The first project makes these cute little suet feeders. I changed up the recipe a bit based on some others feedback. I did not have any problem with my feeders staying together and we had 100 degree temperatures.
What you need:
twine
muffin tin or similiar
2 - 1/4 ounce gelatin packets (unflavored)
2 cups of bird seed
6 T + 2 T water
Spray Oil
straws
To make a batch, bring 6 tablespoons of water to a boil. Empty two 1/4-ounce packages of unflavored gelatin (I used the Knox brand) into 2 tablespoons of cold water in a large bowl. Let the gelatin sit for 1 minute, then add the boiling water and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until the gelatin has dissolved. Next, stir 2 cups of your favorite wild birdseed into the gelatin, mixing thoroughly.
Let the mixture set for a few minutes, then stir again. Repeat this process a few times, if necessary, allowing the seed to absorb the liquid. Spray the pan oil spray.
Spoon the seed mixture into your pan and place a straw through the center for twine placement later.
Place the pan in the freezer and let them set for at least 3 hours. Remove the wreaths from the molds by inverting the pans and tapping along the bottoms.
Allow the wreaths to air-dry overnight. Finally, pull out the straws and thread colorful ribbon or twine around your wreaths and hang them outside in a protected spot, such as under an awning or eaves, where the rain won’t melt them.
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My second project makes this cute little recycled bird feeder.
What you need:
1 liter plastic bottle w/ top
2 wooden spoons
bird seed
eye hook
twine
Start by drawing a 1/2-inch asterisk on the side of a clean 1-liter soda bottle, about 4 inches from the bottom. Rotate the bottle 90 degrees and draw another asterisk 2 inches from the bottom. Draw a 1-inch-wide circle opposite each asterisk, as shown on bottle above. Use a craft knife to slit the asterisk lines and cut out the circles. Insert a wooden spoon handle first through each hole and then through the opposite asterisk, as shown. Remove the bottle cap and twist a small eye screw into the top of it for hanging. Finally, fill your feeder with birdseed, recap it, and use a length of twine to hang it from a tree.
Other DIY Resource Links for Birds:
