Crafty Wednesday~ Popcorn & Cranberry Bird Feeder Wreath

POPCORN & CRANBERRY BIRD FEEDER WREATH

http://www.birdsandblooms.com/blog/popcorn-cranberry-diy-bird-feeder-wreath/?trkid=FBPAGE_Birds%20&%20Blooms%20Magazine_20151107_Holiday_Projects

This DIY bird feeder wreath idea is simple and classic – a different twist on the once so popular popcorn and cranberry strings on trees.

DIY Bird Feeder Wreath Supplies:

• Wire wreath form (I used an 8″ form. You can get these at craft stores.)
• Fishing line or stout thread
• Long needle with a fairly small eye
• Floral wire (optional)
• Scissors
• 1 package cranberries
• About 4 cups popped popcorn
  • For the sake of birds’ health, use unsalted, unbuttered popcorn only. It’s best to use air-popped popcorn with minimal added oils. If you use pre-packaged microwave popcorn, choose only “Plain” or “Natural”.

Author’s Note:  I had several readers who commented they were concerned about the use of fishing line in this project. I actually chose it over thread because it is very strong and much less likely to break or come loose and get tangled in bird bills or feet. Fishing line usually causes problems when it is loose and a bird becomes tangled in it, such as when a fisher discards a broken line along the shore instead of in the trash. Fishing line is actually pretty hard to break, and if tightly tied around the wreath is unlikely to cause problems for the birds. However, if you are concerned about using fishing line, use strong thread instead. 

DIY Bird Feeder Wreath Instructions:

• I found it was easiest to work in shorter sections around the form. Cut a three-foot length of fishing line and knot it to the wire wreath form. Thread the needle and begin stringing the popcorn and cranberries. I used three popcorn kernels, then one cranberry, and so on.
• Once you have about a foot of popcorn and cranberry strung, carefully wrap it around the wreath form. Continue stringing and wrapping until you reach the end of the line. Tie it off firmly to the wreath form.
• Repeat steps one and two until you have covered the wire form.
• If you like, you can use any leftover cranberries to create a “bow” at the top. Cut a length of floral wire about 3 feet long. String it with cranberries, twist into a bow shape, and attach with additional wire at the top of the wreath.
• Use floral wire to add a hanging loop to the top of the wreath, and hang it out for wildlife to enjoy!

What other ideas do you have for decorating your yard while also providing a banquet for birds? Share with us in the comments!

Read more: http://www.birdsandblooms.com/blog/popcorn-cranberry-diy-bird-feeder-wreath/#ixzz3qtuxnRr6