DIY Valentine Backyard Birdfeeder

By Caitlin Murray Giles

This “valentine” is a simply way to show our kids that we need to love all living things (and not all hearts are made of chocolate!).

Directions

1. Mix the gelatin and water. Simmer until the gelatin dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool. Add 1-1/2 cups birdseed and mix well. The mixture should be pretty thick and very sticky. Add a little bit more birdseed if necessary to reach the right consistency.

2. A silicone mold will work best for this project because you will be able to easily pop the hearts out when they are dry, but any heart-shaped vessel will get the job done. Fill your heart-shaped mold halfway with the birdseed mixture. You can also use heart-shaped cookie cutters placed on a baking sheet if you don’t have a heart-shaped mold.

3. Tie a piece of string into a loose loop. Position the string into the top of the mold so that you can use it to hang the birdseed heart from a tree branch. Fill the mold to the top with the remaining birdseed. Press down on the birdseed to make sure the mold is packed tightly and evenly.

4. Place the mold in the freezer until it hardens. Let the molds dry out for a few days until they come out of the tray easily.

5. Hang the heart-shaped bird feeders in your yard as a special Valentine’s Day treat for the birds in your life.

Supplies

• 1½ cups birdseed
• 2 small packets gelatin
• ½ cup water
• String (about 3- to 4-inch pieces)
• Heart-shaped molds (silicone molds, baking trays, cookie cutters)
*(makes about six birdseed hearts)

Valentine Birdfeeder

DIY Valentine Backyard Birdfeeder

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