How to Make a Simple Pinecone Bird Feeder

Learn how to turn a pinecone and some birdseed into a tasty snack for your neighborhood birds. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Prepare your pinecone. Tie your string firmly around the top of the pinecone. Make sure the knot is tight so it doesn't fall off when you hang it later.
2. Spread the base. Use your butter knife to scoop up the sunflower butter or shortening. Carefully spread it into the spaces between the pinecone scales. You want it to be sticky enough to hold the seeds.
3. Add the seeds. Pour your birdseed onto the paper plate. Roll the sticky pinecone in the seeds, pressing gently so they stick to the butter. Keep rolling until it is covered.
4. Hang it up. Take your feeder outside and find a sturdy branch on a tree or bush. Tie the string securely to the branch, making sure it is high enough that cats or other animals can't reach it easily.