07 Jan DIY Dog Bone Birdseed Ornaments

Every winter, our pups are simply fascinated by all of the bird activity taking place just outside our windows. They love to spend the day watching their feathery friends hop, hop, hop in the snow or flit and fly among the nearby branches looking for something to nibble on. So today’s craft is inspired by our bird loving dogs! 

DIY Dog Bone Birdseed Ornaments are easy, fun, and a great way to keep your pup engaged when it’s too cold to be outdoors. They make great gifts for your favorite dog moms and dog dads, too!

You’ll need…

Step 1

Follow instructions on the packet of gelatin to dissolve it. First, add 1/4 cup of cold water into a bowl, then sprinkle the gelatin on top and stir. Next add 1/4 cup boiling water to the bowl and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Add the corn syrup to the mixture and stir until it dissolves.

Step 2

Add the birdseed and mix until well incorporated. Let this rest for a couple minutes if the mixture seems watery.

Step 3

Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. If you’d like, you can spray cookie cutters with cooking spray before setting them on the pan.

Step 4

Spoon the birdseed mixture into each of the cookie cutters. Pack cookie cutters to the top with the mixture, using the back of your spoon to press everything down firmly as you go. Ensure all the nooks and crannies are completely filled.

Step 5

Next, it’s time to prep the hole in the ornaments so they can be hung with twine. Cut drinking straws into small pieces about 2 inches long and press a straw into the birdseed (before it’s set). Press around the straw to ensure the seeds will hold shape around the hole.

Important tip! Make sure the hole you make is at least a half inch from any edges of the ornament. The dry birdseed mixture can be heavy and keeping the hole away from the edges will make the ornament stronger and help it remain intact on windy days.

Step 6

Place ornaments in the refrigerator overnight to harden. Set the baking sheet on the counter for 5-10 minutes before removing the cookie cutters. Pull out the straws, thread some ribbon or twine through each hole, and tie the ends in a knot.

Your little canine-shaped feeding stations are now ready for the birds! When scouting a location, look for cozy spots to hang them in your trees and shrubs that are tucked in and around other branches, so your songbirds can have a place to perch while snacking on their tasty homemade treats. 

If gifting these to friends, allow ornaments to cure in the open air for about a week. Then wrap in paper gift bags (rather than plastic containers) to allow them to continue to “breathe” and to prevent molding.

These dog bone shaped ornaments are so beautiful – both you and your pup will love how they bring some life back into your garden this winter!

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Don’t forget to share your pictures with us below or on Facebook. We always love seeing what you make for your furry best friends!

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