Day 2 - 12 Days of Christmas Celebration & Giveaway

Good morning dear friends!

I have so many tutorials in the works, I wasn't sure which one to share with you today.  The wind is blowing snow around here this evening, as I type this post.  It made me think of all the poor creatures out in this weather...brrr.....so I figured, what better way to celebrate giving than with a treat for the birds!

I love to feed the birds during the winter months.  I have several feeders hanging outside my kitchen, and on days when it isn't too cold, I'll open the window a crack to listen to the birds.  It seems that no matter what the weather, they always find something to sing about.  If only we, too, could be so joyous all the time.  They always bring to mind one of my favorite Bible verses:

"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

Matthew 6:26

Here is how you can create a treat for our feathered friends...and with the addition of a red ribbon for hanging, it is very festive.

How to Make a Birdseed Wreath 

Supplies:
4 cups bird seed

(I find that birds prefer black oil sunflower seed to any other, but a mixture of seeds is fine too)

1/2 cup dried cranberries, raisins, chopped nuts (whatever you have on hand)
 

3/4 cup all purpose flour
 

1/2 cup water
 

3 T. corn syrup
 

1 package of plain gelatin
 

 cooking spray

Bundt pan or other mold with a hole in the center 

Twine or heavy ribbon

Directions:

 
In a large bowl put 1/2 warm water and gelatin mix together and let the gelatin dissolve.

  Whisk in the corn syrup and flour to create a paste.

Add 4 cups of the bird seed, nuts and berries and stir well.

  Spray the bundt pan well with the cooking spray, then scoop the seed mixture into the pan.

Once all the mixture is in the pan, using a spoon or your fingers, press the seed mixture into the pan and pack firmly. 

 Wait 24 hours, then flip the pan over onto plate or paper towel and life off.  Allow to dry for an additional 24-48 hours.

Cut a long length of jute, doubled over twice or heavy ribbon and run it through the hole in the middle.  Tie, leaving enough extra to hang on a branch, nail or hook.

Sit back and watch the birdies enjoy their Christmas treat. 

Have you seen yesterday's post?

If you read it, you will know that I am also having a giveaway to go along with my

Twelve Days of Christmas Celebration.

Here's how you can be entered to win:

1. Visit my blog each day

2. Make a Comment on each day's post and answer the question of the day.

3. Just to be clear...you must visit and comment every day to be entered...so go back and comment if you missed yesterday's post.

It's that simple!

Today's question is...

"What was the most favorite Christmas gift you received when you were a child?"