Pine Cone Bird Feeders

I visited a local art market a couple of weeks ago. While I was there, I happened to see someone selling bird feeders. On closer inspection, I realized that they were just pine cones coated in peanut butter and bird seed.  I don't know how much they were charging for those, but you know they made them basically for free.

Making these bird feeders is a fun activity to do with the kids and it's nice for the birds as well. Last year, I made a different type of bird feeder (there are lots of recipes out there), but thought that this would be an easier project for the kids. All you need is pine cones, peanut butter, bird seed and twine.

The kids and I went to the park to gather pine cones. We gathered them in a plastic sack and then cleaned them when we got home. I knew there would be bugs, but I didn't know how many and how crawly it would make me feel. I put the pine cones in the sink and first cleaned them with dish detergent. I then drained the sink and discovered that there were still a bunch more bugs. (mostly springtails) So, I filled the sink with warm water again and added vinegar to the mix. I let the pine cones soak for a bit then drained the sink and sprayed the pine cones off thoroughly. After all of that, I let the pine cones dry in the sink. While the birds probably wouldn't mind some bugs, I certainly didn't want them in my house and kitchen. yuck.

Note: Buddy is wearing a "Super Buy" sticker from the grocery store. He and Jellybean think that Super Buy is the best super hero ever. 

After cleaning the pine cones, I just smeared the peanut butter on them and let the kids go crazy with the bird seed.

Jellybean was the best helper. Buddy was done after one. Jellybean helped me finish the rest.

I don't know if it was the moisture in the peanut butter or what, but after a day or so, the pine cones began to open up, which actually made them more attractive. Here's one that started to open up:

Most of them are more dramatic than that, but I had already wrapped them up to give as gifts to neighbors, so I don't have any pictures.

How's that for a ridiculously easy project to do with the kids? I hope the birds appreciate our efforts with all of the snow we've been getting.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

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Winter Porch Decor Part 2

I'm still adding some decorative touches all around my house. My front porch has been looking pretty bare, so I thought it would be nice to add more greenery.  I had already created an arrangement using a large planter:

So, I decided to continue on with that theme.  I found some great pine cones at Hobby Lobby, then later found some that were equally as nice at a local garden store for a fraction of the price. Unfortunately, I had already purchased the pine cones from Hobby Lobby. I guess there's always next year, if I find that I need more. I also borrowed a few more pine boughs from my neighbor's tree (thanks neighbor).

A few large, red ornaments were the finishing touch. (look you can see my reflection in one of them) I used some floral wire to wire it all together. We get some unbelievable wind, so I also wired the arrangement to the bench. Just a simple, but lovely little touch. It doesn't take much to make me feel proud of myself.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ