Taking the tree down after the holidays can be a real downer. Last year we decided to bring back some joy by placing the tree outside on the deck and we hung some birdseed bells. We loved watching the birds out our living room window! This year, to get the kids more involved we made some fun homemade birdseed ornaments (some Pure Muskoka ornaments too) to add to the variety of purchased treats on the tree.
@puremuskoka Fun way to enjoy the Christmas Tree a little longer. #puremuskoka #fyp #christmashack #hack #diy #birds #birdfeeder #foryoupage #viral #tree ♬ original sound - Pure Muskoka
When we put the tree out the chickadees returned within minutes, like they were already waiting!
Here are a couple of recipes for homemade ornaments, you can find many other options online too!
Pine Cone Birdseed Ornaments:
- Pine Cones
- Twine or string
- Small knife, or Popcicle stick
- Peanut Butter (the natural kind that’s just peanuts)
- Bird seed
- Tie string around the top of the pine cone. Coat the pine cone with peanut butter. Then cover the peanut butter pine cone with bird seed. You could either sprinkle the birdseed, or roll the pinecone into the seeds to cover.
- Hang it on your tree and enjoy the birds!
Cookie Cutter Birdseed Ornaments:
- 3⁄4 to 1 cup birdseed
- 1 packet (.25 ounce or 7 grams) of gelatin (unflavored—we use Knox)
- 1⁄4 cup boiling water
- Cookie cutters, lightly greased makes them easier to remove
- Twine or string
- Parchment paper
- Combine the gelatin and the water in a small saucepan and bring down to a simmer, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the gelatin is dissolved. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a minute. Stir in 3⁄4 cups of the birdseed, adding the extra as needed until all the liquid is absorbed. (We’ve read online that you can also add a bit of Cayenne pepper if you have sneaky squirrels around, to prevent them from munching on the ornaments and it’s totally safe for the birds)
- Place the cookie cutters on parchment on a plate, cutting board or baking sheet. Fill each cookie cutter halfway with the birdseed mixture. Gently press the two ends of a length string into the mixture down the full length of the cookie cutter. Fill to the top making sure to pack it down firmly. Allow the birdseed ornaments to dry for several hours or overnight.
- Once the ornaments are completely dried, gently press them out of the cookie cutters, hang on your tree and enjoy the birds!
