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Pine-cone bird feeders have been a popular craft activity in classrooms, with scout troops and at nature centers for years. One of the key ingredients in a pine-cone bird feeder has always been peanut butter. Due to the increase in peanut allergies, this environmentally-friendly craft activity has taken a dive in an effort to keep children and adults safe from an allergic reaction to peanut products. Fortunately, an excellent substitute has been found and you can enjoy this simple craft with your children and attract local birds to your homemade feeder.
- Wax paper
- Pine cone
- 8-inch piece of twine
- Scissors
- Suet
- Bird seed
- Small spatula
Substitute shortening if you absolutely can't find suet but it's not as palatable to the birds as the suet is.
Supervise very young children closely during this activity.
![Photo Credit: winter pine cone image by Mary Lane from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a> Your project begins with a pine cone.](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/600x600p/s3.amazonaws.com/cme_public_images/www_ehow_com/photos.demandstudios.com/244/160/fotolia_2502230_XS.jpg)
Collect pine cones. Get one for each person participating in the craft. It's best to collect pine cones from outdoors rather than purchasing them at a craft store. Nature items sold at craft stores are often treated with chemicals or coloring to enhance appearance.
![Photo Credit: butcher image by davorr from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a> Ask your butcher for suet.](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/600x600p/s3.amazonaws.com/cme_public_images/www_ehow_com/photos.demandstudios.com/60/235/fotolia_2618962_XS.jpg)
Purchase suet from your butcher. Suet is animal fat. Most butchers will not have it out on display as it's not used as frequently as it was years ago. Suet from the butcher is softer and easier to work with, but if he doesn't have it you can purchase suet in the bird-seed aisle and soften it in the microwave.
![Photo Credit: twine image by Aleksandr Lobanov from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a> Twine stands up to the weather and keeps your bird feeder hanging up.](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/600x600p/s3.amazonaws.com/cme_public_images/www_ehow_com/photos.demandstudios.com/51/222/fotolia_1618070_XS.jpg)
Lay your pine cone on wax paper and tie an 8-inch piece of twine around the base of the pine cone. This will serve as the hanging mechanism for your bird feeder.
![Photo Credit: bamboo spatula and spoon image by Jim Mills from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a> Spatulas make safe spreaders because they aren't sharp like knives.](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/600x600p/s3.amazonaws.com/cme_public_images/www_ehow_com/photos.demandstudios.com/220/223/fotolia_2603043_XS.jpg)
Spread a thick layer of suet all over the pine cone using a small spatula. Suet is greasy and messy, but that's often part of the fun for children. Wash hands with soap and water upon completion so bird seed doesn't stick to little fingers.
![Photo Credit: bird seeds loose image by Allyson Ricketts from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a> Bird seed is the final touch.](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/600x600p/s3.amazonaws.com/cme_public_images/www_ehow_com/photos.demandstudios.com/193/164/fotolia_78075_XS.jpg)
Pour bird seed onto wax paper and roll the pine cone to coat well. Lift the edges of the wax paper to move bird seed into the center and continue to roll the pine cone until it's well-coated. Add more bird seed if necessary.
![Photo Credit: Hotel breakfast with summer view outside window image by araraadt from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a> Looking out the window to see birds at your feeder is the most rewarding part.](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/600x600p/s3.amazonaws.com/cme_public_images/www_ehow_com/photos.demandstudios.com/60/165/fotolia_3563098_XS.jpg)
Hang your pine-cone bird feeder from a tree branch or shepherd's hook outside a window where you and your children can enjoy watching the birds eat from your homemade feeder.
Things You'll Need
Tips
Warnings
References
Tips
- Substitute shortening if you absolutely can't find suet but it's not as palatable to the birds as the suet is.
Warnings
- Supervise very young children closely during this activity.
About the Author
Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness instructor and a small-business owner.