Even Though It's Winter...

The tease of springlike weather we have experienced  is gone!  I knew it was too good to be true, but it was just enough to fool my spring bulbs into thinking differently.  Now it's back to cold, wet, and recently, snowy weather.  I do not have a big yard anymore, but I do still love to garden and feed the birds.  Homemade seed cakes are a great way to attract birds, which are natural pest controllers!  I love cardinals, finches and chickadees; which are exactly the kinds of birds you'll get when you make these seed cakes!  This is a great activity to do with your kids or grand kids.  It is messy and that's half the fun.  They will love watching the birds eat the seed and learn the importance of caring for wildlife.  This project is perfect for winter time.  Temperatures should be close to, or freezing.  If you live in an area where winter temperatures stay near 50 degrees, you can substitute peanut butter or rendered suet for the gelatin.


 You will need:
• Piece of corrugated cardboard
• Packet of clear gelatin
• 2 quarts of the bird seed of your choice
• Wire for hanging (thin flexible florist wire, for example)
• Ribbons, bows or any decoration you like

Step One:
Cut a circle out of the cardboard about 10 inches in diameter.  Then cut
out a center hole about 4 inches in diameter.
Step Two:
Mix the packet of gelatin according to the instructions on the package.
Step Three:
Stir the bird seed into the gelatin.
Step Four:
Once cooled, the mixture should form a ball if you squeeze it in your hand.
If it is too loose, add more bird seed.
Step Five:
This is the messy part.  Mold the mixture by hand onto the cardboard.  It
should stick to the cardboard.  If it is not sticking enough, use wire to
secure it into place.
Step Six:
Attach the wire to the wreath for hanging.  Add any desired decorations.  Then hang your
new bird seed wreath in a location where you can enjoy watching the wild
birds feast.