Crafts
WinterToddlersKindergartnersPreschoolers17 Comments
Feed the birds with a pretty ice wreath bird feeder craft that kids can make in winter! Your birds will love this little frozen feeder full of treats!
I’ve seen some beautiful ice wreaths and thought we should make our own.
Except that our ground is completely covered in snow and it’s been just too dang cold to go out and scrounge up some bits of nature to include in one.
Instead, we made our ice wreath a bird feeder.
I know, we already made a bird feeder craft, but I couldn’t resist another one!
Cool Ice Wreath Bird Feeder Craft Kids Can Make
Really, this is a simple craft and can use whatever grains you have on hand.
To DIY your own ice wreath bird feeder, you can use:
- shelf-stable grains: oatmeal, rice, quinoa
- seeds: pumpkin, sunflower
- cereal: cornflakes, un-frosted shredded wheat
- water
- bundt pan mold
- mixing bowl
I emptied out our pantry to get rid of some of the odds and ends boxes of goods and dumped them in a bowl.
We ended up with some corn flakes, french fried onions, brown rice, and oatmeal.
And just for all of you that think rice is bad for birds, read this – its a myth.
We made our bird feeder ice wreath in a bundt pan.
George simply dumped each of the dishes into the pan and spread them around however he wished.
Pretty easy.
Then we filled it with water.
Kids love pouring water – and it works hand-eye coordination too!
Oops! Not in the hole of the pan.
Pour the water around the pan on top of all the goodies!
Then we quickly snuck outside to put our wreath bird feeder on the porch to freeze.
It was one of the sub-zero days we had, so it didn’t take long at all to freeze.
If you happen to not be dipping below zero, pop your bundt pan into the actual freezer.
A couple of hours later, we checked and our ice wreath bird feeder was frozen.
George was so excited when I took it out of the pan!
To get your ice wreath bird feeder out of the cake mold, rest it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
It should slip out easily!
How do you hang a birdseed wreath?
You can use either a wide ribbon, or something more natural looking like twine.
Just loop the ribbon through the wreath and tie it to a branch on a tree or a feeder hook.
Just make sure to hang your wreath feeder where the birds can see it!
Feed the Birds in Your Backyard
I tied the bird feeder wreath up with a ribbon to hang for the winter. I hope it makes it!
We’ve since had some warmer days where it was just barely freezing and it’s dripped a bit.
That’s why I wanted to use completely edible parts. Even though it would be so pretty with some ribbons and sequins in it!
If you do have access to some bits and pieces of nature, I highly recommend checking out Red Ted Art’s nature ice ornaments that are absolutely stunning.
Or use actual birdseed for ornaments too, at Henry Happened.
We were pretty thrilled with our little bird feeding ice wreath.
Definitely one to try with your toddlers if you get the chance.
What are your favorite frozen crafts or activities? Pop your faves in the comments!
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Tiny Starz Daycare says
I just found your site!!! I own a home daycare, and our theme this week is ” Winter “!!! My husband and I are working on the food color balloons right now. The tiny little water balloons, are hard to work with. We are going to go get round ones tomorrow, and see if those work as well. Tomorrow with my kiddos here, we are going to make the ice bird feeder. Instead of using my pan, I bought bowls for each one of my kiddos. This way they can take home their own feeder. Going to figure out making a hole, so they can be hung.
Great site, fantastic ideas, and I will for sure will coming back for more!!!
Thanks so much!!!!
laura says
I love this idea. We’re definitely going to do this tomorrow! I would consider leaving out the onions, as onions and garlic are toxic to birds. (Reference: Small Animal Toxicology, Third Edition page 264.)
Jamie Reimer says
Hey Laura – I don’t believe we included any onions or garlic in ours – but good to know! Bust one myth to find another!
Jamie Reimer says
Oh yeah! – the french fried onions! Oops! I hope the birds are okay then!
maggy, red ted art says
Awww love your bird feeder!!! And thank you for the mention.
Jamie Reimer says
Thanks Maggy! I’ve always adored your ice ornaments. So pretty!