DIY Pinecone Bird and Critter Feeder
DIY Pinecone Bird and Critter Feeder
A few months ago, we spent a lovely evening this winter making DIY pinecone bird and critter feeders with our friends at the senior center.
I absolutely love the ease of this project for all ages. It's an especially nice one to practice dexterity for both young and older fingers.
I was inspired to make these with our friends as we've had an especially chilly season and we hate to think of the critters struggling to find their food.
And coincidentally, it also happened to be National Squirrel Appreciation Day so all felt right in our little corner of the world.
The pinecone bird and critter feeder are equal opportunity service providers. First come, first served!
Critter Feeder Materials
It doesn't take much to assemble these pinecone feeders, just a few dropped pine cones and a few supplies from any grocery store, including:
- Pinecones - the open style is best in order to adequately coat the needles with peanut butter
- Creamy peanut butter
- Bird seed mix - choose one with small pieces to nestle into the pinecone layers and stick most easily to the peanut butter
- Twine, bakers twine or ribbon - I like using a jute twine that looks great with the brown pinecones and colors of the seeds.
- Scissors to cut the twine
- Shallow bowl for the bird seed
- Butter knife to spread the peanut butter
- Plate or placemat on which to work
- Damp towel to clean your hands - it's fun and a bit messy work!
Sweet Squirrel Video Interlude
As squirrel appreciation day is a real thing, it's fun to celebrate those furry little friends with some adorable videos.
I found this compilation video that shows one little fella carving his own pumpkin!. One front porch mystery solved at our house!
See the cuteness below.
Make a Pinecone Bird and Critter Feeder
Start by gathering your materials and setting up a craft station.
Next, fold your twine in half and wrap it twice around the top of your pinecone.
I like to wrap twice and then bring the two ends of the twine up and over the top to secure with a knot.
This method means that the pinecone will hang evenly from the top when suspended from a branch or outdoor base.
Next, fill your shallow bowl or dish with bird seed about 1/4" thick. It doesn't need to be too deep.
Now it's time to slather on the the creamy peanut butter that will lock the seeds into place.
Use a small butter knife to cover each scale in the case of a scale versus needle pinecone.
When most of your pinecone scales are covered in peanut butter take the top of your pinecone in hand and roll it around in your shallow dish filled with bird seed.
You'll begin to see the seeds stick to the pinecones scales.
Press more seed into the pinecone as needed.
Once your pinecone is covered, it's time to hang it for the critters.
Find a nice place close to a window so you can watch the action from indoors.
Bon appetit!
Crafts That Serve
Since we like to create at our house, we end up with lots of projects that get used, but plenty that simply get enjoyed by viewing or displaying.
I love this DIY pinecone bird and critter feeder because it's fun to make and serves the greater good.
It's also very affordable! We keep a bag of bird seed in our garage to fill our bird feeders all year and I know I can always draw on that supply.
The pinecones are free from Mother Nature and we always have peanut butter in the pantry.
I pulled the twine I used from my ribbon bin, which makes this project dollar neutral and carbon neutral as I didn't drive anywhere or order supplies.
All in all, a great project!
Care to Mingle?
Let’s connect over social media. Follow the fun on Pinterest and Instagram. Tag #satsumasmiles to share your creativity and I'll share back.
HELLO THERE!
Today is a gift. Let's put a bow on it!
Find creative and sustainable ways to make family life a delight! Sharing modern etiquette that kids will enjoy.
💕 jennifer
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