I’m always looking for simple, hands-on projects that bring a little more life into my backyard. These DIY Birdseed Ornaments are one of those sweet little crafts that are as fun to make as they are functional. They bring color, texture, and (most importantly) a whole flock of grateful feathered friends right to my window.
What I love most about these ornaments is how easy and affordable they are. No fancy ingredients, no baking, and no glue gun required. Just a few pantry staples and a little patience while they set. Whether you’re doing this with kids, prepping for a winter wildlife watch, or just want a fun seasonal project, these homemade bird feeders are such a rewarding way to connect with nature.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Birdseed Ornament Recipe
There are tons of bird feeder DIYs out there, but this one checks all the boxes for me:
- Kid-friendly and mess-minimal
- Made with natural, bird-safe ingredients
- Holds its shape beautifully with no plastic or stringy mess
- Adds a pop of charm to my trees and porches
Plus, it’s a perfect winter or holiday craft. I’ve made these for teacher gifts, holiday favors, and even party activities.
What You’ll Need
(Makes 8–10 small ornaments | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Set Time: 6–8 hours)
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 envelope (about 0.25 oz) unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup
- 4 cups birdseed (I use a wild bird blend for variety)
Supplies:
- Mixing bowl and spoon
- Cooking spray or oil
- Cookie cutters (metal work best)
- Wax paper or parchment
- Drinking straws (cut into 2-inch pieces for the hole)
- Twine, ribbon, or yarn for hanging
How I Make Birdseed Ornaments (Step-by-Step)
1. Mix the Binding Base
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, water, gelatin, and corn syrup. It starts out a bit lumpy, but I keep stirring until it becomes a smooth, sticky paste. This is the “glue” that holds the birdseed together.
2. Stir in the Birdseed
Next, I pour in the birdseed and stir until every seed is coated with the sticky mixture. It’s thick and a little messy—but it smells earthy and satisfying to mix. If it feels too dry, I add a tablespoon of water at a time to loosen it up.
3. Pack Into Cookie Cutters
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, I set out my cookie cutters and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Then I press the birdseed mixture firmly into each one, packing it down so it holds its shape. I use a spoon or my fingers to really compress it into the edges.
4. Make the Hanging Hole
Before the ornaments start to set, I insert a short piece of straw near the top of each one to create a hole for hanging. I give the straw a little twist so it doesn’t stick when I remove it later.
5. Let Them Dry Completely
This is the hardest part—waiting. I let the ornaments sit out at room temperature for at least 6–8 hours, but preferably overnight, to fully harden. Once dry, I gently press them out of the molds and remove the straw.
6. Add Twine and Hang
Once they’re out of the molds, I thread a piece of twine or ribbon through each hole, tie it, and hang the ornaments outside in the trees or on my porch. The birds usually find them within the first day.
Tips for Perfect Birdseed Ornaments
- Use metal cookie cutters: They hold their shape better and are easier to remove.
- Don’t skip the straw: You need that hole for hanging—forgetting it is a common first-time mistake.
- Press the mix in firmly: The tighter you pack it, the better it holds up.
- Dry in a cool, dry place: Humidity slows down the drying and can make them crumbly.
When I Make These
These are great any time of year, but especially perfect for:
- Winter bird feeding when food is scarce
- Holiday crafting with kids or grandkids
- Gifts for teachers, neighbors, or nature lovers
- Earth Day activities or spring garden parties
- Rainy-day crafts when you want something relaxing and useful
They also make really sweet seasonal décor—hang them from tree branches, porch hooks, or even along a garden fence.
FAQs About Birdseed Ornaments
Q: Will they melt or fall apart in the rain?
A: They hold up well in dry, cold weather but may soften in heavy rain or heat. I usually check them after a few days and replace if needed.
Q: Can I use different kinds of seed?
A: Yes! Just avoid mixes with large whole nuts or corn, which are harder to mold. A small-seed mix works best for shaping and feeding smaller birds.
Q: Are these safe for pets?
A: They’re intended for outdoor use, so keep them away from dogs or indoor pets—they might be tempted by the sweet smell.
Q: How long do they last?
A: Once dried, they’ll keep for several weeks in a cool, dry spot. I usually make a batch and store extras in a paper bag until I’m ready to hang them.
Final Thoughts
These DIY Birdseed Ornaments are one of my favorite little projects—not just because they’re cute and easy, but because they bring joy beyond my kitchen. Watching birds flock to the trees, pecking away at something I made by hand? That’s a feel-good moment I’ll take any day.
So if you’re looking for a simple way to connect with nature, entertain kids, or just brighten up your yard, give these a try. Your backyard birds will thank you.
Feed the Birds, Not the Mess: My Go-To Homemade Birdseed Ornaments
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup birdseed
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon gelatin
- Cookie cutters or molds
- String or twine for hanging
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, birdseed, corn syrup, and gelatin.
- Gradually add water until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency.
- Knead the mixture until well combined, then roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters or molds to cut out shapes, ensuring to make a hole in the top for string.
- Place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Allow the ornaments to dry for at least 24 hours, turning occasionally.
- Once dry, thread string or twine through the holes and hang them outside for the birds.
Leave a Reply