As a stay-at-home mom, keeping my four and half year old son, Nate, entertained is a challenge. Unless I allow him to play computer games or Wii, he looks to me to be his playmate every minute of the day. I have to admit I was a bit anxious when I thought of what we could do over Christmas break while he was home from school until we received a package with gifts from my sister-in-law. Since she lives in the mountains of Arizona, she went green and used pinecones instead of bubblewrap for filler. When I saw the pinecones, I immediately had an idea how to repurpose them.
Last year, Nate's preschool teachers had the kids make pinecone birdfeeders. With minimal cost, this craft project kept him occupied for over an hour. I liked that Nate had fun while doing it, nothing electronic was involved and I believe it helped build some self confidence in him.
Here's what you'll need: 6 medium sized pinecones, 2 cups of crisco, small bag of birdseed mix, 2 small bowls (1 each for crisco & seed), 6 pieces of yarn/string about a foot long, spatula and newspaper.
Lay a few layers of newspaper over a flat workspace. Take each piece of yarn/string and tie to the tips of the pinecones.
Using a spatula, scoop the crisco and spread onto the pinecone. Gently push the crisco in between the leaves of the pinecone. If using your fingers, be careful as the pinecones can be sharp.
Here's what the pinecone will look like when done with the crisco.
Roll the pinecone in the birdseed. Use hands to press the seed well into the crisco.
Here's the finished product!
Hang the birdfeeders outside, preferably within a view from inside so you can enjoy the birds who come to visit!
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