Last week, I taught some of my Junior Master Gardeners how to make hand-made birdseed ornaments to decorate our garden trees. I love the idea of teaching our children how to make outdoor spaces animal friendly, especially as the colder weather moves into our region. This was a very inexpensive and easy do-it-yourself project that the children adored!
Materials:
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 tbsp. corn syrup
4 cups birdseed (avoid the type with sunflower seeds)
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 tbsp. corn syrup
4 cups birdseed (avoid the type with sunflower seeds)
a variety of cookie cutters
nonstick spray
drinking straw cut into once inch sections
waxed paper and a tray
ribbon/twine
waxed paper and a tray
ribbon/twine
Let's begin!
First, combine the water, flour, corn syrup and gelatin into a bowl. Mix until it becomes a slurry. Gradually add the birdseed, stirring well to combine. Now, you're ready to play!
Line a tray with wax paper. Spray each cookie cutter with the non-stick spray. With one hand, hold a cookie cutter in place. With the other hand fill the cutter with birdseed all the way to the brim. Smooth the top. Carefully insert a section of straw to form the hole for your ribbon to attach. Leave the straw in place while the ornament is drying. Gently remove the cutter.
Let the ornament dry overnight for best results. Once dry, remove the straw and attach the ribbon or twine of your choice. Viola!
These make wonderful Christmas gifts for friends, family and teachers. They also make a sweet decoration for your yard and help feed the birds over winter. In addition, these would be adorable made for Easter or any other holiday. Get creative with a variety of cookie cutters and molds!
I just finished making your recipe and they look so cute. They are still drying. I did heat the water to dissolve the gelatin. Thank you so much, Michelle.
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