When you decorate for the holidays this year, why not adorn your backyard with some edible treats your feathered friends (the wild birds) will love? You’ve seen those expensive edible wreaths covered with seed in catalogs and wished you could have some for your yard. Why not make one if you have chilly winter weather? They’re simpler than you think. The Seed Pine Cone Wreath works in any weather – up to 85 degrees. And there’s always a Bagel Wreath!
Seed Pine Cone Wreath or Swag
These wreaths/swags can be made in any weather up to 85 degrees.
You’ll need:
- Mixed Birdseed – (3 – 6 cups per wreath)
- Chunky Peanut Butter – (amount depends on wreath size)
- Unsalted nuts and raisins (optional)
- 1 Vine Wreath or Swag of chosen size
- Craft wire
- Outdoor Safe Ribbon Bow (optional)
Directions:
- 1. Mix seeds and peanut butter together. Mix well to coat seeds completely.
- 2. Select a fairly large pinecone. You can find pinecones in the woods, in your yard, or from a craft store. Just be sure that it is not painted or scented.
- 3. Spread chunky peanut butter/seed mixture into each crevice of the pinecone. Fingers work very well. (Extra seed/peanut butter mix can be stored in the refrigerator.)
- 4. If nuts and raisins are used, press them firmly into the peanut butter mixture.
- 5. Cut 18 inches of craft wire. Wrap it around a section of the cone and twist the ends together to secure.
- 6. Secure the pinecone the vine wreath or swag. Continue to fill and add pinecones to desired fullness.
- 7. Wire on bow if desired.
- 8. Cut a short length of wire and secure it to the back of the wreath or swag to make a hanger.
- 9. Check the wreath or swag periodically, refilling cones with seed/peanut mixture as needed.
Bagel Wreath
These can be made in most climates.
You’ll need:
- Bagels – any type such as raisin, or poppyseed (Note: Do not use bagels that are sugared on the outside).
- Mixed Birdseed
- Chunky peanut butter
- Unsalted nuts
- Raisins
Directions:
- 1. Cut a bagel in half so you have two pieces with holes in the center.
- 2. Spread the cut sides of the bagel with chunky peanut butter.
- 3. Press seed, nuts and raisins heavily into the peanut butter.
- 4. Cut 18 inches of wire. Put it through the middle of the bagel wreath.
- 5. Twist the ends together to secure.
- 6. Hang on a branch or from a feeder.
