Birdseed Ornaments

Each year, as the Holiday season rolls around, I try to come up with special crafts that I can do with the kids to give out as Christmas presents.  Growing up, a favorite memory with my mom was making sugar cookies.  It was so fun to put on Christmas music, and spend time with my mom and sisters as we worked together to create delicious cookies to give away.  Looking back now, the cookie part was not the what made this time so special, it was the togetherness that did. 


Last year, we made Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments (which are hanging on my tree again this year) and gave them to family members, teachers and friends. This year I wanted to do something different so I decided to make Birdseed Ornaments to hang on outside trees for our feathered friends.

Birdseed Ornaments

What you will need:

2 small packets Knox Original Gelatine (unflavored)
1 1/2 cup birdseed
Mold of your choice (we used cookie cutters)
1/2 cup water
String, twine or ribbon (do not use bright colored ribbon, it may scare the birds away) 

Directions


Dissolve two packets of Knox into the water.  Bring water to a simmer, stir until completely dissolved.  Let cool slightly.

Add birdseed to liquid, mix well.  There should not be any excess liquid.  If you notice your mixture is a little soupy, add more birdseed.



Gather the two ends of your string, twine or ribbon, tie into a knot, making a big loop.

Cover a tray with foil.  Lay out your molds.  Spoon the birdseed mixture into the molds, filling only half way.  Be sure to the birdseed mixture is well packed in the molds.  Place the knot of your string on top of the pressed birdseed at the top of your ornament.  Fill the remainder of the mold, pressing the mixture down and making sure that the string knot is completely covered.

Place tray in the freezer for a few hours, to make the un-molding process a little easier.  Let the ornaments dry out for a few days, flipping occasionally to ensure each side dries completely.

When hanging outside, be sure to hang in a place that birds can easily rest and eat.