Make Your Own Birdseed Ornaments for the Holidays (Easy DIY!)

Let’s face it: winter décor can get a little... extra. You’ve got garlands hanging from the ceiling, candles on every surface, and a vague sense that your living room is one snow globe shake away from total chaos. But what if we told you there’s a way to add festive flair to your outdoor space and feed your feathered neighbors at the same time?

Enter: DIY birdseed ornaments.

They’re cute. They’re crafty. They’re the Pinterest-worthy project your porch has been begging for. And bonus—they make your backyard birds think you’re the best thing since black oil sunflower seed. Birdseed ornaments are the ultimate multitasker. They:

• Add rustic, homemade charm to trees, porches, fences, and feeders

• Provide a food source for wild birds during harsh winter months

• Are easy and inexpensive to make (your wallet will thank you)

• Make for adorable handmade gifts (move over, banana bread)

Bonus: Kids love making them. And unlike glitter crafts, these won’t leave your house looking like a disco ball exploded.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into Martha Stewart mode, here’s your supply checklist:

• 2 cups birdseed – Go for a good-quality blend with sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn

• 1/2 cup flour – This binds everything together

• 1/4 cup water – Not too much! Think paste, not soup

• Cookie cutters – Any shape goes: stars, trees, squirrels (they’ll appreciate the irony)

• Twine or ribbon – For hanging, because presentation matters

• Baking sheet + parchment paper or cooking spray – So your ornaments don’t become one with the pan

Optional but awesome:

• Dried fruit, unsalted nuts, cranberries – Add some flair

• Food coloring – For festive tones that say “I’m extra, but sustainable”

• A drinking straw – To poke perfect hanging holes

How to Make Birdseed Ornaments

1. Preheat the oven

Set it to 350°F and let it do its thing while you mix up your masterpiece.

2. Mix your base

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups birdseed with 1/2 cup flour. Stir to combine, then set aside. In a separate small bowl, stir 1/4 cup water with a few spoonfuls of the flour mixture until a thick paste forms.

Now pour that paste into your birdseed mix and stir until it looks like, well… festive bird granola. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. Too wet? Add a pinch more flour. Trust your instincts—you’re basically a bird baker now.

3. Shape your ornaments

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Press the mixture into your cookie cutters—pack it in tight like you’re stuffing a stocking. Once filled, carefully lift the cookie cutters off. If they crumble, they’re too dry. If they ooze, they’re too wet. Find that Goldilocks sweet spot.

4. Poke a hole

Use a straw or skewer to poke a hole near the top of each ornament. This is where the twine will go. No hole = no hang.

5. Bake to perfection

Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they’re delicate and can burn if left too long.

6. Cool completely

Let them cool and harden before touching them. This is the hardest step for impatient crafters. Stay strong. It’s worth it.

7. Thread and hang

Thread your twine or ribbon through the hole and tie it off. Now they’re ready to hang on trees, fences, or anywhere that could use a little woodland sparkle.

Gift Idea: Stack a few ornaments in a kraft paper bag, add a bow, and boom—instant hostess gift. Martha Stewart who?

FAQ:

Can I use peanut butter instead of flour?
Totally but your ornaments won’t hold up in warm temps. Great for quick-use or cold climates, though.

Will these melt in the sun?
Not likely. But keep them outdoors in cool temps and away from direct sunlight just in case.

How long do they last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, they’ll last up to a month. Outside, expect a week or two depending on how fast the birds (and squirrels) show up.

Can I use birdseed with fruit or suet mixed in?
You can! Just make sure it’s not too oily or it might mess with the texture. Use your best judgment—you're basically the Barefoot Contessa of bird snacks now.

P.S. Need birdseed?

We’ve got the good stuff. Come by Merriam Feed and we’ll help you choose the right mix for your ornaments, feeders, or even a full-on backyard bird banquet. Because around here, even the birds eat well.