Today, I'd like to share a couple of easy and inexpensive nature craft projects that take just minutes to make.
Making something with your hands can feel very rewarding. The sense of achievement when you've created something yourself, no matter how long it took, how big it is or how much effort you put into it, can be incredibly satisfying.
Homemade Birdseed Cupcakes
Studies have shown that regularly maintaining and watching a bird feeder can increase relaxation and contribute to lower levels of stress. Feeding the birds is especially valuable at this time of year when they’re starting to nest and food can be still hard to come by.
These birdseed cupcakes are incredibly simple to make. All you need is birdseed and coconut oil (although you could use lard or suet instead, I just happened to have some coconut oil in the cupboard).
Melt half a jar of coconut oil gently in a pan or the microwave. Mix in some wild bird seed making sure that all the birdseed is covered with the oil. Place in a cupcake tray (I used a silicone one with 8 spaces ) and press down so that the seed is compacted.
Next, place a length of paper straw in the centre of each cupcake mould, until it touches the base (this will ensure you have a hole through the middle to tie a string to).
Leave in the fridge for half an hour until the coconut oil has solidified and then turn out. Thread string, raffia or ribbon through the centre and hang outside for the birds to enjoy.
For more information on feeding birds all year round, have a look at the RSPB's website.
Nature garland
Again, this couldn’t have been easier and took hardly any time at all.
I noticed these American sweetgum pods on the ground when I was out cycling a few weeks ago and stopped to collect a few (I didn’t know what they were at the time but I took a photo and the collective expertise of Twitter soon filled me in).
You could also use pinecones, acorns or any other seed pods you might find when you’re out and about. Different seasons will bring different things to experiment with.
I made a small hole through the centre of each one and then threaded them onto some string to create a rustic, natural garland to hang over a fireplace or window frame.
These are just two quick and easy ideas to start with. There are loads more on the internet when you start looking.
I'd love to see your nature craft creations so please share them on Instagram with the hashtag #vertelle. What will you make first?
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