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As autumn quietly approaches, I catch the first sight of tumbled leaves upon the ground, their summer grasp has let go and they’ve turned the most beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red. It’s what I’ve been waiting (and longing) for – the season of holidays.
As someone who was taught at a very early age that homemade gifts are better than store bought ones, I often begin planning this time of year what to DIY for family and friends. Additionally, because it’s almost the season for parties-a-plenty, I’m also on the hunt for hostess gifts.
With this in mind, I’ve decided to take inspiration from our feathered friends who are just beginning to prepare for winter, foraging for twigs, branches and woven grasses to fluff their nests. Why not give them a hand with a homemade birdseed ornament? These kid-friendly-to-make mini-feeders will not only check off a few of your neighborhood birdie’s grocery list items, they’ll delight and impress your friends, family and the mostest of hostesses!
Video Tutorial: Make a Birdseed Bird Nest!
Homemade Birdseed Ornament Recipe
Birdseed for ornaments ingredients.
Making this recipe is a little trickier than it seems. It’s important to get the right consistency when using this seed in molds and/or cookie cutters. It’s also important for it to dry out completely before hanging. I was very successful at turning on my oven to warm it (like a warm day), then I turned it OFF. Finally, I placed my ornaments on the center rack and let them sit overnight in the oven.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups birdseed (the smaller the seed, the better)
- 1 pkg. unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup water
- 1 Tbsp. corn syrup
- 2 Tbsp. flour
Birdseed ornament birdseed should be slightly thick.
Instructions:
For full recipe instructions, visit SmartStuff
Ice Cream Cone-a-Copia Ornament
5 Ice Cream Cone-a-copia ornament.
These cute coo-coo cones are perfect Thanksgiving hostess gifts – just wrap in cellophane or butcher paper and a ribbon. Give them away as party favors and/or group 5 or 6 of them inside a glass vase of acorns or tie them to a chandelier for a super cute hanging centerpiece!
Supplies:
- sugar cone
- peanut butter
- birdseed
- toothpick
- autumn-colored ribbon
- sharp-tipped knife
Instructions:
For full how-to, visit SmartStuff
Vintage Bedspring Fruit Feeder Ornament
Vintage bed spring fruit feeder.
Seasonal fruit will be much appreciated by your nestling neighbors. What’s also fun, is that kids can watch as birdies nibble, then replenish their ornaments when needed.
Supplies:
- vintage bedspring (or wire hanger)
- ribbon or twine
- seasonal fruit (i.e. apples and oranges)
Instructions:
For full how-to, visit SmartStuff.
Twig Ball Nester Ornament
Twig ball nesting ornaments offer birdie friends a place to gather nest fluff.
As much as birds need to eat, they also need a place to live. With this super cute and functional orb ornament, you’ll be providing the most comfortable nest decor and fluff fledglings have ever seen!
Supplies:
- Twig ball
- ribbon or twine
- pillow stuffing
- yarn
- scissors
Optional: decorations like pine cones and berries (note try and keep embellishments natural and edible)
Instructions:
For full how-to, visit SmartStuff.
Bird Nest Birdseed Ornament
Fill your birdseed nest with even more birdseed for a real fledgling feast!
Talk about the most wonderful time of the year! Your birdie friends will be tweet-tweeting “Seedson’s Greetings!” when they discovered you’ve hung these adorable bird nests for them to feast upon! They’re great gifts for friends, family and hostesses (and actually, all year long!), as well as party favors for holiday and any-day parties, weddings and baby showers.
Fill them with more birdseed or something special like sunflower seeds and cranberries. You’ll definitely make the “Nice” list this year!
Supplies:
- ball ice cube molds (or muffin tin)
- ribbon or twine
- birdseed for formed ornaments (see recipe above)
- spoon
- 2 Tablespoon spoon (or 1 Tbsp if you don’t have one)
Instructions:
For full how-to, visit SmartStuff.
Autumn birdseed nest makes for a great holiday party hostess gift.
This post is sponsored by SmartStuff.
All photography and video by Skaie Knox, HomeJelly.
