FEED THE BIRDS!
Bird Feeder Wreath This lovely and enticing wreath is made upon a straw base. Juniper tips (with the blue berries) are wired (using coated wire) around. We used the same coated wire to make long strings of dried fruit like raisins, papaya, pineapple, craisins, etc… then artfully draped them against the juniper and tied them in place with raffia . Dehydrated slices of apples were also tied in place with raffia. I added small bundles of scrap wool and a large raffia bow for later nest making.
Yuletide Birdie Cakes Another great bird feeding idea is to make molded seed cakes. You can use suet, but here is another idea which is loaded with protein for the birds: Gelatin!
You will need : 1 1/2 cups water, 4—1/4oz packets of Knox unflavored gelatin, and 8 cups of birdseed.
Boil the water. Add gelatin to 8 Tbsp. Cold water in a LARGE bowl. Let sit 1 minute, then add boiling water. Stir for 2-3 minutes, let set a couple of minutes and then stir again. Add birdseed. Mix until all liquid is taken up by the seed. Press wet seed mixture into greased containers ( I use an assortment of plastic refrigerator dishes). Chill at least 3 hours. Turn out onto cookie rack and allow to dry. Decorate with raffia and dried fruit if you wish. Then set out for the birds to enjoy.