Idea: Birdseed Ornaments!

Dec 06, 2023 by Mo Odell
Try out this fun and easy craft with family or friends and bring all the birds to your yard!

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If you’re looking for a fun and easy craft to do with kids this winter, try out these simple pine cone bird feeder ornaments and watch wildlife flock to your yard. 

Photo: Land Trust.

What you’ll need for this craft:

  • Medium to large open pine cones
  • Twine
  • Peanut butter
  • Birdseed 
  • Tupperware or baking sheet
  • Spoon
  • Scissors

1. First, gather your pine cones. I find that ponderosa pine cones yield the best results but any medium to large pine cone will do.

2. Second, tie your short piece of twine around the top of the pine cone - around 6-8 inches long. I find it’s better to do this now so you have a clean place to hold your ornament once it’s covered in peanut butter.

Photo: Land Trust.

3. Third, assemble your craft station. This can get a little messy so I suggest laying out a tablecloth or newspaper to make cleaning up a breeze. 

Photo: Land Trust.

Pour your birdseed and peanut butter into their own bowls. I don’t recommend using the peanut butter straight from the jar because you run the risk of eating bird seed the next time you make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

4. Fourth, using a spoon or butter knife, spread the peanut butter over the entire pine cone. Anywhere the peanut butter goes is where your birdseed will stick, so be sure to get the peanut butter between the open spines of the pine cone.

Photo: Land Trust.

5. Fifth, take your now-covered pine cone and roll it along its side in your bowl of birdseed. Do this as many times as necessary to get your pine cone coated. Once done, set your completed ornament in your Tupperware or on your baking sheet for easy transport.

Photo: Land Trust.

6. Lastly, carry your completed ornaments out to your yard and hang them on trees or shrubs of your choice. It can take a few days for the birds to catch wind of the new snacks, so check back often.

Photo: Land Trust.

 

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