DIY - Treats for Feathered Friends

The Birds Will Definitely Tweet About These!

This is a great way to recycle the Christmas tree - my sister does this every year and each year she adds more ornaments and treats every time - this year her cranberry-studded, seed star was my favorite. Here is what you need to recreate it:

• Twine
• Scissors
• Sticks 
• Lard or Shortening
• Cranberries, Orange Slices
• Birdseed

Gather your supplies.

• Using twine, tie the sticks together in the center creating a star or tree topper
• Liberally apply the shortening or lard to the center of the twigs
• Cover the shortening or lard with bird seed
• Embellish the twigs with cranberries and orange slices
• Place your star on the top of the tree

TIP - Don't have a Christmas tree to hang it from? Use a plant hanger or low branch - it will still attract birds!

Orange slices add color and attract birds!

What you need:

• Orange
• Sharp knife, cutting board
• Cookie sheet
• Oven - set to 200F

Getting started:

• Slice the oranges - we sliced ours about 1/4" to 1/2" in thickness
• Arrange on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven until they dry up a bit (several hours-until dry/dehydrated) TIP - You can do this overnight. Set oven to 350 to preheat. Once preheated, place oranges in oven and turn oven off. Keep them in the oven overnight to continue to dry them.
• Hang oranges on branches in morning

Pine Cone Seed Ornaments

Here's what you need:

• Pinecones
• Twine
• Scissors
• Shortening or lard
• Utensil or plastic glove for applying lard
• Bird Seed

Getting Started:

• Using a piece of twine (approximately 12-14 inches) tie twine around the cone and then knot to make a hanger
• Apply ample amounts of shortening or lard to the cone using a utensil or a glove on your hand
• Roll cone in birdseed until covered completely
• Hang on branches 

O These are always so much fun to make!

Here's what you need:

• Circle brand cereal
• Twine
• Scissors

Getting Started:

• Cut twine to desired length
• Thread cereal onto twine
• Hang various lengths on branches

TIP - The smallest of helpers can string 6 to 10 pieces of cereal on a string and hang these 'cereal bracelets' on individual branches - let the older ones see just how long a piece they can string!