Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by treating the birds in your backyard? In this fun and engaging DIY project, we’ll be making Valentine Bird Feeders, a perfect activity to avoid the typical cookies, candies, and chocolates.
This project is great for birdwatchers and anyone looking to add a touch of love to their garden. Here’s a detailed guide based on the YouTube video “Valentine Bird Feeders,” so you can follow along step by step.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 2 ½ cups birdseed
- Mixing spoon
- Cookie cutters (various shapes)
- Tin foil
- Drinking straws
- Ribbon or twine
Step 1: Preparing the Gelatin Mixture
Start by getting a mixing bowl and adding ½ cup of cold water. Sprinkle in two envelopes of unflavored gelatin and mix until dissolved.
Add ½ cup of boiling water to the mixture, stirring until it’s completely dissolved.
Step 2: Adding Corn Syrup
Next, add 2 tablespoons of corn syrup to the gelatin mixture. This ingredient will provide some much-needed energy for the birds.
Stir the mixture thoroughly with your mixing spoon to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Incorporating the Birdseed
Now it’s time to add the birdseed. Measure out 2 ½ cups of birdseed and gradually add it to the gelatin mixture. Stir well to make sure all the seeds are coated evenly.
If you don’t need a large quantity of birdseed, you can buy it in bulk, measuring out just what you need.
Step 4: Preparing the Cookie Cutters
To prevent the liquid mixture from leaking out, wrap the bottom of your cookie cutters with tin foil. Shape the foil around the cookie cutter but leave the top open.
This step ensures that when you remove the bird feeder, the foil doesn’t get stuck in the shape.
Step 5: Filling the Cookie Cutters
Place the prepared cookie cutters on a flat surface. Spoon the birdseed and gelatin mixture into each cookie cutter, patting it down gently to fill all the spaces.
Don’t overfill, as you don’t want the bird feeders to be too heavy.
Step 6: Creating Holes for Hanging
Use a drinking straw to create holes in the bird feeders for hanging. Push the straw about an inch deep into each bird feeder.
These holes will be used to thread the ribbon or twine through later.
Step 7: Setting the Bird Feeders
Put the filled cookie cutters in the refrigerator overnight to set. This will help the gelatin firm up and hold the birdseed together.
If the mixture becomes too hard, you can microwave it for 30-40 seconds to loosen it up.
Step 8: Final Touches and Hanging
Once the bird feeders are set, remove the foil and cookie cutters. Gently push the bird feeder out of the mold and pull out the straw. Thread a piece of ribbon or twine through the hole and tie a knot.
Your bird feeder is now ready to hang on a tree branch.
Step 9: Enjoy Watching the Birds
Find a nice spot in your yard with some bare branches and hang your Valentine Bird Feeders. Watch as songbirds come to enjoy the treat.
It’s a great way to connect with nature and add some festive love to your backyard.
Conclusion
This DIY Valentine Bird Feeder project is a delightful and simple way to show some love to the birds in your neighborhood.
It’s a fun craft for kids and adults alike and makes a thoughtful gift, especially for someone in a nursing home who can enjoy birdwatching from their window.