Day 1: Let’s Make a Recycled Bird Feeder! | Children’s Creative Summer Challenge

Welcome to Day 1 of the Children’s Creative Summer Challenge!
We’re kicking things off with a fun, screen-free idea to get those imaginations whirring – turning an empty juice carton into something new! 🧃✨

We’ve suggested a bird feeder as a starting point, but this is just one idea – we’d love to see your take on it! Whether it’s a bug hotel, a rocket ship, a mini fairy house, or something completely wild and wonderful – it’s all about thinking creatively and giving things a second life.

It’s a great way to help the environment, be kind to wildlife, and let creativity run free – all with just a few everyday items. Ready to see what you can create?

Why This Challenge?

Many juice cartons can’t be recycled due to their plastic lining, but that doesn’t mean they need to go in the bin. Instead, you can reuse them to feed the birds in your garden or local green space. This activity is perfect for getting outdoors, encouraging hands-on learning, and enjoying a bit of calm, creative time together.

What You’ll Need:

• A clean, empty juice carton

• Craft knife or scissors (grown-ups, we recommend you help with this part)

• Acrylic paint

• Weatherproof decorations (stickers, paint pens, etc.)

• A small twig or stick

• Bird seed

How to Make Your Bird Feeder:

1. 1. Cut a hole near the bottom of the carton – big enough for birds to reach in, but not too big.

   2. Paint the carton all over – it might need two coats for full coverage.

   3. Decorate it your way – add colours, patterns, or even turn it into a bird hotel!

   4. Push a twig through just below the hole – this will be the bird’s perch.

   5. Add some bird food, hang it up, and wait to spot you

Take It Further:

If you want to turn this into a longer project, why not:

• Keep a diary of which birds visit
• Research local birds and decorate your feeder to match
• Create a whole bird buffet station with multiple feeders!

Share to Win!

Don’t forget – if you take part in today’s challenge, we’d love to see what you make! Post a photo of your make in the comments of our Day 1 social post on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and you’ll be entered into our £100 craft hamper giveaway.

Let’s Get Creative!

The Children’s Creative Summer Challenge is all about screen-free fun, no-pressure creativity, and giving kids exciting opportunities to explore their imagination. Whether you’re crafting indoors or out in the garden, today’s activity is a lovely way to connect with nature and make something truly useful.

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