How to Make Christmas Ornaments for the Birds

Include the wild creatures that inhabit your garden in your holiday celebrations with these tasty treats. They'll add a festive touch to the trees and shrubs around your home.

Things You'll Need

• Onion Mesh Bags
• Raffia
• Sail Maker's Needles
• Birdseeds
• Millet Sprays
• Pine Cones
• Peanut Butter
• Sunflower Seeds
• Paddle Wire

Instructions

1. Roll pinecones in peanut butter, then in birdseed. Wrap some paddle wire around the base of the cone and attach the treat to trees and shrubs within view of your home.

2. String clusters of whole, raw, unsalted peanuts that are still in the shell onto strings of raffia. (Yes, peanuts can be strung just like popcorn or cranberries.) A large sail maker's needle works well to pierce the tough shell. Pierce two or three peanuts and tie the raffia loosely to branches and twigs.

3. String grapes and tie them into bundles using the same method.

4. String a few kernels of popcorn on raffia, then roll in peanut butter and birdseed. This is a favorite treat of blue jays.

5. Slice apples, pears and oranges and hang with wire ornament hangers.

6. Tie millet sprays to twigs and branches with raffia bows.

7. Cut net onion bags into small squares and fill with sunflower seeds. Tie the bundles of seeds with raffia. Hang with wire ornament hangers or more raffia. The bright colors will look divine and the birds will enjoy the offering.

Tips & Warnings

• Make the strings of fruit, nuts and popcorn short. Long strings are difficult for little beaks and claws to handle. A few inches is perfect.

• Tie the raffia loosely so that the critters can pull the snack away from the garland to eat in peace, if they so prefer.

• You won't know the players without a scorecard. Purchase a good bird book so you know who is enjoying your creative endeavor.

Resources

• Letters To Santa
• Christmas Recipes