We live in a wooded area close to a creek which means we have lots of critter friends that visit our home. I love seeing the different types or birds and small animals that stop at our feeders (plus it keeps our kitty entertained). When it snows here in Northern Michigan many of their food sources disappear so we like to put out small nutritious treats to help them survive – like this wildlife garland!
There are just a couple tools you will need for this project. I used embroidery floss, but you can absolutely use a different type of string. Make sure to stay away from anything that can get tangled up easily causing harm (like fishing line or even sewing thread). Because you’re using a larger size of string you will want to use sewing needles with a large eye; this will make them much easier to thread. Lastly, I like to have a thimble on hand for items that are harder to thread (like peanuts) so you don’t prick your finger.
What types of treats are good to feed wildlife? Think simple. I used chopped apples and oranges, peanuts in the shell, cranberries and whole grain unsweetened cereal. You can use grapes, unsweetened dried fruits or even pumpkin seeds. They are purely functional, but I like to make them colorful and pretty.
When you have your garland string hang it outside in a well traveled area by your wildlife. I put mine where I can see it from my window so I can enjoy the visitors!
Tools Used:
- Large-eyed sewing needle
- Thimble
- Embroidery floss
Garland Treat Ideas:
- Whole cranberries
- Apple slices
- Pear slices
- Orange slices
- Pumpkin seeds
- Unsweetened whole grain cereal
- Blueberries
- Grapes
- Peanuts in the shell
- Popcorn
- Grape tomatoes
The Petite Homestead 