How do you make bird seed Garland?

Creating a bird seed garland is a delightful and enriching way to support local wildlife, especially during colder months. These edible decorations provide essential sustenance for your feathered friends while adding a touch of natural beauty to your outdoor space.

Why Make a Bird Seed Garland?

Homemade bird seed garlands offer numerous benefits for both birds and bird enthusiasts:

• Nourishment: Provides a vital food source, particularly when natural food supplies are scarce.
• Eco-Friendly: A natural, biodegradable alternative to plastic feeders.
• Engaging Activity: A fun and educational craft for all ages.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a charming, rustic decoration to trees, porches, or gardens.
• Bird Observation: Attracts a variety of bird species, offering excellent opportunities for observation and learning.

Materials You'll Need

Gathering your materials beforehand will make the crafting process smooth and enjoyable.

Item	Purpose	Notes
2-4 cups Birdseed	Main food source	Choose a high-quality mix with sunflower seeds, millet, and thistle.
1/2 cup Water	For dissolving gelatin
2 envelopes Unflavored Gelatin	Binder	Holds the seeds together firmly.
1/2 cup Flour	Additional binder (optional, for extra strength)	All-purpose flour works well.
Mixing Bowl	For combining ingredients	Large enough for all seeds.
Spoon or Spatula	For mixing
Cookie Cutters	For shaping (optional)	Various shapes like stars, hearts, or circles.
Parchment Paper or Wax Paper	Prevents sticking	Line your work surface.
Baking Sheet	For drying
Drinking Straws or Skewers	For making holes for string	Cut straws into 1-inch pieces.
Twine, Jute, or Ribbon	For stringing the garland	Natural fibers are best.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Bird Seed Garland

Creating a bird seed garland is a straightforward process that yields beautiful, bird-friendly results.

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Lay down parchment or wax paper on your counter or table. This will prevent the birdseed mixture from sticking and make cleanup easier. If you plan to use cookie cutters, have them ready.

2. Mix the Ingredients

1. Activate Gelatin: In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the two envelopes of unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup of cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
2. Heat Gently: Carefully heat the mixture (either in a microwave for 30 seconds or over low heat on a stovetop) until the gelatin is fully dissolved and clear. Avoid boiling.
3. Combine: Pour the warm gelatin mixture into your mixing bowl with the birdseed. If using, add the 1/2 cup of flour. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until all the seeds are evenly coated and sticky. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape.

3. Form the Garland Shapes or String Directly

You have two main methods for forming your garland:

• Method A: Using Cookie Cutters (for individual shapes to string later)

  1. Place your cookie cutters on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Firmly press the birdseed mixture into each cookie cutter, ensuring it's packed tightly.
  3. Smooth out the top with your fingers to create a neat, even surface.
  4. Carefully push a short piece of drinking straw or a skewer through each shape to create a hole for stringing. Ensure the hole goes all the way through but isn't too close to the edge.
  5. Gently remove the cookie cutters, leaving the shapes on the baking sheet.

• Method B: Direct Stringing (for a continuous garland)

  1. If you're creating a continuous strand, you'll need to work more quickly. You can either:
     • Form small balls or log shapes in your hands, then immediately thread them onto a piece of sturdy twine or jute. Place spacers (like dried cranberries or large beads) between the seed shapes if desired.
     • Alternatively, you can create larger, flatter shapes freehand and use a skewer to make holes, then string them onto the twine once dry (similar to Method A, but without cookie cutters).

4. The Drying Process

This step is crucial for ensuring your garland is durable and safe for birds.

• Place your formed birdseed shapes (or the already-strung garland if using Method B) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Let your ornament dry overnight (or for at least 12-24 hours) at room temperature in a well-ventilated area. If humidity is high, it might take longer.
• For individual shapes, carefully flip them after 6-8 hours to ensure even drying on both sides.
• Once completely dry and hardened, remove the straws from the individual shapes.

5. Hanging Your Creation

Once your bird seed shapes are completely dry and firm, it's time to assemble and hang it outside for your feathered friends.

1. For individual shapes: Thread your natural twine, jute, or ribbon through the holes you created. You can create a long strand with multiple shapes, knotting between each to keep them separated, or make smaller clusters.
2. For directly strung garlands: Simply find a suitable spot.
3. Choose a location that is visible but safe from predators (like high branches on trees or sturdy hooks on a porch). Ensure it's away from busy windows to prevent bird collisions.

Tips for Success

• Seed Variety: While any birdseed mix works, a blend with black oil sunflower seeds, millet, and safflower will attract a wide range of common backyard birds.
• Binder Alternatives: If you don't have gelatin, natural peanut butter or a mixture of corn syrup and flour can also act as binders, though drying times and consistency might vary.
• Storage: Store any unused mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two, but it's best used fresh.
• Weather Conditions: Hang your garland on a dry day. Prolonged wet weather can cause the garland to disintegrate faster.
• Patience is Key: Allow ample drying time. Rushing this step will result in a crumbly garland.

Common Bird Seed Choices for Your Garland

Seed Type	Attracts	Notes
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds	Cardinals, Finches, Chickadees, Grosbeaks, Titmice, Nuthatches	High in fat, easy for small birds to crack.
White Proso Millet	Sparrows, Doves, Juncos, Quail	A favorite for ground-feeding birds.
Safflower	Cardinals, Grosbeaks, Doves	Often disliked by squirrels and blackbirds.
Cracked Corn	Jays, Doves, Sparrows, Quail	Good for larger birds.
Nyjer (Thistle) Seed	Finches (Goldfinches, House Finches, Purple Finches)	Best used in smaller quantities or specific feeders due to cost.

Enjoy watching your local bird population discover and feast on your homemade bird seed garland!