Monday, May 12, 2008

Homemade Birdfeeders

My next door neighbor made the mistake of mentioning in passing to my 7-year-old budding zoologist that he had seen a finch in his backyard eating at his bird feeder. We became instant birdwatchers at our house. So, I did a little research and decided to make a bird feeder for our backyard. It turned out so neat that I made one for each of the ladies we visit teach for the month of May. Here's how we did it...my kids helped with every step.

First, we filled a grapevine ball with popped popcorn and tied a length of twine securely through some of the vine to create a hanger. (I found the grapevine balls for cheap at my local Hobby Lobby.)

Next, we spread peanut butter all over the outside of the ball in a thin layer and rolled it on a cookie sheet filled with purchased birdseed.

Then we let them dry on a wire rack for about 48 hours to allow the peanut butter to harden a bit.

And so they look oh so nice in presentation, I wrapped them in cellophane (making sure the length of twine is out the top) and then tied it off with raffia.




If I were a bird, I'd be all over these things.

16 comments:

Lacey said...

What a cute idea! You are so creative. My kids would love making them.

Kathleen said...

i echo lacey--what a creative idea! your kids are so lucky...and your visit-teachees!

Ice Cream said...

Ok, those look so much prettier than the usual PB and birdseed covered toilet paper roll that I grew up making.

Camie said...

ew, they look ymmy...they remind me of a carmel apple (which I am now craving). We are major bird watchers at our house.

zakkalife said...

What a great project and I like that kids can help out with this one.

Marisa said...

As for "The Host," I cried. It took a little bit for me to get into it, but the end was good.

Albanie said...

So crafty! And they do actually look yummy. If we think they look yummy I bet those birds in your backyard are going to be in heaven!

Anonymous said...

Hey, we did this in the winter but with pinecones...they were a hit so maybe we should try them now too. I finished making my Americana cards for May (cardgroup). Today when I went out and about I forgot to take them with me to mail, so, hopefully I will get them out tomorrow.

Happy birdwatching,
Jeni

Walker said...

That is such a cool idea! I remember something like that when I was kid in elementary, and forgot all about it. Thanks for the great ideas you come up with!

April said...

Have you seen any birds??? Those look deeeeee-wicious!

Bonnie B. said...

Yummo(if you were a bird) and so cute! One question...how the heck did you get the popcorn inside those things!

just jamie said...

So what does it say about me that *I* want to eat that thing?

Super cute.

Rosanne said...

Oh you are just too fun - how cute are these? :)

Montay said...

So cute I love the idea and everything looks better when you wrap it up in celophane

Amber M. said...

Bonnie,

The kids and I found a spot on the ball that was big enough to shove the popcorn through. If there wasn't a spot, we MADE a spot:-) then made sure to tie the hanger so that the hole was closer to the top of the ball so the popcorn wouldn't fall out.

Leah said...

Very cool! I am going to try this with my kids! Thanks for posting this!