christmas is over.

the decorations are stashed in the attic.

the tree is outside…

but we’re not done with it.

i asked ryan to haul the tree around to the backyard so we can redecorate it.

eventually, we will use it for firewood, but until then we will feed the birds.

we made birdseed ornaments to place on the tree!

 

before i go on i have to admit that the first batch (above) was an epic FAIL! i got ahead of myself, didn’t mix the ingredients correctly, left the mixture IN the cookie cutters overnight, and they all fell apart. 

so i started over this morning…

i used the following recipe:

• 1/4-1/2 cup HOT water
• 3 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 package of unflavored gelatin, such as Knox
• 3/4 cup flour
• 4 cups birdseed

{go here to get FULL instructions on how to make them as my instructions will be VERY simplified}

before you mix the ingredients, prepare the cookie cutters by spraying them with non-stick spray and place them on a cookie sheet or wax paper.

mix the water, gelatin and corn syrup together until the gelatin dissolves (i heated my water to boiling in the microwave and mixed it all together in a glass measuring cup).

measure the flour into a large mixing bowl and add the liquid mixture. stir together and create a paste the consistency of a cake mix.

add the birdseed and stir until coated.

fill the cookie cutters quickly {the mixture begins to harden fast} and pack them tight. this step was messy and when we make more ornaments we will probably do this outside.

before you remove the shapes from the cookie cutters make a hole for the string {go here for directions}.

carefully remove the shapes from the cookie cutters and place on a wire rack to dry…for at least 6-8 hours…probably best overnight.

i also used a muffin tray and packed the mixture into the coated tray, made my hole, and removed them from the tray.

place string through the hole and tie a knot for hanging.  any type of string, twine, yarn, ribbon or raffia is suitable {avoid fishing line, however, as it can be dangerous to birds that may find it after the ornaments are consumed}.

i’m hoping that the leftover string will be used for nest making material this spring!

hang on your tree!

 

or, if they don’t work out, put the pieces on a tray for the birds to find…

*here are two additional blog posts with more ideas on how to create the ornaments:

saltwater-kids

eclectically vintage

of course, there are more ideas on Pinterest…you can view my “winter” board here!

home is…fun with nature.