DIY Cedar Bird Feeder with Homemade Suet

Last weekend, I hit the road and enjoyed a girl’s weekend at the lake house belonging to a friend’s in-laws. It was the most wonderful, relaxing weekend spent drinking coffee by the pool, shopping, dining at a vineyard, and just enjoying girl time. And no weekend away is complete without planning a little DIY project, right? I loved one of the bird feeders I saw over the weekend and knew I could DIY it in no time. I brought a cedar log back home with me and made this DIY cedar bird feeder with homemade suet.

To make this simple bird feeder, all you need is a cedar branch about four inches wide and 18-24 inches long and a hook. {This feeder can be made from something besides cedar but the stringy cedar bark makes it easy for the birds to grab onto.}

Drill a pilot hole into the top of the branch …

… and screw the hook into the top. This will allow you to hang the feeder on a tree branch.

Drill five or six holes along the branch, making each one about 1/2-3/4 inch deep.

Fill each hole with homemade suet. To make the suet, cream together 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/4 cup shortening, then stir in 3/4 cup cornmeal and 1/4 cup oats. {Refrigerate the unused suet until needed.}