Easy DIY Birdseed Ornaments Recipe (Safe for Wild Birds!)
- Chirp Nook
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Making your own birdseed ornaments is one of the easiest and most fun DIY projects for backyard bird lovers, and my viral TikTok video showed me how much people love this idea. They look adorable hanging from winter branches, they help feed wild birds naturally, and they’re great for kids and families to make together.
This is my go-to recipe for homemade birdseed ornaments using Cool Birds “All Birds” Blend, which works beautifully because it’s a clean, high-quality seed mix. The best part? These hold their shape perfectly and are safe for all your backyard visitors.
🧺 You’ll Need
Makes about 18–20 birdseed ornaments, each around 3.5 inches in size
5 cups Cool Birds “All Birds” Blend
4 packets unflavored gelatin (about 4 tablespoons)
4 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 cups water (1 cup cold, 1 cup boiling)
Natural string for hanging (choose something biodegradable. Jute or cotton are a great option since birds can later reuse the fibers for nesting)
Cookie cutters (I recommend 3 inches+)
Drinking straws (cut into 2-inch pieces for the holes)
Parchment paper for drying
🪶 Instructions
Prepare the base: In a large bowl, pour 1 cup cold water and sprinkle in the gelatin. Let it sit for one minute.
Dissolve: Add 1 cup boiling water and stir until the gelatin fully dissolves and looks clear.
Add the binder: Stir in 4 tablespoons corn syrup until smooth.
Mix in the seed: Pour in 5 cups Cool Birds “All Birds” Blend and stir until every seed is evenly coated and glossy.
Let it thicken: Place the bowl in the fridge for about 10 minutes, just until the mixture firms slightly but is still pliable.
Fill your molds: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set out your cookie cutters. Spoon the seed mixture into each shape, pressing it down firmly so it’s tightly packed.
Make the hanging hole: Press a straw piece into each ornament where you want the hole, making sure it’s at least ¼ inch from the edge.
Chill to set: Refrigerate overnight so they harden completely. Do NOT put them in an airtight container or they won't dry properly.
Unmold: Gently remove the cookie cutters, slide out the straws, and thread twine through each hole.
Hang and enjoy: Hang them on branches, shepherd’s hooks, or your deck rail and watch your birds enjoy!
💡 Learn From My Mistakes
A few little tweaks make a big difference in how they turn out. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
Keep the hole away from the edge. If it’s too close, the string will tear through the ornament once it’s hanging. I’ve found that placing it about ¼ to ½ inch from the edge works best.
Don’t skip the chill time. If you try to unmold them too early, they’ll crumble. Overnight in the fridge gives you the most stable ornaments.
Pack them tightly. Press the seed mixture down firmly into each cookie cutter to prevent air gaps that cause breakage.
Choose the right seed blend. Cool Birds “All Birds” is perfect because it’s made up of smaller seeds that pack tightly and hold their shape once the ornaments set. If you use chunky blends with large nuts or oversized pieces, the mixture won’t stick together as well and can crumble once it dries.
🌻 Storage & Feeding Tips
Store finished ornaments in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Hang them outdoors on cool or mild days, they may soften in hot weather.
If they start to look worn, crumble them into a tray feeder so nothing goes to waste!
💬 Final Thoughts
These DIY birdseed ornaments make such a sweet seasonal project, whether you’re decorating your backyard for the holidays or just looking for a simple way to feed your birds with a personal touch.
They also make adorable handmade gifts for bird lovers, just wrap a few in parchment paper and tie them with twine.
If you try this recipe, tag @chirpnook on social media so I can see how your ornaments turned out!
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support Chirp Nook and allows me to keep creating helpful birdwatching guides and DIY projects!
