My kids have been getting so bored some days! All they want to do is play video games or watch tv. I get tired of having to say no all the time. This project took up a little time and entertained them. But it also got them using their hands and creating something new.
You will need
Cookie cutters
1 1/2 cups Bird seed
(I got mine at Winco for really cheap in the bulk department)
2 packages unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup water
large bowl
spoon
whisk
saucepan
straw, skewer or lollipop stick
Yarn or string to hang
Begin by bringing your water to a boil and follow directions for adding the gelatin. Once it is done poor it into your already measured bird seed that is in the large bowl. This is where I let my kids stir it together and make sure it is well mixed.
Once it is all mixed, have your wax paper ready with cookie cutters lined up on it. Make sure they are medium to large cookie cutters. We used a small one (the music note) that didn’t work and fell apart.
Once they are lined up, have the kids scoop bird seed into the cookie cutters. Use the spoons to pack it down to prevent them from falling apart. While still wet use your straw or stick to poke holes where the bird feeder will hang. This didn’t work well for me, I ended up having to use a skewer to poke the same hole again when they were set. Just be sure to do it gently to make sure that you don’t crumble the bird feeder.
Let them set for several hours. I did mine overnight before removing from the cookie cutters. This is where I ended up having to poke the holes all the way through because the seeds had fallen back into the hole. Cut some yarn, twine, whatever you have handy and tie it off.
Now hang it from your tree and get ready for the birds to come feast!
Not only was this a great boredom buster, but if you have a cub scout, it can actually help them towards their awards. So get some bird seed and get busy!
Another Great idea
we use pinecones but they are not always available