Instructions for Making Bird Seed Wreaths

Create an attractive feeder for birds.

Making bird seed wreaths can be a fun project for children to participate in as they learn about birds and what they eat. Most seed feeders can be used all year long, but are especially important in the wintertime when food for birds is more scarce. With common inexpensive ingredients, bird seed wreaths make not only a feeding station for birds of all kinds, but also an attractive part of the outdoor landscape.

Things You'll Need

• Wild bird seed
• Frozen bread dough loaf
• Peanut butter
• Single package of gelatin
• Cardboard circle
• Ribbon or string

Instructions

Gelatin Bird Seed Wreath

1. Cut the cardboard into a 10 to12-inch circle. Cut out an inner circle and discard to make the cardboard wreath approximately 4 inches wide.

2. Mix one packet of clear unflavored gelatin in water according to the directions listed. Stir 2 quarts of birdseed into the gelatin before it begins to thicken. Allow to cool.

3. Remove gelatin and seed mix by hand once it is cool, but before it gels; start adding it to the cardboard circle cut out. If the mix seems too thin, add more seed to thicken. As it gels and hardens, it should stick to the cardboard. If it doesn't, wrap wire around the cardboard cut-out and gelatin to hold it in place.

4. Add a ribbon or string to the gelatin bird seed wreath and hang from a tree branch or post for the birds.

Bread Bird Seed Wreath

1. Purchase a single loaf of frozen bread dough, pre-shaped into a loaf. Remove from package and allow to thaw completely.

2. Stretch dough to an 18-inch length and form into a circle. Pinch the ends together to seal into a single circle shape. Alternatively, bread can be divided into 3 sections, rolled into ropes and braided before forming a circle.

3. Cover the dough with a damp towel and allow to rise as indicated on the package directions, then cook for the amount of time noted on the instructions. Remove from oven and cool on a rack.

4. Spread a 1/2-inch layer of creamy peanut butter over the entire top surface of the bread loaf, then hand-sprinkle a heavy coating of bird seed over the peanut butter. Press seed in gently to make it stick well.

5. Wrap a ribbon or string through the center and around the edge of the wreath and tie. Hang from a tree or post for birds to enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Gelatin's tendency will be to liquefy in hotter weather, so reserve the gelatin feeder project for cooler temperatures.

References

• A Home for Wild Birds: Make a Bird Seed Wreath
• The Rustic Lodge Lifestyle: Bird Seed Wreath