I'm also concerned at the amount of lard that I've put in. I'm already planning Mark II. This will have much more suet in .
Here's how it was done.
The ornamental tin pot for the mould was from Asda (£1). Cut a rough circle of 1/2" chicken mesh. Put a few cuts radially inwards to help it form. 'Mould' the chicken wire into the pot, use the handle of a hammer to tamp it down and make it a good fit.
Pour the mix in, trim off the excess wire. Thread some string through the wire.
As the birds 'free' up the suet ball, the chicken mesh will 'contain' it. When the suet has been eaten the mesh can be used again.
That's the theory anyway !
Keith.