Make a Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder in 8 Simple Steps

by BrightNest

If you’re looking for a simple project to do with your kids (or by yourself) as the weather warms up, look no further! Not only is this cute project really easy and fun for kids, it’s made with items you probably already own (like cookie cutters and peanut butter).
Encourage birds to visit your backyard by making this fun, simple bird feeder!

make a cookie cutter bird feeder in 8 simple steps, crafts, outdoor living, pets animals

1. Mix the Envelope of Gelatin and Water in the Saucepan

Place the saucepan over low heat and stir the mixture periodically until it begins to simmer.

For this project, you’ll need:

¾ cup birdseed (we like Wagner’s because it’s four-season birdseed)

¼ cup water

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 small 8 ounce sleeve of gelatin

small mixing bowl or measuring cup

small saucepan

twine or string

plastic straw

cookie cutters (we chose a cloud and a sun)

wax paper

2. Add Peanut Butter

Once the gelatin begins to simmer, add one tablespoon of peanut butter and let it melt. If you live in a dry climate (hello, Denver!), increase your amount of peanut butter.

3. Remove Saucepan from Heat

Let the mixture cool for about one minute.

4. Prepare Your Cookie Cutter Molds

Combine birdseed with your now-cooled peanut butter gelatin mixture. Then, fill the cookie cutters evenly with birdseed mixture until they're full.

5. Fill Molds with Birdseed

Fill the cookie cutters evenly with the birdseed mixture until they’re full.

6. Poke a Hole in the Birdseed

Poke a hole in the middle of the birdseed when it’s still warm with your straw. (The hole from the straw is where you’ll thread the twine or string when the molds are dry.)

7. Allow the Mold to Cool for a Day and a Half

Relax while your mold hardens for about 30 hours. The time needed to harden the mold will vary slightly depending on the size of your bird feeders. Once they're ready, gently push the now-hardened birdseed mixture from the cookie cutter.

8. Hang Them Up

Loop the twine through the hole in the feeder (that you made with the straw in and tie a knot at the end. Then, hang your feeders! We chose trees with sturdy branches, but hang them up wherever you please! Enjoy your bird feeders.

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this project?

Ask a Question

Comments

Join the conversation

2 of 13 comments

TessaJo Vowels-Whosoever on Apr 28, 2014
I love this... for granddaughters' scout activity!!

Like Reply
Karen rhinevault on Apr 28, 2014
Great idea but I woul duse it in the cold weather--not warm as it will run/melt.

Like Reply