Birdseed Ornaments

Gò0dNews for Kids

Birdseed Ornaments

by Jodi Varnado

Autumn is my favorite time of year to play outside! I love walking through my neighborhood, collecting leaves on the ground along the way. I enjoy riding my bike around the park, smiling at happy families walking their dogs along the path. But my very favorite thing is admiring all the beautiful birds perched on the tree branches or hopping through the grass. These birds remind me of how generous our God is. He created these birds, with so much variation, for us to enjoy—simply because He loves us! Job 12:7-9 reads, “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?”

As a way to nurture God’s Creation, I like to gather my friends or siblings and make birdseed ornaments! These ornaments can help nourish birds during seasons when their natural food sources might be scarce. This craft is a wonderful sensory experience for little hands. It also allows everyone the chance to connect with nature and share a time of thanksgiving for what God has created. Plus, these ornaments look charming hanging from the branches in your yard. You can enjoy watching the birds gather while you help your parents rake the leaves or glance at them through your window while enjoying a nice snack. These ornaments also make a thoughtful gift for your grandparents or neighbors!

Materials:

• ¼ cup of unflavored powdered gelatin • ½ cup of cold water • ½ cup of boiling water • 2 ½ cups of birdseed • Nature-inspired cookie cutters • 1 straw • Biodegradable twine

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together ¼ cup of gelatin and ½ cup of cold water. Then, add ½ cup of boiling water and mix together until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Next, add the birdseed (about 1 cup at a time) and mix well until the gelatin coats each seed. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your cookie cutters on top. Fill each cookie cutter three-quarters of the way with your birdseed mixture. Use your fingers to firmly pressed the mixture into the cookie cutter to fill the shape. Slowly add more birdseed mixture until your cookie cutter is full to the top edge. Next, using your straw, make a hole at the top of your cookie cutter, but be sure to leave a thick edge between the top of the cookie cutter and the hole. 3. Place your baking sheet in the refrigerator for a few hours, until each ornament has hardened. Once they are set, remove the ornaments from the cookie cutters by gently pushing at the edges of the cookie cutters. Finally, thread your twine through the holes and hang the ornaments from the tree branches in your yard!