prepare bird feeder ornaments mixture

• This birdseed ornament recipe starts with soaking raisins overnight or at least for 2 hours in water
• ground corn kernels in the grinder on a coarse setting. Alternatively, use a blender or hammer with corn kernels in the zip lock. Whole corn kernels can also be used but be eaten by larger birds (jays or turkeys)
• Mix sunflower seeds, ground corn kernels, sesame seeds, flex seeds, soaked raisins, and quinoa into a bowl
• Pour the water into a medium-size saucepan and sprinkle with the gelatin. Bring it to a simmer, constantly stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow to cool the mixture for about 2 minutes.
• Stir in one cup of your seed mixture until all dried ingredients are completely coated in the gelatin mixture.
• line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper
• to ensure a smooth release of the birdseed ornaments, you can spray the inside of the cookie cutters with baking spray or apply coconut oil around the sides of the cookie cutters. Place cookie cutters of choice on the baking sheet. You can also spray the paper as well to prevent the warm ornaments from sticking.
• Fill each cookie cutter with a birdseed mixture using the back of the spoon. Press down tightly until the ornaments, and all the edges of the shapes are full. Once your cookie cutters are filled, use a small piece of parchment paper to pack the seed mixture into the mold gently. Insert a skewer into each ornament to create a hole for the ribbon. Make sure the hole goes all the way through.
• Allow the ornaments dry for several hours or overnight.
• Once dried thoroughly, gently press the ornaments out of the cookie cutters.
• Cut straws into 3-inch pieces and press the straw into the top of the birdseed-filled cookie cutter. Make sure the hole goes all the way through the mixture. Leave the straw in the ornament and allow to dry for 3 to 4 hours. Once the ornament has hardened, you can easily remove them along with the mold. Just gently push it out with your fingers.
• Once the birdseed ornaments have dried, take out the straw and carefully remove the ornaments from the cookie cutters. Allow hardening overnight by putting them in the freezer. Hang the ornaments with a ribbon or twine.