Looking for a fun and easy winter craft that also makes a perfect Valentine’s Day activity? These DIY heart-shaped bird feeders are a great way to show some love to your backyard birds while adding a touch of seasonal charm to your outdoor space. Whether you live in a mild or cold climate, there are two simple recipes to choose from, ensuring your feeders hold up in the weather.
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Materials You’ll Need:
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters or silicone molds
- Mixing bowl and spoon
- Parchment paper or a baking sheet
- String or twine for hanging
- Straw or skewer to create a hole for hanging
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- Le Creuset heart print silicone spatula
- red rimmed stainless heart cookie cutters
- stainless heart shaped cookie cutter set
- Knox unflavored gelatin packets
- large 17.7″ x 12.8″ cookie sheet
- 10 lb wild bird seed
- parchment paper
- red heart shaped spatula
- no waste shell free bird seed
- red, white and pink metal heart cutters
- small 1 qt saucepan
- 1 lb Armour lard
- bird banquet 10 lb bird seed
- natural jute twine
- Finch songbird bird seed mix
- red plastic heart shaped cookie cutter set
- gold cookie sheet set
Recipe 1: Gelatin-Based Bird Feeder (Suitable for All Climates)
This recipe is perfect for areas with fluctuating temperatures since the gelatin helps hold the feeder together.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bird seed
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the water until warm but not boiling.
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and mix in the bird seed until fully coated.
- Place heart-shaped cookie cutters or silicone molds on parchment paper.
- Spoon the mixture into the molds, pressing firmly to pack it in.
- Use a straw or skewer to poke a hole near the top of each heart for hanging.
- Let the feeders dry for at least 6-8 hours or overnight until completely firm.
- Remove from the molds and thread twine through the hole to hang outside.
Recipe 2: Lard-Based Bird Feeder (For Cold Climates Only)
This option is ideal for colder regions where the feeders will stay frozen. Otherwise, they may soften, not hold their shape and fall apart.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup lard
- 1 1/2 cups bird seed
Instructions:
- Melt the lard in a saucepan over medium-low heat until fully liquefied.
- Remove from heat and mix in the bird seed until well combined.
- Place heart-shaped molds on a parchment-lined tray.
- Spoon the mixture into the molds, pressing firmly.
- Create a hole near the top using a straw or skewer.
- Place the tray in the freezer or outside for at least 2-3 hours until solid.
- Remove from the molds and keep them frozen until ready to use.
- Thread with twine and hang outside for birds to enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Place the bird feeders in a shaded or sheltered spot to prevent melting or quick deterioration.
- Use a variety of bird seed blends to attract different bird species.
- If using the lard-based recipe, ensure temperatures stay cold enough to keep the feeder firm.
- Make a batch and gift them to friends and family as a sweet, nature-friendly Valentine’s Day present!
These DIY heart-shaped bird feeders are a simple yet thoughtful way to care for wildlife while celebrating the season. Whether you make them solo, with kids, or as part of a classroom activity, they’re a perfect winter craft with lasting impact. Hang them in your yard and watch as birds flock to enjoy your handmade treats!
DIY Heart-Shaped Bird Feeders – A Fun Winter or Valentine’s Day Craft
Materials
Gelatin-Based Bird Feeder (Suitable for All Climates)
- 1 cup bird seed
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon water
Lard-Based Bird Feeder (For Cold Climates Only)
- 1/2 cup lard
- 1 1/2 cups bird seed
Instructions
Gelatin-Based Bird Feeder
- In a small saucepan, heat the water until warm but not boiling.
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and mix in the bird seed until fully coated.
- Place heart-shaped cookie cutters or silicone molds on parchment paper.
- Spoon the mixture into the molds, pressing firmly to pack it in.
- Use a straw or skewer to poke a hole near the top of each heart for hanging.
- Let the feeders dry for at least 6-8 hours or overnight until completely firm.
- Remove from the molds and thread twine through the hole to hang outside.
Lard-Based Bird Feeder
- Melt the lard in a saucepan over medium-low heat until fully liquefied.
- Remove from heat and mix in the bird seed until well combined.
- Place heart-shaped molds on a parchment-lined tray.
- Spoon the mixture into the molds, pressing firmly.
- Create a hole near the top using a straw or skewer.
- Place the tray in the freezer or outside for at least 2-3 hours until solid.
- Remove from the molds and keep them frozen until ready to use.
- Thread with twine and hang outside for birds to enjoy!
