Homemade Bird Feeders: Cookie Cutter Bird Feeders
Each year, around this time, I find myself hunting with an almost frenzied desperation for cute, child-friendly, and inexpensive craft projects. This year, I feel like I really hit the jackpot with these homemade bird feeders.
Why am I scouring the Internet for DIY projects? Two reasons. One, as the weather gets colder, my little one is spending more time indoors, and I know we’re headed for full-blown, bouncing-off-the-walls cabin fever. To try to preempt this, I like to have some indoor appropriate crafts ready to go. Two, my little one likes to give gifts at Christmas, so cute DIY projects, like these homemade bird feeders, allow him to do just that without blowing mommy’s budget.
The homemade bird feeders in this article really check off all the boxes on my list. They’re cute, child-friendly (and mom-friendly), and inexpensive. Plus these homemade bird feeders are useful, don’t take up a ton of time, and aren’t too terribly messy. See what I mean when I say jackpot?
If you’ve already tackled these homemade bird feeders and need more child oriented crafting projects, follow Freebie Finding Mom’s DIY Fun and Activities for Kids Pinterest boards. Also be sure to check out:
– Colored Salt Dough Leaf Impressions
– Homemade Pine Cone Bird Feeders
– 50 Fall Crafts for Kids
Otherwise, let’s get started!
MATERIALS
3/4 cup small birdseed
1 packet of unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup water
Twine
Christmas cookie cutters
Parchment paper
Straw
DIRECTIONS
1. Bring water to a boil over medium heat.
2. Add in packet of unflavored gelatin.
3. Stir until gelatin is dissolved (about 1-2 minutes).
4. Take gelatin off heat and let set for a couple of minutes.
5. Stir in bird seed.
6. Place cookie cutters on a piece of parchment paper.
7. Scoop the bird seed into cookie cutters, and using another piece of parchment paper, press the birdseed down.
8. Stick a straw in the top of each filled cookie cutter to create a small hole.
9. Set cookie cutters in the freezer for 20 minutes.
10. Remove cookie cutters from the freezer, and let them sit in room temperature for approximately 10 minutes.
11. Carefully push the bird seed feeders out of the cookie cutters.
12. Thread a piece of twine through the hole at the top of the bird seed feeder and tie it into a loop.
13. Wrap your homemade bird feeders up to give as a gift or hang one on a tree, and enjoy!
In addition to making a great gift, these homemade bird feeders can provide some much needed entertainment for kids. By hanging a homemade bird feeder near a window, you and your little ones can do some bird watching. You may see a squirrel or other critters as well. You can turn this wildlife viewing into an educational experiencing. For example, ask your child to count the birds, tell you what color they are, or even identify them.
Have fun and happy holidays!
What other fun indoor activities do you enjoy doing with the kids? Please share in the comments.
Approx. how many cookie cutter feeders did you get out of this recipe as it stands?
I have the same question? I’m curious how many shapes you can get from one batch using an average size cookie cutter?
I made a double batch and made about 8 feeders
That’s great, Carla! Thanks for sharing! 🙂 Kelli
Thank you! We’re making these in Sunday School tomorrow. Such a great idea, because we can’t use peanut butter due to nut allergies. Can’t wait!
That’s awesome, Carol! Thanks for sharing! 🙂 Kelli