How to Make a Cute Bird Feeder

Attract birds to your property with a homemade bird feeder.

Birdhouses are great for birds, but if you're interested in viewing and studying these colorful creatures, a bird feeder is a better choice. Birds can hide in a birdhouse, but they're completely exposed around a bird feeder. Younger children can make a cute bird feeder out of pinecones, while older children and adults can use a teacup and saucer to make a bird feeder that's pleasing to the eye.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Apron
• 1/2 Cup oatmeal
• 1/2 Cup vegetable shortening
• Medium-sized bowl
• Knife
• Birdseed
• Large pinecone
• Yarn
• Scissors
• Teacup with saucer
• Sandpaper
• Strong adhesive glue
• Clamp or heavy books

Instructions

Cute Pinecone Bird Feeder for Younger Children

1. Set a few sheets of newspaper across your workspace to keep it from getting dirty. Children may also want to wear an apron; they're going to be working with food products that may get on their clothing.

2. Combine 1/2 cup of plain oatmeal with 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening in a medium-sized bowl.

3. Smear the mixture all over the pinecone with a knife, being sure to get in-between the scales.

4. Coat the pinecone with birdseed. Use as much as will stick.

5. Tie a piece of yarn around the top of the pinecone and hang it outside where you want to attract the birds.

Cute Teacup Bird Feeder for Older Children and Adults

1. Pick up an old teacup and saucer from a thrift store. Choose one with a cute pattern, or purchase a plain one that you can decorate with nontoxic paints.

2. Sand the bottom of the teacup and the section of the saucer that the teacup rests on. This will make it easier for the adhesive to attach the two pieces together.

3. Cover the entire bottom of the teacup with a strong adhesive and set it down on the saucer. Clamp together for several hours so the glue has time to dry.

   Note: If you don't have a clamp, apply pressure by setting several heavy books on top of the teacup.

4. Remove the clamp and fill the teacup and sides of the saucer with birdseed.

5. Set the bird feeder on a tree stump or outdoor pedestal.

Tips & Warnings

• Peanut butter can be used instead of the vegetable shortening and oatmeal mixture.

References

• Enviro-Explorers Kids Club: Sticky Pinecone Bird Feeder
• Holiday Crafts and Creations: Easy to Make Bird Feeder