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Have you ever wondered what to do with your Christmas tree after the holidays? Instead of discarding it, why not repurpose it into a delightful bird feeder? In this creative DIY project, Laura from Garden Answer shows us how to turn your Christmas tree into a haven for birds.

This fun and eco-friendly project not only recycles your tree but also provides birds with much-needed food during the winter months. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you follow along.

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What You’ll Need

• Muffin tin
• Cooking spray
• Bowl
• 2 packages of plain gelatin
• 1 cup hot water
• 6 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1.5 cups flour
• 8 cups wild bird seed
• Jute twine or ribbon
• Wax or parchment paper
• Knife
• Peanut butter
• Large needle
• Fishing line
• Cranberries, dried oranges, popcorn, apples

Step 1: Making Bird Seed Ornaments

Start by greasing a muffin tin with cooking spray and setting it aside. In a bowl, dissolve two packages of plain gelatin in one cup of hot water. Then, add six tablespoons of light corn syrup and one and a half cups of flour, stirring until the mixture forms a sticky paste.

Next, add eight cups of wild bird seed to the paste and mix thoroughly. Fill each muffin cup about halfway with the mixture. To prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers, dip your fingers in water occasionally.

Press a loop of jute twine or ribbon into the seed mixture in each muffin cup, then add more of the mixture on top to fill the cup. Press down firmly and let the ornaments dry for several hours or overnight.

Step 2: Creating Pine Cone Ornaments

Lay out a piece of wax or parchment paper and gather your supplies: pine cones, peanut butter, bird seed, and a knife.

Spread peanut butter on all sides of each pine cone. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Then, roll the peanut butter-covered pine cones in bird seed until fully coated. To hang the pine cones, hot glue a loop of jute twine or ribbon to the top.

Step 3: Stringing Garland

Making garlands can be time-consuming but is absolutely worth it. Using a six-pound test fishing line and a large needle, start threading cranberries followed by slices of dried orange and pieces of popcorn.

Popcorn can be tricky to string, so take your time and thread the needle through the fleshiest part of each piece. Repeat the layers until you have a long garland.

Step 4: Apple and Orange Garland

Cut apple and orange slices at least a quarter-inch thick to ensure they are sturdy enough to stay on the twine. Spread peanut butter on half of each apple slice, front and back, then dip it in bird seed.

Lay the coated slices on wax or parchment paper. Using a large needle and jute twine, thread the slices of oranges and apples alternately until your garland reaches the desired length. Keep garlands under four feet for easier handling.

Step 5: Putting It All Together

Now that all your ornaments and garlands are ready, it’s time to decorate your tree. Place the tree in a location where you can enjoy watching the birds from your window. Ensure the tree is sheltered from the wind, perhaps by placing it near shrubs or larger trees. Use a sturdy tree stand to keep it upright.

Hang all the bird seed ornaments, pine cone ornaments, and garlands on the tree. Adding a few store-bought feeders can provide extra bulk and variety. Laura recommends using finch sock feeders and sunflower seed feeders for larger birds.

Step 6: Enjoy the Birds

Your Christmas tree-turned-bird feeder is now ready to provide birds with a winter feast. Enjoy watching the birds from the comfort of your home while knowing you’ve given your tree a second life.

Conclusion

This project is a fantastic way to recycle your Christmas tree and create a winter wonderland for birds. It’s inexpensive, easy to do, and fun for the whole family. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids involved in nature and wildlife conservation.

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