Why make birdseed ornaments without gelatin? Even though I don’t eat meat, I don’t impose my diet on my pets; they eat regular pet food (well, more specifically, they all eat prescription food recommended by our veterinarian, but none of them are vegan). In general, I believe birds and animals should eat as God intended. But unless I’m missing something, I don’t think God planned for birds … or really anyone… to eat gelatin. (Who thought boiling up cartilage from animals would make a good dessert?)

So when I went to make some birdseed ornaments for our feathered friends, I sought out something safe for them that would keep the ornaments together, without using gelatin. Mission accomplished with Agar Agar Powder, which is a plant-based gelatin-like substance derived from seaweed.

Once you get your supplies in order, this is a really easy project!

Birdseed Ornaments Without Gelatin

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cold water
• 2 tsp Agar Agar powder
• 2 cups birdseed of your choice

Instructions

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (Note: do not skip this step! It is messy!) and place cookie cutters on top (this recipe will fill about five average-sized cookie cutters). Also cut twine into pieces about 12″ long, one per ornament. Set all of these materials aside so you can work quickly when the birdseed mixture is ready.

Combine the water and agar agar powder in a small saucepan. Stir to dissolve the powder, then cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Let simmer for two minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.

Quickly stir in the birdseed until the mixture is well coated.

Using a spoon, fill the cookie cutters halfway. Place a loop of twine in the center of the cookie cutters, then top with the remaining birdseed.

Let the ornaments sit for about three hours, then carefully pop out of the cookie cutters and let dry for another 24 hours (preferably on a cooling rack).

That’s it! Your birdseed ornaments are ready to hang outside!

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