Think

Love Is for the Birds?

You’re Right!

Show your love for our feathered friends by making these adorable heart-shaped bird feeders — it’s a fun rainy-day craft that your little valentines will love.

Ingredients:

1 cup wild birdseed

1/3 cup rolled oats

1/8 cup peanut butter

2 tablespoons corn syrup

2 envelopes unflavored gelatin

1/2 cup water

Materials:

Wax paper

Heart-shaped cookie cutter

Nonstick cooking spray

Natural twine or string

Instructions:

1. Line a cookie sheet with a piece of wax paper.

2. Mix birdseed, oatmeal, peanut butter and corn syrup in a large bowl.

3. Pour two packets of gelatin into 1/2 cup boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved. Stir gelatin into birdseed mix. (Add more birdseed if the mix seems too watery.)

4. Spray cooking spray around the inside of the cookie cutter.

5. Place the cookie cutter onto the wax paper. Pack the birdseed mixture into the cookie cutter, filling it about halfway.

6. Tie string into a loop and place the knotted end into the cookie cutter. Cover the end of the string with more of the birdseed mixture. Press the mixture down with your hand or a spoon.

7. Carefully lift the cookie cutter from the birdseed mixture and repeat the process until the mixture is used up.

8. Refrigerate the feeders overnight.

9. Hang your treat in a tree for the enjoyment of your backyard birds.

Note: Store extra bird feeders in a dry, cool place to prevent mold from developing. ■