Crafts Council Learning Craft learning resources Summer Craft Challenge

Bird food sculpture by Theo Tan

Feed the birds with Theo Tan's bird food sculpture activity

As part of the Summer Craft Challenge, we asked Theo Tan to create an activity for makers of all ages and abilities using household materials. Follow the step-by-step on this page or download to print off at home.

You will need the following materials:

vegetable suet
coat hanger
rubber bands
pair of tights
oats
bird seed mix
scissors
pan
wooden spoon

Don't forget to share your makes using the hashtags #EverydayMaking and #GetCreativeOutdoors to win prizes!

Download instructions

Bird food sculpture by Theo Tan.PDF (371KB)Download

2. Over the hob, carefully melt down the suet and gradually add oats and seeds, so it is a porridge-like consistency.
1. Bend the coat hanger into a shape that you like. Leave the hook as it is, as we will use this to hang onto a tree.

4. Squish and mould the mixture into shape using string of rubber bands. Then leave to cool outside or in the fridge.
3. Cut the foot off of the tights and stretch it over the hanger, then fill the tights with the oats and seed mixture.

6. Hang it outside and wait for the birds to come and eat it!
5. Once cool, use scissors and carefully remove the tights.

About Theo Tan

Theo Tan is a young London-based designer. His work investigates traditional craft techniques to the point at which he is able to mis-use and appropriate them.

Follow Theo on Instagram.