Make Your Own Bird Seed Ornaments

We once featured these bird seed ornaments in the magazine, but this is such a wonderful project and idea that I wanted to share it again. This year, when I make Christmas cookies with my kids, I’m going to sneak in a few “bird cookie ornaments” like this as well. The trick with these is using a gelatin to hold everything together. Here’s the recipe we use, although you can make modifications or bigger batches as you see fit.

In addition, here are a few tips for making your own bird seed mixes or suet.

Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup water
• 3 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
• 3 Tablespoons corn syrup
• 3/4 cup flour
• 4 cups bird seed (your choice!)

Here’s what you need to know about adding bacon fat to suet.

Directions

Heat water, gelatin and corn syrup together over a low heat. No need to boil. Mix flour and seed together and then slowly add to gelatin mixture. While cooling, put out parchment paper on our counter, and choose your favorite cookie cutters. Spray those cookie cutters with cooking spray. Next, fill the cutters with the gelatin mixture, pressing in the mixture tightly. Before you remove the ornament, use a straw or toothpick to poke a hole through the ornament (for hanging). Then remove from cookie cutters and let dry for several hours. Once dry, you can attach ribbon or string and hang for the birds!

Note: Be sure to be diligent in storing any surplus ornaments and check them regularly for mold once they’ve been hung outside.

Here’s how to make a bird seed wreath for your feathered friends.

Additional Recipe

This extra recipe for bird seed ornaments ran in the December/January 2020 issue of Birds & Blooms.

• Mix 1/3 cup unflavored gelatin with 1 1/2 cups of water until it’s dissolved and clear.
• Remove from heat and stir in 8 cups birdseed, making sure all of the seeds are lightly coated.
• Shape the treats, packing the mixture tightly, refrigerate for two to four hours and dry for three days.
• Tie ribbon around ornaments and hang them up for the birds.