We had big fun this week making our bird seed feeder/ornament. The idea struck as we gazed upon our sunflowers, heavy with seed. We thought, hey–birds like sunflower seeds, right? Sure they do! And we do have pinecones to spare here in Florida, so what better way to use our harvested seeds than to share them? One for me, one for you, one for me, one for you…
Sharing is caring and our kindergarteners are some of the kindest. And most creative. Now I say feeder *slash* ornament because it’s Christmas time and what better way to make multiple use of our craft than to hang it from our tree during the holiday season, then retire out to the trees come January? I’m sensing the offerings will be slim pickings this time of year for our birds and they will thank us! We are a helpful bunch and this includes lending a hand to our fine-feathered friends.
The craft is an easy one, too. First you tie some twine around one end of your pine cone (thank you upper elementary boys), then paint or press a “glue” concoction all over its exterior.
We used a 1:1 mix of vegetable shortening and cornmeal per some instructions I found on the internet, but in reality, vegetable shortening on its own works better. Most sites suggest peanut butter but for kids with peanut allergies, shortening works fine. Once your pine cone is covered, roll it in seed until well-coated and there you have it–easy, peasy, lemony-squeezy–one bird feeder ready to hang!
You can also purchase a bag of wild bird seed (as we used a mix of seed for the pine cone above), because birds do appreciate a variety of seed in their diet. Whichever you choose, just remember to have fun!
I remember doing this as a kid. We enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels feeding from our cones! Such fun!