Birdseed Ornaments

Birdseed ornaments are one of my favorite winter crafts— they’re simple to make, budget-friendly, and loved by our backyard birds. Plus, they make fantastic gifts for nature lovers, teachers, neighbors, or anyone who appreciates a thoughtful, handmade gift.

With just a few ingredients, you can create charming little bird feeders. Whether you’re crafting with kids or looking for a cozy weekend activity, these birdseed ornaments are a delightful way to spread a little joy—to both people and birds alike. Add a cute tag, bundle a few together, and you have a heartfelt gift that’s both beautiful and useful. Enjoy watching your feathered guests flock to them!

Tip: Many tutorials recommend storing these in an airtight container. I did that once and ended up with moldy ornaments. A sealed container can trap moisture. Before storing them, first make sure they’re completely dried out. Then give these bird feeders a little airflow by placing them in a bag or container with some holes punched in it, and store them in a cool, dry place.

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Birdseed Ornaments

Yield: 5-6 ornaments

Author: Alicea Riley

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 5 MinInactive time: 24 HourTotal time: 24 H & 20 M

This simple birdseed ornament craft is perfect for kids and makes a fun, hands-on way to feed backyard birds. They also make great handmade gifts for the holidays.

Ingredients

• 2 cups birdseed
• 2 packets unflavored gelatin
• ½ cup water
• Cookie cutters
• Oil to grease cookie cutters
• Drinking staw cut into roughly 2 inch pieces
• String or twine
• Parchment paper lined baking tray

Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Add the gelatin and stir until fully dissolved; set aside to cool for a couple of minutes.
3. Stir the birdseed into the gelatin mixture until evenly coated.
4. Lightly grease your cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spoon the mixture into each cookie cutter. Press bird seed firmly into cookie cutter with spatula.
6. Insert a small piece of a drinking straw into each ornament to create a hole for hanging.
7. Place the tray in a cool, dry place and allow the ornaments to dry overnight, flipping them halfway through.
8. Once the birdseed is completely dry, gently press the ornaments out of the cutters. Thread string or twine through the holes and hang them outside for the birds to enjoy.
9. Storage: If you're gifting or storing the ornaments, keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid sealing them in a container or plastic bag, as trapped moisture can cause them to mold. Instead, store them in a breathable bag—such as a paper bag or a bag with a few small holes to allow for airflow.