Pumpkin Bird Feeder

A ripe pumpkin is what you’ll need to begin your bird feeder project. A good-sized pumpkin or gourd will last about two to three weeks after carving. Use a pumpkin or gourd at least 6 inches in width so the birds have enough room to perch. 

Use a carving knife to cut off the top third of the pumpkin. Scoop out the seeds and fibrous membrane from inside the vegetable. Let the pumpkin sit for an hour or two until the exposed inside flesh begins to harden. This will keep the seeds from getting soggy. 

The pumpkin planter will be outdoors, so choose twine for your basket that is suitable for the elements. Twine made from eco-friendly natural fibers like cotton, jute and hemp are biodegradable and good for macrame. Another option is twine crafted from synthetic fibers like nylon that is relatively soft to the touch and work well for outdoor projects.

• Cut four pieces of 4-foot lengths of twine.
• Line up the strings so they are even, then fold all four pieces in half.
• Tie an overhand knot 2 inches down from the bend (where you folded it in half). This will form a loop.

A macrame basket is an artistic way to display your pumpkin bird feeder. This decorative series of knots can be done with a bit of practice.

• Tape the top of the loop down onto a flat surface.
• Separate the twine into sets of two strings. Tie a knot at each of the sections about 8 inches down from the top knot.

Next, grab a string from one set of strings and then one of the strings from the neighboring side. Tie a knot in them directly between the two upper knots. 

Repeat this with the other sets of strings. Tape down each section, if needed.

Tie together the two remaining strings to form a “basket.”

Tie an overhand knot right below the last set of knots. Trim the twine, leaving about a 1-inch tail.

Now that your pumpkin bird feeder is finished, fill it to the brim with food. Sunflower seeds attract the most varieties of birds. Safflower seeds are a favorite with cardinals. Add peanuts to the pumpkin bird feeder mix to attract titmice and chickadees, but change the mixture frequently, especially during rainy or humid weather.

Insert the pumpkin into the macrame hanger and hang it on a tree branch or a shepherd's hook in your yard. Once the pumpkin starts to deteriorate, typically after about three weeks, simply throw it in your compost pile.