Easy DIY Bird Feeder Kids Can Make

One of my favorite pastimes with kids is making crafts we can enjoy in the backyard. This DIY bird feeder is easy for kids to make, and they can use their creativity and art skills in the process.

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Easy DIY Bird Feeder Tutorial

This simple project is a great craft for kids, especially when summer boredom strikes! They will enjoy painting the pinecone flowers as well as the process of smothering the “wreath” with peanut butter and bird seed.

Some adult supervision is required when it comes to trimming the pinecones and shaping the grapevine frame. It’s also helpful to have an adult attach the pinecones to the wreath.

Step 1: Prep pinecones for painting

To prepare your pinecone flowers, you’ll need to remove a few of the top layers of scales (the pointy layers of the pinecone). I suggest using pliers or pruners for this purpose to gently twist and remove the scales.

After you’ve removed about 1/2 to 2/3 of the scales, trim off the excess stem using heavy-duty wire cutters, pruners, or clippers.

You can paint either the bottom or top of the pinecone to create a flower. The pinecone will look like different types of flowers depending on which end you choose.

Step 2: Paint pinecones to look like flowers

To ensure that your pinecone flowers will last outdoors, use acrylic paint that is weather-resistant or listed as “exterior paint.”

I like to paint the center yellow to look like the pistil and add color around the center. You can let your kids get creative with the color choices.

If you paint the end of the pinecone (the wider bottom), your flowers will resemble zinnias. Painting the narrower top portion will make the pinecones look like daisies.

Step 3: Shape the grapevine wire and attach pinecones

To mold the grapevine wire into shape, I recommend doubling the wire to create extra thickness and durability. I created a heart shape, but you can experiment with stars, circles, or triangles.

Once you’ve achieved the desired shape, trim the excess wire with wire cutters. Then, twist the exposed ends around the form.

To attach the pinecones, run a piece of jute cord or twine around the scales of the pinecone.

Then, wrap the string around the wreath form several times, and tie it off securely in the back.

As you can see below, painting the different ends of the pinecones resulted in different “looks” for the pinecone flowers.

Step 4: Add bird seed to the wreath form

The next step is simply spreading a generous amount of peanut butter around the wreath form and sprinkling bird seed on top.

You can hang your DIY bird feeder from a strong branch or pole, adding more seed as needed over time.

My family will enjoy watching the birds come to feast on this pretty feeder. In our neck of the woods, I just hope to keep the sneaky squirrels at bay!

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